When it comes to pairing food, Italian wines get the job done effortlessly and with a lot of style. From poolside BBQs and casual brunches to elegant dinner parties, there are a plethora of Italian wines that can be served for any kind of party. It’s the sheer versatility that Italy has to offer- from cool and casual whites to bold and hearty reds. But today, we will focus on dinner parties that require some effort to plan without going over a certain budget.
Planning a dinner party can be stressful as you have to curate everything from the guest list and food menu to seating arrangement and personal preferences. When it is a wine dinner, it also becomes the host’s responsibility to curate a great wine list and make sure that the guests’ glasses are nevr empty. Picking the right wines for a dinner party thus becomes yet another chore on an already unending list. But, we can help you cross this task off your list without any fuss.
Today we bring you a list of delectable Italian wines under ₹5,000 which offer irresistible charm and top quality without the intimidating price tag. These wines are crafted to complement meals, ignite conversation, and bring a sense of la dolce vita to your table. These award-winning Italian wines, featured in the IWS Award 2024 Ultimate Drinking Guide 2024, can pair with a variety of dishes and cater to even the most discerning wine palates on a dinner table.
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Picollo Ernesto Gavi DOCG 2023
From the Piedmont region of Northern Italy comes this refined white made from the Cortese grape. Picollo Ernesto’s Gavi is an elegant, mineral-driven wine with delicate aromas of white peach, pear, and lemon zest. On the palate, it’s light yet layered, delivering crisp acidity and a clean, almost chalky finish that makes it incredibly food-friendly.
This Gavi pairs effortlessly with creamy pastas, soft cheeses, and seafood risottos, with its zingy flavours cutting through the richness or cream-based sauces and cheeses while letting their subtle flavours shine. Pour this wine at your next dinner if you are looking to add sophistication to the table to mesmerise your guests.
Importer: Gusto Imports
Price: ₹3,330
Podere Don Cataldo Vermentino Salento IGT 2022
This coastal white from Southern Italy is pure sunshine in a glass. Made from the Vermentino grape, it delivers bright citrus, green apple, and wild herbs on the nose, followed by a refreshing, mineral-laced palate with lively acidity. The wine feels crisp and zesty without being sharp, and finishes with a subtle salinity that nods to its Mediterranean origin.
This elegant and versatile wine can be paired with herbed goat cheese crostini, seafood salads, or grilled vegetables, which makes it perfect for sultry summer dinners where you want to keep the dinner light but packed with flavours nonetheless.
Importer: Fides Sales
Price: ₹3,800
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Poggio Argentiera Maremmante Maremma Toscana DOC 2022
Bold yet balanced, this red blend from Tuscany’s coastal Maremma region is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Made from a combination of Syrah and Alicante, Maremmante opens with juicy aromas of blackberries, cherries, and dried herbs. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, silky, and bursting with ripe red fruits, finishing with a hint of spice and earth.
This is the wine you uncork with the main course—whether it’s lasagna, lamb chops, or an aubergine parmigiana. It brings richness without heaviness and offers enough depth to satisfy both seasoned red wine lovers and casual drinkers alike.
Importer: Gusto Imports
Price: ₹3,640
How To Curate An Italian Wine List For Dinner
Welcome guests with a chilled glass of Prosecco to set the mood.
Pair wine to the weight and flavour of your dish—light wines for light food, bold wines for rich dishes.
Choose wines from the same region as your food for the most harmonious pairing.
High-acid Italian wines like Chianti or Barbera pair well with tomato-based and cheesy dishes.
For creamy pastas or seafood, opt for crisp whites like Pinot Grigio or Verdicchio.
Italian wines bring people together—and the best ones don’t need to cost a fortune. So set the table, light the candles, and let the wine do what Italian wine does best: make every bite taste better and every moment feel like a celebration. Cin cin!
Click here and check out the India Wines And Spirits Award website for more such amazing wine recommendations.
