Tasting Italy´s Wines Region by Region

 

 

 

The ancient Greeks, called Italia, the land of wine, and for good reason. Today with vineyards on the snow laden slopes of the Valle D´Aosta province in the rurals of the Alpine, to the sun drenched islands of Sicily in southern Italia ... While they have not always been the best, they are well respected.

 

By no means is this a complete guide, however, it shall provide a more in depth basic knowledge on the zones and which grapes are produced.

 

VALLE D´AOSTA

 

Nestled in between Switzerland and the Savoy region of France, this region has always been winemakers´ without frontiers.   This region produces slightly herbal whites and full bodied Nebbiolo reds ...

 

PIEDMONT ( PIAMONTE )

 

This region is similar to the Iberian region, and is red wine turf. This province is the home of some of the best reds in Italia. The grape varieties predominating are the Nebbiolo and the Dulcetto which produces a light tangy style red. Furthermore, this is home of Barolo and Bararesco.

 

Asti Spumante is also produced in great abundance, a sparkling white made from the white muscat or moscatel grape ...

 

LIGURIA

 

Southeast of Genoa, is a designation or origin or appellation called Cinque Tierre which produces some lovely whites however, very few white wines from this appellation are exported.

 

LOMBARDY ( LOMBARDIA )

 

Situated east of Piedmont, crisp white wines are produced in the Valtellina designation and Oltrepo Pavese produces some dependable reds which are relocated to the Milan restaurant scene.

 

VENETO

 

Veneto, a geographically varied province, that is positioned from the Alps to the marshy lagoons of Venezia. The most popular of white wines produced here are the Valpolicella and the Soave. Soaves are fruit forward refreshing whites that hail from the Garganega grape. The Valpolicella is a red created from the Corvina grape variety. Fruity Bardolino reds are also produced from blends.

 

The national and often international favorite of this region is the white sparkling wine from the Prosecco Designation, often a celebration and festive sparkling wine, used in the same way The French drink Champagne and in Iberia, Cava ...  

 

TRENTINO - ALTO ADIGE 

 

This sub alpine province in north eastern Italia, produces numerous whites and reds, and has become quite a flourishing wine designation. Here one shall find: chardonnay, gewürtaminer, pinot noir and numerous others. To the north lies Austria, to the east Slovenia.

 

FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA

 

White wines of exemplary excellence are produced in this well known region. Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc in addition to Riesling.

 

This region has grown considerably in the last three years.

 

EMILIA ROMAGNA

 

This region is the land of Reggiano Parmesano ( Parma ) and Balsamic Modena Vinegar ( Modena)  and is well known world wide for its Lambrusco, a sparkling rosé wine which can be semi sweet or dry and is exported worldwide.

 

The gem of this region however, are wines made from 100% Sangiovese Red Grapes. Colli Bolognesi DOC ( designation of production, origin and quality ).

 

TUSCANY

 

One of the oldest wine making provinces in Italia, this region is flourishing in viti-culture. There has been a decline marketwise in Chianti, however, the spicy oak aged reds of this region are noble nosed and of high quality.

 

One of the best known and highly prized wines of Tuscana is Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. If you come across a mis-relocated bottle; buy it ! and enjoy ...

 

UMBRIA AND ABRUZZI

 

Most of the wine produced in Umbria in recent years, is of excellent quality. This region has become known for their ruby reds and they have been producing outstanding reds, with excellent harvest years.

 

*** Azenda Agricola Valentini - Trebbiano d´Abruzzi

*** An exemplary red in Abruzzi  

 

 

Some of the best reds of Italia hail from Abruzzi. The ancient wine culture here, mountains and rurals, and inacessibility, therefore a lack of pollution, have assisted in providing a true mecca of Italian products, from the vine, the grazing lands and the Adriatic coast ...

 

PUGLIA

 

Puglia is a sea of wine; however, just until recently, it has been just fair to good. With new oenologists coming to make their homes in Puglia, the wine scene has changed considerably within the last  3 years.

 

The Nefro Amaro black grape, the Negro Amaro red grape made by Wine Estates Leone de Castris, Taurino and Brindisi Patriglione have been climbing the ladder for the world of export.

 

SARDINIA

 

The most important grapes on the island of Sardinia are the inheritance of the Spanish thrones.

The predominate wines are both dry and sweet, and are rarely exported. The Sardinians make a beautiful Port, which is lighter than the Portuguese variety.

 

SICILIA

 

The two most revelant estates ( the Corvo Brand ) are refining their long standing vineyards and are producing some top quality whites. Marsala is a semi sweet amber colored wine, used predominately in cooking regional dishes.

 

Enjoy, and if you have some additional information, please do share.

Margaux.