23 Jul Italian Wine Trends 2025

Summer 2025 is all about sipping la dolce vita in a glass. Italian wines are leading the charge with fresh, fun trends that perfectly suit warm weather. From bubbly Prosecco to crisp rosato (rosé) and even some chilled reds, there’s a world of Italian wine options to explore this summer. In the UK especially, drinkers are embracing lighter, lower alcohol wines and chillable reds, meaning you can enjoy a refreshing glass (or two) in the sun without feeling weighed down. Below, we dive into what’s hot on the Italian wine scene and offer pairing tips to make the most of these summer-ready wines.

Lighter Wines Are on the Rise (Lower Alcohol, Higher Enjoyment)

In 2025, one clear trend is the move toward lighter-bodied, lower alcohol wines, a shift driven partly by changing tastes and UK tax incentives. Wine lovers are seeking out bottles under 12 percent ABV that deliver full flavour without the booze hit. Italy offers plenty of options in this arena, from delicate whites to easygoing reds. For example, the humble Trebbiano (a classic Italian white) often comes in around 10.5 percent ABV –  our list’s Trebbiano Rubicone IGT clocks in at just 10.5 percent, a pleasantly dry and fruity white that’s perfect for lunchtime or a lazy afternoon. Even frizzante (lightly sparkling) Moscato d’Asti, at about 5–6 percent ABV, can be a sweet summer treat that won’t derail your day.

Why the shift to lighter wines? Aside from the obvious appeal of not getting too tipsy in the heat, UK duties now favour lower alcohol wines, and consumers are responding to the call for lighter styles. In short, Brits have developed a real thirst for refreshing wines that they can sip over a long picnic or barbecue. Think zesty Italian whites like Pinot Grigio, Verdicchio or Vermentino at 12 percent – bright, crisp, and made for summer seafood and salads. These wines deliver all the flavour without the heavy feeling of a big 14 percent oak-aged chardonnay. It’s a trend toward less is more in alcohol, and Sicily Restaurant’s wine list reflects this with several whites and rosés in the 11 to 12.5 percent range that are ideal for summertime sipping.

Prosecco – Summer’s Sparkling Staple (Now With Competition)

Prosecco has been the go-to summer sparkler for years, and its enduring appeal isn’t fading anytime soon. This Italian bubbly from Veneto is beloved for its light, fruity character, gentle bubbles, and friendly price point. Here in the UK, popping a Prosecco cork is practically a summer ritual, from brunch mimosas to aperitivo hour spritz cocktails. On our wine list, Prosecco is a star: we pour the elegant Prosecco Brut San Leo (11 percent ABV), which bursts with fresh pear and apple, floral hints and a clean almond-tinged finish. We also offer a pretty-in-pink Prosecco Rosé Millesimato Naonis, full of aromatic red fruit, pomegranate and rose notes for those who love a rosé twist. These sparklers are fantastically versatile – light enough to enjoy solo as an apéritif, yet fruity enough to pair with salty nibbles like Gamberetti or crisp fried calamari.

That said, even Prosecco now finds itself sharing the spotlight with some trendier rivals. Adventurous wine drinkers in 2025 are gravitating toward orange wines and pét-nat sparklers, which bring a funky, artisanal flair to the fizz category. Orange wines, an ancient style made by fermenting white grapes on their skins, have a gorgeous amber hue and a bit of tannic bite – and Italy, especially Sicily, produces excellent examples. These wines deliver apricot and citrusy flavours with a food-friendly texture – a fun contrast to Prosecco’s feather-light profile. Meanwhile, pét-nat wines (the naturally sparkling darlings of the natural wine movement) are also making waves. Italy’s winemakers are experimenting with ancestral methods to create lightly bubbly wines that are cloudy, unfiltered, and bursting with character. The ongoing fashion for fizz means there’s room for more than just Prosecco in your ice bucket. Our advice: start with Prosecco for your toast, but don’t be afraid to try an orange wine or pét-nat for your second glass, they bring new flavours to your summer party and show off Italy’s innovative side. And if you’re not sure where to find a good one, ask us – as your local Italian wine experts, we’re happy to point you toward the latest bubbly trend.

