Tuscany and Piedmont are celebrated for prestigious wines such as Brunello di Montalcino, Bolgheri Superiore, Barolo and Barbaresco. But those famous bottles make up only a small share of production—and tend to sit at the higher end of the price range. Both regions offer plenty of characterful alternatives, including wines made from other grapes and more affordable bottles from producers’ ranges.
Quick picks
- Tuscan red: Carpineto Dogajolo Rosso 2023 — around £12 at Sainsbury’s. A dependable Sangiovese-led blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and other grapes.
- Piedmont red: Tenuta Olim Bauda La Villa Barbera d’Asti 2024 — around £19.95. Unoaked and full of concentrated, juicy red-fruit flavours.
- Tuscan white: Fattoria Le Pupille Poggio Argentato 2024 — around £19. A lively blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Manseng, Gewürztraminer and Semillon.
- Piedmont white: M&S Expressions Roero Arneis 2024 — around £12. Soft orchard-fruit flavours meet a gentle line of acidity.
Finding value in Tuscany
Good-value wines can be found even in Tuscany’s best-known areas, but it may be easier to look beyond the most prestigious labels—or choose a producer’s more accessible wine, such as Rosso di Montalcino instead of Brunello.
Chianti Classico can offer strong value at its entry level. Chianti and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are also worth exploring, though producer selection matters.
The Maremma is another rewarding source. Its wines range from ripe, juicy reds to crisp or richly tropical whites, as well as easy-drinking rosés suited to summer.
Notable bottles include Costellore Chianti Superiore 2024, with strawberry, plum and fresh-herb notes, and Marks & Spencer Pontenari Toscana Rosso 2021, a smooth Sangiovese blend with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Finding value in Piedmont
Value can be harder to find in Piedmont because many producers are small and do not make wine in large volumes. Regional cooperatives are among the sources most likely to offer supermarket-friendly prices.
Gavi is widely available, and Gavi di Gavi is often a step up. Roero Arneis can be harder to find, while a little more spending opens the door to Timorasso from Colli Tortonesi, one of the region’s distinctive white wines.
For reds, look for entry-level Nebbiolo from reputable producers. Barbera and Dolcetto are also worth considering. Options include Tesco Finest Gavi 2024, La Colombera Timorasso Derthona 2024 and Michele Reverdito Simane Nebbiolo 2023.