Italian wine: names and reviews. The best Italian wines

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Italian wines are considered to be the most popular and prestigious in the world. They are among the five most sought after, because many of the best winemakers are located in Italy. This country is the largest wine producer. And its consumption is about 80 liters per person per year, which is the highest in the world.

Local climatic conditions are extremely favorable for growing grapes, this applies to all sunny Italy: from the northern part of the Alps to the southern regions. The most famous wine regions are Tuscany, Veneto, Liguria, Aosta, Lombardy and Piedmont.

Italian wines, whose names often coincide with the grape variety, are of two types: red Rosso (Rosso) and white Bianco (Bianco). You can choose a drink that is ideal for any situation. Also, these wines go well with all the cuisines of the world.

Dry red wines: mood guaranteed

If you are preparing a romantic date or a warm family dinner, then choosing any of these drinks will win. Italian red dry wines will suit any table and every event, even the most sophisticated connoisseur will find his bouquet. Below are the names of spirits and the dishes they pair perfectly with.

Aglianico (Aglianico) - has a pomegranate color and a pronounced taste, strongly flavored. Pairs well with pizza or roast lamb.

Amarone is an Italian red wine that stands out for its rich taste and color, but it is not too sour. Served with noodles, cheese or beef.

Barbera (Barbera) - rich pink color. Has an average density. It is usually served with pizza, roast beef or lasagna.

Valpolicella is an Italian red sparkling wine. It has a pronounced and very rich taste. Perfect with meat dishes: pork chops, poultry or beef.

Gaglioppo (Gaglioppo) - wine rich color, which has a small concentration of alcohol. Served with beef meat, pasta and pizza. It also goes well with seafood.

Dolcetto is an Italian wine aged with berries and herbs. Pairs well with first courses and lasagna. It is also served with enchiladas - corn tortillas.

Lagrein is a dry wine of burgundy color with a rich taste. Due to the high level of acidity, it is ideal for meat and fish dishes.

Lambrusco is a dry red wine with a pronounced berry flavor and strong acidity. Its featureis that, depending on the year of manufacture, the taste varies from sweet to very sweet. These varieties of wine are ideally combined with the taste of fish dishes, while sweeter ones go well with fruit cuts.

Malvasia Nera (Malvasia Nera) - has a special taste and a very dark shade (almost burgundy). It has plum and chocolate flavor and goes well with roast pork.

Montepulciano is an Italian red wine with a sweet taste, moderate acidity, but a rather high alcohol content. Very good with lasagne, sausages, cheese, pizza.

Nebbiolo is a strong Italian wine with a pronounced aroma of mushrooms, roses and truffles. The word nebbiolo is translated as "fog"; the wine got its name because the grape variety used for its preparation (with the identical name) ripens in autumn, when the whole region is shrouded in dense fog. The drink is combined with dishes containing tomato sauce, such as spaghetti, meat, vegetables.

Negroamaro - this wine is found in pink or maroon color, has a unique subtle aroma and is ideal for making cocktails. Pairs well with leg of lamb and pasta.

Sagrantino (Sagrantino) - can be both dessert and dry. It is served with cheese, meat dishes.

Sangiovese is the best Italian wine infused with currants, blackberries and plums. Perfect with pasta, pizza and dishes with tomato sauce.

Dry white wines create the right atmosphere

You will never go wrong with the choice of this drink: it will become the main highlight of your table. Italian dry white wines create an intimate atmosphere and are also suitable for a buffet table or any occasion

Arneis (Arneis) - translated from Italian means "prankster, rascal." The wine meets with fruit filler and tastes of peach, apricot and almond. Suitable for appetizers of Italian cuisine.

Verdicchio is an Italian white wine with an almond flavor. It has a honey-sweet aroma and a greenish-yellow hue. The name "verde" is translated from Italian as "green". Pairs very well with fish or seafood dishes and vegetable starters.

Verduzzo (Verduzzo) - it can be dry and dessert. Dessert is different in that it has a sweeter taste and a pronounced honey and floral aroma. Pairs well with appetizers, meat dishes, and seafood salads.

Vermentino is a sweet tasting sparkling wine that pairs well with seafood.

Vernaccia is an Italian wine with a citrus aroma. Pairs with almost all kinds of fish dishes.

Grechetto (Grechetto) - the variety has a taste of tropical fruits and a bright floral aroma. Pairs well with pasta, white meat, fish and vegetables.

Catarratto is a Sicilian fruit wine that perfectly complements baked seafood orsalad.

Malvasia Bianca - has a rich fruity aroma and honey-pear taste. Pairs well with fish dishes, fried poultry and vegetable salads.

Moscato is the most famous white sparkling wine. This grape variety is used in the preparation of Asti Spumante champagne, known to the consumer simply as "Asti". Moscato and Asti go well with desserts, cakes, pastries and fruit.

Nuragus is an Italian white wine with a spicy aftertaste and rich aroma. Served with seafood and snacks.

Pigato is a very aromatic wine that pairs perfectly with seafood dishes.

Picolit is an excellent dessert wine with a delicate fruity aroma. Served with appetizers and goes especially well with brie or blue cheese.

Pinot Grigio is a popular drink with a delicate and aromatic smell. Perfectly complements pasta, seafood and cheese dishes.

Ribolla Gialla is a unique wine with a floral aroma. Pair with fried fish, seafood, corn and cream sauce.

Soave is a world-famous white wine, ideal for cheese, cottage cheese, vegetable snacks.

Tocai Friulano is a dry white wine with citrus, peach and pear flavors. Due to this, it is characterized by a fragrant aroma. Complements appetizers and fish dishes.

