Recommended Wines

The wines we would recommend in our own wine shop

A thoughtful recommendation is about more than simply choosing an enjoyable bottle. It begins with listening to individual tastes, understanding wine regions and remaining curious about labels that deserve greater attention. Recommended Wines brings together bottles that Etilika’s sommeliers wish to highlight: wines selected for their balance, identity and drinking pleasure, from both established estates and producers that may still be unfamiliar. The collection makes discovery feel easier, much like entering a trusted local wine shop and asking for a suggestion for dinner, a gift or a new tasting experience.

How our experts create the selection

“Recommended” is not an appellation or a certification, but an editorial choice informed by tasting and knowledge of the catalogue. When considering a wine, balance between aroma and flavour matters, as do the recognisable character of the grape, its connection with the region and the consistency of its style. Its ability to accompany food and provide a clear, enjoyable experience also contributes to the decision. This creates space not only for familiar labels, but also for artisan producers, less visible projects and wines with a story worth sharing. A recommendation never replaces personal taste: it provides a reliable place from which to begin exploring.

A journey through styles, grapes and regions

The selection travels through Italian wine in many directions. Whites from Alto Adige and Friuli Venezia Giulia can offer freshness, aromatic precision and elegance, while Verdicchio, Pecorino and Passerina express the Adriatic side of Italy with character and savoury energy. Piedmont, Tuscany and Veneto offer reds ranging from Barbera and Nebbiolo to Sangiovese and Corvina. Lazio invites discovery through Cesanese, Malvasia and other varieties rooted in regional tradition. Further south, Aglianico, Primitivo, Negroamaro, Nero d’Avola, Frappato and Cannonau bring Mediterranean warmth and distinctive personalities to the glass.

Alongside reds and whites, the selection includes fragrant rosés, sparkling wines for sharing and sweet wines for dessert or quiet contemplation. Styles range from youthful and immediately expressive bottles to more complex reserves, from native grapes to interpretations of international varieties. This breadth is part of the recommendation: an invitation to move beyond familiar habits without losing the reassurance of expert guidance.

Recommended wines for the table

Fresh whites, sparkling wines and savoury rosés are natural companions for aperitifs, starters and seafood. A more structured white can accompany risotto, baked fish, white meats and delicate cheeses. Among reds, lively and fragrant styles pair with cured meats, pizza and tomato-based pasta, while more intense wines find balance with roasts, braised meats, game and mature cheeses. Depending on their sweetness and intensity, dessert wines can meet biscuits, pastries, desserts or blue cheeses. The most useful recommendation always begins with the dish and the occasion, seeking harmony instead of following rigid rules.

How to find the right recommendation for you

Begin with something you already enjoy, then take a small step to one side. Those who appreciate aromatic whites might explore Kerner, Gewürztraminer or Sauvignon from different regions; anyone drawn to freshness and savoury character can look towards grapes from the Adriatic coast or Italy’s islands. With reds, structure, softness and fruit intensity help distinguish a versatile bottle from a wine for an important dinner. The occasion can also guide the choice: sparkling wine for sharing, a regional red for Sunday lunch or a lesser-known label for a tasting among enthusiasts. Following a recommendation means expanding your personal map of wine without leaving your tastes behind.

Frequently asked questions

What does “Recommended Wine” mean?

It is a label selected by Etilika’s experts for its identity, balance, drinking pleasure and ability to represent its style or region. It is not a classification established by law.

Does the selection include only famous wineries?

No. Established producers appear alongside lesser-known estates, grapes worth rediscovering and projects that offer an interesting opportunity for exploration and tasting.

How do I choose a recommended wine for dinner?

Start with the main course and its intensity. Whites, rosés and sparkling wines accompany more delicate preparations, while structured reds are suited to richer and more deeply flavoured dishes.

Do the Recommended Wines change over time?

The selection may evolve with the catalogue, available vintages and new discoveries made by the sommeliers. Returning to the category offers opportunities to encounter different wines and regions.