Date Published: July 25, 2025, Last Updated on July 25, 2025 by I Like Wine

Why the World Loves Grappa, Sambuca, Strega & Barolo

Date Published: July 25, 2025, Last Updated on July 25, 2025 by I Like Wine

From the first swirl in your glass to the final lingering note, few things capture heritage and flavour like iconic Italian alcohol. Whether it’s the bold fire of Grappa, the sweet licorice rush of Sambuca, the herbal mystery of Strega, or the majestic depth of Barolo, these aren’t just drinks—they’re experiences.

In this guide, we explore the legends behind these Italian wine and spirits icons and why they’ve earned cult status among collectors, expats, gift buyers and flavour chasers alike.

Explore them now at I Like Wine, where you can shop our complete collections of Grappa, Sambuca, Strega, and Barolo.

What Makes Italian Wine and Spirits So Iconic?

From North to Southern Italy, Italy’s regions pour centuries of culture into their drinks. These Italian wines, Italian liqueurs, and spirits are steeped in history, crafted with pride, passed down like family recipes, and deeply tied to the land.

They speak to a dream many hold: to taste authenticity, to own a slice of heritage, or to relive that perfect Italian holiday. For expats, they’re a taste of home. For collectors, they’re a hunt. For gift buyers, they’re a statement.

These are not just alcoholic beverages—they’re stories in a glass.

Grappa: The Original Spirit of the North

Born from the winemaking leftovers—grape skins, seeds, and stems—Grappa is one of the most iconic Italian spirits.

Where it comes from: Northern Italy (Piedmont, Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige)
Why it matters: Grit meets refinement. Once known as “firewater,” today’s artisan Grappas are smooth, nuanced, and full of character.

Grappa is a digestif with a bold texture commonly served chilled or neat after meals. It’s the perfect match for cured meats and Italian desserts. Discover the Grappa Collection and explore its evolving flavour profile.

Sambuca: Sweet, Bold, and Unmistakably Italian

You can’t talk about iconic Italian alcohol without Sambuca. This clear, anise-based liqueur is bold and instantly recognisable.

Where it comes from: Lazio and Central Italy
Why it matters: A classic Italian digestivo that doubles as a celebration.

Served with three coffee beans (con la mosca) or splashed in espresso (caffè corretto), it’s both ritualistic and rewarding. Sambuca is often served as an after-dinner treat, but it can also surprise in cocktails with soda water.

Perfect for fans of Italian liquors or those shopping for distinctive gifts. Visit our Sambuca Collection to browse timeless favourites.

Strega: Italy’s Most Mysterious Liqueur

Golden in colour, layered in aromatic herbs, and wrapped in folklore, Strega (Italian for “witch”) is among the most famous Italian spirits.

Where it comes from: Benevento, Campania (Southern Italy)
Why it matters: Distilled with 13 herbs and plants, including saffron, fennel, and mint.

Strega delivers a warm, herbal, slightly bitter-tasting finish that works wonderfully after meals or in bold cocktails. Whether you’re shopping for collectors or curious drinkers, discover more in our Strega Collection.

Barolo: The King of Wines

Aged for at least 38 months and crafted from Nebbiolo grapes, Barolo is a crown jewel in the world of Italian wines.

Where it comes from: Piedmont, Northern Italy
Why it matters: It’s one of the most famous Italian red wines—bold, aged, and revered.

Expect a flavour profile of cherry, rose, tar, and truffle. Ideal with cured meats, cheeses, and heavy mains, Barolo is more than a wine—it’s a ceremony.

Explore our Barolo Collection to find bottles that elevate any table.

Why These Drinks Matter—Now More Than Ever

For our audience—expats, collectors, foodies, and gift givers—these aren’t just drinks in Italy:

Expats crave a familiar place to reconnect with culture.
Collectors value small-batch, story-rich bottles.
Gifting customers want luxurious yet thoughtful alcoholic beverages.

These Italian wines and spirits are typically served before or after meals—either as a pre-dinner aperitivo or a post-dinner digestivo. For an Aussie twist on tradition, try All Saints or Stella Bella, which blend classic Italian influences with Australian terroir.

Final Sip: Taste Italy with Every Bottle

These are more than drinks in Italy—they’re expressions of art, history, and joy. From the alpine peaks to coastal farms, each sip has a story to share.

Whether you’re sipping, gifting, or collecting, start with something iconic Italian—and experience why these drinks are loved the world over.

Shop the full Italian Wine & Spirits Collection now.

For verified Italian authenticity, visit the Italian Trade Agency’s ‘Made in Italy’ Promotion.