Trebbiano is a table white wine with a neutral taste. Hisserved with almost any main course. Pairs well with veal, seafood and grilled white meats.

Fiano is a wine with a rich nutty aroma. Goes well with seafood and pasta dishes.

Italian wine is a sign of good taste. As you can see for yourself, the taste range and aromas of this drink are very, very diverse. The choice is incredibly large, so anyone, even the most capricious gourmet, will find their best Italian wine. Berry, fruit, nut bouquets create a unique atmosphere. And one more important nuance: the aroma of wine does not clog the taste of the main dishes, but, on the contrary, gives them a special touch and brings Italy right to your table.

Chianti is the most famous Italian wine

Vintage red dry wine from the Tuscany region has the highest standard - DOCG, and it is produced almost all over the world. Italian wine "Chianti" (Chianti) is known far beyond the borders of Italy itself. For blending Chianti, various grape varieties are used, the most popular of which are Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Colorino, Mammolo, Nera Malvasia. There are others: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah. Whites also include: trebbiano, malvasia bianca.

Italian wine is very popular all over the world, and Chianti rightfully occupies an honorable first place among all. The aroma of wild cherries, wild berries and violets create a unique and special bouquet, and the sour and tart taste will impress the true connoisseurs of this divine drink. GuiltChiantis are produced to the highest standards and are therefore valued above all others.

Main categories of Chianti

This type of wine is the most common in the world, so many winemakers are trying to repeat the technology of its preparation. But, since there are many factors that affect the quality of this alcoholic drink, there are several classifications of Chianti wines:

• Normal. Unofficial and therefore generally not intended for long-term storage and must be consumed within two years of being on sale.
• Riserva. Such wine is made only in good years, the best vineyards are used for production. It is aged longer in barrels and bottles and has a higher alcohol content.

Categories of Italian wines have developed and fixed in the last 35 years. There are four of them, each has its own characteristics. Their main difference lies in the quality and price of the alcoholic beverage.

Category Denominazione d'Origine Controllata (DOC)

It includes very high quality and expensive Italian wines, whose names sound like Barbera D'Asti Sperone, Dolcetto D'Asti Sperone, Soave Sartori, Amarone Sartori, Orvieto Vendemmia Melini”, “Pinot Grigio Conti d'Arco”, “Cabernet Sauvignon Conti d'Arco”, “Marcemino Conti d'Arco”. To date, this category includes about 250 brands of wines.

It is very difficult to get this qualification, because the application for its marking is considered in the localchamber of commerce, the National Names Committee, then sent to the local authorities and the Italian Ministry of Agriculture. In case of positive answers, the president issues an additional decree to the law DOC.

Thanks to such a complex procedure, winemakers adhere to the strictest quality standards in the production of their products, but the price of such a product is appropriate.

Denominazione d'Origine Controllata e Garanta (DOCG)

This category is even higher than the previous DOC. It contains only 13 species. On the shelves of stores, such wines are recognized thanks to the red stamp with the name and number.

The names are: Chianti DOCG Piccini, Chianti Classico DOCG Piccini, Nobile di Montepulciano Piccini, Barbaresco DOCG Sperone, Barolo DOCG Sperone, Chianti Melini, Chianti Classico Melini”, “Chianti Vendemmia Melini”, “Chianti Classico Vendemmia Melini”. Such wines are served in the best restaurants in the world and also decorate the tables of royal families. Fragrant bouquets of drinks in this category are a sign not only of luxury, but also of perfect taste.

Vini Da Tavola

This category is the lowest among all four. It includes ordinary or, as they are also called, table wines. The manufacture of such alcoholic beverages is not regulated by laws or authorities. Producers change grape varieties every season, which naturally affects the main characteristics. But even so, this category includes very good and expensive wines.

IndicazioneGeografica Tipica (IGT)

The newest category, which was formed relatively recently. Translated from Italian as "Typical Geographical Sign". It controls only local wine production. With its help, standards such as color, varietal composition, origin, crop year are determined. And the labels must indicate the grape variety and the place of its production.

However, in fact, most often these standards are not checked, and the authenticity of the data is based solely on the reputation of winemakers. The new category ranks higher than ordinary Vini Da Tavola wines, and therefore you can find some pretty decent drinks among it.

Sparkling wines from fabulous Italy

These drinks are created for the most important events in your life: they taste unique, their aroma fascinates, and you will remember the color and type of such alcohol for a long time. Sparkling wines of Italy are at the peak of popularity anywhere in the world. And all because they have special production technologies and long-term exposure.

Sparkling wines called Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino have been top sellers for many years in a row.

Italian sparkling wines are usually labeled Spumante (meaning "foamy" in Italian) or Frizzante (sparkling but less frothy than spumante). Such drinks are very expensive and of the highest quality, for example, Asti and Franciacorta are DOCG.

Sparkling wines from Italy, often mistakenly referred to as champagne, are world famous. Every gourmet and connoisseur of beauty must at least oncein life to treat yourself with such an expensive gift.

Italy produces the largest amount of wine. No nation supplies the world market with such a quantity of this type of alcohol: more than 500 brands of elite varieties and even more locally produced wines. It only means that the Italians know a lot about this sunny drink, making it original, aromatic and unique in taste.

Reviews

Italian wines are loved by millions of people around the world. Numerous positive reviews once again prove that this alcohol is rightfully considered the best. If you look through the pages of various information resources, magazines, forums, etc., where connoisseurs leave their comments, you can be sure that Asti and Chianti are the sales leaders, and consumers also choose Pinot Grigio or Bianco d'Alcamo.

However, there are some wine lovers who find the best Chianti drink too sour and even bitter, so you should rely on your own preferences and, perhaps, the judgments of reputable tasters when choosing elite spirits.