Where in Rome are you staying? I could tell you some sfuso shops, which btw do not just open after 6pm.... but are you aware you can keep those wines only for a very limited time?

You can't go wrong with Red's!

Actually, Conor I'd agree with cheap Italian reds.

Some Italians whites are really basic with no structure, really low alcohol and very little taste at all.

I've had undrinkable, and I mean absolutely untouchable, cheap French reds. I've had awful American Zinfandel, really terrible spicy South African Shiraz and Chilean Cabernet that's so dry that you can cut it up.

Never had a bad Italian red.

I'm just sat drinking a bottle of Margaux 2012 (not Chateau Margaux!!( $1700 a bottle !!!!) it's just sublime.

I've had plenty of awful red wines in both France and Italy. Have no idea of what is available for the prices you wish to pay. Have had good luck with inexpensive Spanish red wines but that won't help you in Italy

We have not had good luck with cheap bottles of wine in grocery stores. We've had better wine just drinking house red in Italy. Some of that is not so good either but at least you didn't buy the whole bottle.

My feeling is life is too short for bad wine!