I hope you enjoy my list of my Top 10 Italian Wines. The list is, of course, very personal and I couldn't include all the outstanding wines tasted this year. In any case, I would love to drink every wine I selected for the list this year. So rest assured they are really great bottles.
2006 Gran Sasso Pecorino Terre di Chieti, 13.5% vol (£7.99, as part of a mixed case; Majestic)
Not just a cheese, Pecorino is also a white grape variety enjoying a revival in the Marche and Abruzzo regions. This has a lemony, nutty character and is a fascinating alternative to the all-too-familiar Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. Try it with seafood salad or pasta alla vongole.
2005 Canaletto Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, 13% vol (£4.99; Sainsbury's)
This robust and full-flavoured red from Abruzzo in central Italy is fantastic value and a worthy winner of a gold medal and trophy at the 2007 International Wine Challenge. Made from hand-picked Montepulciano grapes, the wine is full of vibrant damson and plum fruit and is just the thing with steaming bowls of spag bol.
Bellavista Franciacorta Cuvée, 12% vol (£22; Valvona & Crolla 0131 556 6066, Tanners 01743 234 500, Stanton Wine Co 01386 852 501, Arte Bianca 01892 510 554)
This Champagne-method sparkler from Lombardy is a crisp yet fruity blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Nero, and completely scrumptious. Aged for two years before bottling, it is marked by a charming peachiness and makes an absurdly fine aperitif.
2000 Sassicaia Cabernet Sauvignon Tenuta San Guido, 13.5% vol (£1,070 per case of 12; Armit 020 7908 0655)
One of the original "Super Tuscans" and, quite simply, one of the great wines of the world. A stunningly crafted blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, marked by voluptuous blackcurrant fruit and soft, silky tannins, it is best savoured with dishes such as prime rib of beef or saddle of lamb.
2004 Il Molino di Grace Chianti Classico, 13.5% vol (£12.99; Wimbledon Wine Cellar 020 8540 9979, Denby Dale Wines 01484 865 222)
Owned by American Frank Grace, Il Molino di Grace is an organic, sustainable estate near Panzano in Chianti producing fascinating wines. This delightfully classy red has buckets of intense plummy Sangiovese fruit and a lingering finish. Try it with herb-encrusted leg of lamb.
2007 San Angelo Toscana Pinot Grigio, 12.5% vol (£7.99, as part of a mixed case; Majestic)
If only all Italian Pinot Grigio was as good as this. From Castello Banfi in Tuscany, rather than the cooler regions of northern Italy more associated with the grape, this is rounded and supple, with both tropical fruit and a lean acidity. It makes a fine aperitif, but is equally good with a plate of fritto misto or mushroom risotto.
2006 La Segreta Rosso, Cantina Planeta, 13.5% vol (£9.25; Noel Young 01223 566 744, Christopher Piper Wines 01404 814 139, Carluccio's Delicatessens 020 7580 3050)
From Sicily, this is a feisty blend of local Nero d'Avola (50%), Merlot (25%), Syrah (20%) and Cabernet Franc (5%), full of jammy redcurrant and raspberry fruit and soft tannins. Enjoy it with meaty pasta dishes or bangers and mash.
2005 Masi Campofiorin Rosso del Veronese, 13.5% vol (£8.99; Oddbins, Tesco)
Something of a curiosity, and utterly delicious. A red wine, made from local Veronese varieties such as Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara, which is re-fermented with a small amount of semi-dried grapes. Soft and velvety, with hints of bitter cherries and stewed plums, it is ideal with garlic roast chicken and rosemary.
2003 Pio Cesare Barbaresco, 14% vol (£35; Luvians Bottle Shop 01334 477 752, Bottle & Basket 020 8341 7018, Henderson Wines 0131 447 8580)
From Alba, in the heart of Piedmont, comes this dark and brooding red, made from 100% Nebbiolo. With elusive whiffs of violets on the nose and ripe, somewhat tannic fruit on the palate, it is a cracking example of what Italy can do at the top end.
2006 Malvira Roero Arneis, 14% vol (£7.99; Waitrose)
Arneis (it means "rascal") is grown mainly in the Roero hills in southern Piedmont, but, as its popularity increases, it is seen as far afield as California and Australia. This example, with grapes from five separate vineyards, spent time on its lees, lending nice weight to the citrussy, peachy fruit. Try it with salt-baked cod or chicken cacciatore.