Rich Italian Red Wines, New In for Christmas this year

Christmas in Italy is a celebration centred around the dining table—a time when families gather to pour exceptional wines and share generous, slow-cooked feasts. When winter arrives, nothing quite compares to uncorking a rich, full-bodied Italian red. Designed to stand up to hearty festive roasts, slow-braised meats, and aged cheeses, the finest Italian reds carry the terroir, history, and warmth of the regions they come from.

As part of Carluccio's 2026 cellar collection, we have curated an extraordinary line-up of rich Italian red wines, new in for Christmas this year. Whether you are seeking a prestigious bottle for Christmas Day, a velvety accompaniment for boxing day leftovers, or a memorable gift for a fellow wine lover, these regional bottles bring the best of Italy straight to your glass.

Northern Classics & Majestic Bakes

• Sartori Reius Amarone Classico – Veneto Red Wine (75cl): Hailing from the rolling hills of Valpolicella, this iconic Amarone is crafted using the traditional appassimento method, where grapes are partially dried before pressing. The result is a concentrated, velvety red bursting with notes of dark cherry, dried plum, cocoa, and warm spice. It is the ultimate pairing for Christmas roast beef or aged Parmigiano Reggiano.

• Fontanafredda Barolo DOCG – Piemonte Red Wine (75cl): Revered as the "King of Wines," this Nebbiolo-based masterpiece from Piemonte delivers incredible structure and finesse. Characterised by aromas of dried rose, cherry, truffle, and leather, its firm tannins and balanced acidity make it an exceptional partner for rich game dishes and wild mushroom risotto.

• Fontanafredda Raimonda Barbera d'Alba DOC – Piemonte Red Wine (75cl): A deeply expressive Piemontese classic offering vibrant acidity alongside dark berry fruit, violet, and subtle oak warmth. It is versatile, highly food-friendly, and a fantastic accompaniment to rich pasta ragùs.

• Puiatti Pinot Nero Friuli – Red Wine (75cl): Elegant and refined, this northern expression of Pinot Noir offers a lighter, bright-berried red with delicate notes of wild raspberry, earth, and soft tannins. Perfect for those who prefer an elegant red alongside turkey or roasted game birds.

Central Italian Icons

• Frescobaldi Castiglioni Chianti – Tuscan Red Wine (75cl): Produced by one of Tuscany’s most prestigious wine dynasties, this Sangiovese-dominant blend offers classic aromas of ripe red cherries, dried herbs, and a touch of earthiness. Its bright acidity cuts effortlessly through rich, savoury holiday dishes and cured meat boards.

• Francesco Cirelli Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC – Organic Red Wine (75cl): Crafted by a celebrated biodynamic producer in Abruzzo, this organic red boasts a deep ruby color, notes of dark plum, wild blackberry, and hints of crushed pepper. It delivers pure, robust flavours that complement slow-braised lamb or rustic casseroles.

Sun-Drenched Southern Warmth

• Frisino Legami Primitivo – Puglian Red Wine (75cl): Soaked in the Puglian sunshine, this deeply satisfying Primitivo is rich, full-bodied, and inviting. Expect lush layers of dark blackberry, fig jam, sweet spice, and a velvety smooth finish—ideal for cozy winter evenings by the fire.

• Frisino Legami Negroamaro – Puglian Red Wine (75cl): Another masterpiece from Southern Italy, Negroamaro translates to "black and bitter," referring to its deep colour and signature savory complexity. It balances sweet black fruit notes with hints of roasted coffee, clove, and a delightfully dry finish.

• Planeta Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG – Organic Sicilian Red Wine (75cl): Sicily's only DOCG wine, this unique blend of Nero d'Avola and Frappato offers a harmonious balance of structure and aromatics. Nero d'Avola provides rich plum and spice, while Frappato adds fragrant floral and pomegranate notes, making it an extraordinary, food-friendly red for festive dining.

All the bottles mentioned are available in our online shop from this Christmas season and beyond!