Explore Italian Wine

In a crowded wine world with wines from many countries competing for attention, the variety and complexity of Italian wines still stand out. My recent travels in Italy and tastings have confirmed to me that Italy is still deserving of its place as one of the leading wine producers.



I think the Italians often do themselves a disservice with their labelling which can be most confusing and does not encourage experimentation. With more indigenous grape varieties than any other country and contrasting regional variety it is well worth taking the time to explore beyond the well known names. Despite the strong euro, Italy also remains good value in the UK.

In Piemonte to the north, Barbera, Nebbiolo and Dolcetto dominate the wine landscape. Here the grape variety maybe listed with the area where the wine originates such as Barbera d'Alba. I recently tasted Il Cascinone Barbera Rive which has rich fruit balanced by fresh acidity and subtle oak with a lovely smooth velvety finish. In Veneto to the north east, Valpollicella and Amarone are blends of several varieties such as Corvina, Veronese, Rondinella and Molinara. Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) is also found here.

In mid Italy Montepulciano features strongly in the east and Sangiovese is the principal grape of Chianti in Tuscany to the west. Further south in Puglia, Primitivo and Negroamaro are the leading varieties. The best recent example I have sampled is the Salento Rosso Valle Cupa from Vinicola Apollonio. This is a Primitivo, Negroamaro blend with intense dark berry fruit and a long, complex finish.



Nero d'Avola also deserves a mention as the most planted black grape in Sicily which can be rich and powerfu, but also with a soft sweet finish. These are just the principal black grapes! Italian wine is a journey of discovery which seldom dissapoints.

View Talking Wines Italian range at http://www.talkingwines.co.uk/range.asp?id=62