Rosato (Italian Rosé) – Pretty in Pink and Packed with Flavour

Rosé wine is a perennial summer favourite, but Italian rosato offers its own spin on drinking pink. In recent years, the world’s been obsessed with the palest Provence rosés – those delicate, whisper-light wines. However, many wine trend watchers believe that the pale Provence rosé craze may have peaked, making room for more characterful rosés from other regions. Enter Italy’s diverse rosato wines. From Lake Garda’s coral Chiaretto to Puglia’s cherry-hued Negroamaro rosato, Italian rosés span a range of hues and flavour profiles, and they’re absolutely made for summer dining.

One standout is Sicilian Rosato. Sicily’s warm sun and flavourful grapes produce rosés that are vibrant and fruit-forward. On our menu we feature the Planeta Sicilia DOC Rosé (12.5 percent ABV) – a wine inspired by a pink Sicilian sunset with alluring notes of rose petals, pomegranate, and ripe strawberries. It’s dry, refreshing, and just begging to be enjoyed on a sunny patio. Rosato wines like this have enough body and aroma to pair with a variety of summer dishes. Pairing tips: Try a chilled Italian rosé with a grilled prawn salad, a classic Caprese (the wine’s strawberry and floral tones complement tomatoes and basil), or even some spicier fare like arrabbiata pasta, the chill and fruitiness provide a lovely contrast to heat. Unlike ultra-light rosés that can be one-note, Italian rosatos often have a bit more fruit depth or herbal nuance, which makes them exciting yet still easy to drink. Whether you’re at a picnic or a chic rooftop bar, a glass of rosato keeps things elegant and easy-going. And as with all our wine selections, we’ve hand-picked our rosés to showcase that perfect balance of freshness and flavour that Italian wines deliver so well.

Chillable Reds – Frappato, Lambrusco and Other Cool Reds

Red wine in summer? Absolutely, if you pick the right reds and serve them at the right temperature. The latest trend in the UK is chillable reds, and Italy has some fantastic candidates in this category. The trick is to choose reds that are light to medium-bodied, fruity, and not too tannic. These wines take well to a slight chill – we’re talking 15 to 20 minutes in the fridge, just enough to refresh them. The result is a red wine that’s cool, vibrant, and incredibly enjoyable on a hot day.

Sicilian Frappato is one such gem. This bright, juicy red from Sicily’s Vittoria region is known for its low tannins and flavours of red berries and flowers. Many sommeliers recommend Frappato served lightly chilled, as it thrives when chilled, bringing out its playful fruit notes. If you’ve never tried a chilled red, Frappato will convert you, it’s like the Pinot Noir of Sicily, wonderfully aromatic and silky, delicious with a slight chill. Another Italian favourite is Lambrusco, the sparkling red from Emilia-Romagna. Forget any memories of overly sweet Lambrusco from decades past; today’s best Lambruscos are high-quality and range from dry to off-dry. With natural bubbles and typically around 8 to 11 percent ABV, a well-chilled Lambrusco is the perfect picnic red. It’s frothy, refreshing, and excellent with charcuterie or even burgers off the grill.

Even classic reds can benefit from a chill if they are young and fruity. For instance, a young Sangiovese or Montepulciano d’Abruzzo around 12 to 13 percent ABV can be delightful at cellar-cool temperature. At Sicily Restaurant, we primarily serve our reds at ideal cellar temperature, but we’re always happy to pop an ice bucket around a lighter red if you’re curious to try it chilled. Pairing tips: Enjoy chilled reds with a range of foods, Frappato pairs beautifully with our seabass, a fizzy Lambrusco loves fatty cured meats, and a slightly cool Nero d’Avola or Chianti can elevate a casual pizza party. The key is to keep it relaxed, chilled red wine is all about enjoying the moment, not formality.

Sip with Sicily Restaurant – Your Local Italian Wine Experts

Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just starting to explore beyond Pinot Grigio, Sicily Restaurant is here to guide you through Italy’s vibrant summer wine scene. We’ve curated our wine list to reflect both timeless favourites and exciting new trends, all with an eye toward what pairs beautifully with our seasonal Italian menu.

Summer 2025 is the perfect time to explore new flavours. From sparkling Prosecco to juicy Frappato, chilled rosato, or even a bold orange wine, there’s something for everyone. Join us in Belgravia, sip something special, and enjoy the warm days ahead with a glass of Italy’s best at your table.

Ready to explore the best summer wines? Reserve your table today and let us pour you something special. Salute!