To declare that roadside wine in Italy is equal or superior to something with a fancier degree only exposes the lack of sampling size of the poster.

One of the great joys in Italy is the general quality and exploration of "house" wines in even moderate restaurants. However, the quality is far from uniform. I've had some which greatly enhanced the meal, others which were little more than strong grape juice (with corresponding grapey taste) which I think were so young as to have needed to be properly served with napkin diapers on the glasses.

I'm far from a connoisseur, but I do enjoy a good wine. Good doesn't always equate to price, and there is much enjoyable <$25, from all over the world. I've enjoyed sampling local wines in France, Italy, Germany, Greece, Chile, Argentina and looking forward to NZ and Australia when there next month as well. Each has their own character and strength.

However, if one is simply looking for the buzz, Thunderbird is every bit as good if not better than any of the fine wines mentioned in this thread.