When it comes to food and wine culture, you’d be hard pushed to think of a better place for ‘living the dream’ than Italy.
And with Milan hosting the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics 2026 (February 6 to 22), the pathway to pleasure – think home of the aperitivo, where fashion meets lifestyle – and snow-capped alps in the background promises to bring something special to the big screen.
A country where wine is a way of life, we’re kicking off the sports festival with some sure-fire favourites to raise a glass to Alpine adventures and toast the après ski scene…
1. II Colle Famiglia Ceschin Prosecco Superiore, Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG, Italy, £13.50 (£10 Mix Six), Majestic
From Italy’s most prestigious prosecco region and classified DOCG, Conegliano Valdobbiadene is in the heart of Veneto (north-eastern Italy) and appreciated for its elegance and full expression of the glera grape. Delightfully fleshy with pretty notes of acacia flowers, apples and white peach, it’s right on point.
2. Messer del Fauno Sicily Pinot Grigio 2024, Italy, £12, Ocado
When it comes to one of the world’s most popular white wines – and highly competitive market – this suave Sicilian puts a nice spin on this light, zesty white with an attractive floral intensity, notable flavours of pear and citrus, fine line of acidity and lovely fresh finish.
3. Il Poeta Chardonnay 2024, Piemonte DOC, Italy, £14.99, Laithwaites
Some might say alpine skiing is like poetry in motion and, if you ever wanted to capture the rhythm and flow in a glass, this chardonnay chimes with fluid carves in the snow. Bright, balanced and harmonious, with plenty of ripe tropical notes, fresh orchard fruits and some citrusy snap keeping it super-refreshing and uplifting.
4. Tenuta Olim Bauda Gavi di Gavi 2024, Piedmont, Italy, £19.99, Virgin Wines
As finely honed as a figure skater, this is a great Gavi. Elegant, with gentle aromas of lemon groves and florals; on the palate its purity shines through with rich citrus flavours, hints of green apple, lime, floral undertones, pleasing minerality, subtle saline note and crisp, lingering finish. Bruschetta and seafood antipasto come to mind.
5. No1 Piccini Organic Chianti Classico Riserva 2020, Italy, £16.50, Waitrose
Tuscany and Chianti go hand in hand, and we can’t think of a better way to up your wine game than with the country’s best-loved red… courtesy of top-notch producer Piccini. Inviting from word go, seductive aromas of rose petals and sweet spice draw you in; delightful ripe berry flavours unfold, with plum, cherry and hints of dried rosemary coming into play, with a whisper of oak lending structure, elegance and length.
6. Barolo 2020 DOCG, Piedmont, Italy, £16.99, Lidl, in-store
Cited as the country’s most famous wine region, the nebbiolo grape reigns supreme – and Barolo hailed as the ‘King of Wine.’ Awarded 88 points by Lidl’s master of wine, this affordable version more than delivers with its signature aromas of dried roses, enticing earthy note and violets. With flavours of raspberry-tinged fruit, redcurrants and herbs, against a backdrop of smooth tannins and savoury notes, it’s a contender on the medal table. Cin Cin!
Dining and Cooking