Italian wines are trendy. The grape varieties in Italy are different from the French grapes that traditionally are grown in Australia. Whereas the French varieties have higher alcohol and harmonise well with oak barrels, Italian varieties are lighter, drier and if a red, more tannic. However as a drink that is easy or with modern bistro Mediterranean style food, that style of wine is a good thing. Look for white wines of Fiano, Vermentino, Arneis and Cortese; and reds of Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Lagrein, Montepulciano, Primitivo and others.
