Negroamaro has been grown in Puglia for at least 1,500 years, and its name translates as “black and bitter”. Just don't let the confusion stop you from exploring the many fascinating regions and wines of Italy, it is one of our very favorite spots for great value wines. The vineyard areas of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato are some of the few wine-growing regions to make it onto the UNESCO World Heritage list, alongside St Emilion in Bordeaux and Tokaj in Hungary. The harsh tannins of Nebbiolo tend to soften quicker in Barbaresco, and so it’s allowed to age for one year less than Barolo before bottling. It’s made from the white grapes Trebbiano and Malvasia, which are left to dry in the sun to concentrate the sugar as they slowly transform into raisins. The birthplace of the Renaissance, Tuscany (or Toscana in Italian) holds an important role in Italian identity. Veronafiere together with Vinitaly and with the contribution of leading magazine “ Wine Spectator ” are proud to present OperaWine, Finest Italian Wines: 100 Great Producers selected by Wine Spectator. 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It goes through a lengthy aging period of two years, and is often aged in small barriques which lend notes of spice and vanilla to the wine. Prosecco is Italy’s most famous sparkling wine. The highest-rated Italian wine in WS’s Top 100 is a 2010 Brunello di Montalcino from the Il Poggione winery. What does Negroamaro taste like? Its aroma is a powerful combination of dried flowers (particularly wild rose and violet), dried fruits (prunes, figs, and strawberry), herbs and spices (liquorice, pepper and cloves) surrounded by rich tobacco, vanilla, chocolate and leather. The 6 best value Italian wines you can buy right now Stock up on the best value Italian wines from the supermarkets, recommended by the expert team at Wotwine… By Alex Hale Cannonau is rumoured to be the oldest surviving grape in the Mediterranean at 3,200 years old. For Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige has it going on. First, you can look at league tables made by experts through wine competitions and tastings, and second you can check the best-sellers lists of actual wine shops. In the past it was often used in table wine blends, but over the past two decades it’s grown in popularity as a single varietal wine. The WineHunter is a competition that only rates Italian wines. What does Barolo taste like? We hope you found this article interesting and informative – and now feel a little closer to being an expert in Italian wines. It’s believed that there are anywhere from 300 to 2,000 unique grapes thriving in Italy’s vineyards. Aceto – vinegar, usually made with a wine base 5. Or, if you want to know more about Italian wines, we have plenty of in-depth articles: Thanks for your feedback! If you’ve ever felt completely overwhelmed while browsing an Italian wine section, knowing just a few key wine names will help keep your shopping trip focused and ensure that you have the perfect wine to drink at a moment’s notice. So what do regular UK wine lovers consider to be the best Italian wine? A few of the often overlooked areas in Italy; however, may give the best value. Traditionally it is aged in large oak barrels, although some producers prefer to use smaller barriques for that distinctive oak spice. Perfect with stews and braises, these are the wines to drink while waiting for Barolo and Barbaresco to mature. What does Lagrein taste like? What does Prosecco taste like? Classic Italian red wines include Barolo and Barbaresco (both made from the Nebbiolo grape), Chianti and Chianti Classico (from the Sangiovese grape), and Nero d’Avola wine (the Nero d’Avola grape). Although there are 22 DOC and five DOCG areas in Lombardy, most of the wine grown there is for local consumption and rarely reaches the export market. Sophisticated and elegant, Franciacorta often has notes of light citrus like lemon combined with the flavours from its lees and bottle aging – toasted nuts, brioche and dried fruit. Next update in 4 days Dark and rich Primitivo wines are usually made from grapes grown in the centre of Puglia, between Bari and Matera. Some winemakers can work wonders with these grapes, creating rich wines with aromas of blackberry, black plum, coffee and vanilla. These Italian wines represent not only the best of the year, but a range of styles and prices to suit every budget. What does Brunello di Montalcino taste like? We offer several Super Tuscans: Gagliole from Chianti Classico – a highly respected wine that has won the Decanter Platinum medal. This rich wine combines flavours of cherry, chocolate and spice. Because the warm days are cooled by breezes from Lake Garda to the west and winds from the Alps to the north, grapes grown here often develop into fresh and enjoyable wines. Credit: Jürgen Barth / Getty Images What does Ripasso della Valpolicella taste like? We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Pinot Grigio: As for better quality Italian white wines, often Pinot Grigio comes to mind. Chianti is one of the best-known Italian wines in the world. 70,000 Acres – Piedmont – Barbera is the most produced Italian red wine of Piedmont. Although ordinary bulk wines once dominated the region, today it’s responsible for some of Italy’s most unique and exciting wines. Made from native Italian grapes, Amarone is a wine that dazzles and impresses. Awards: Inventor of the Year 2017, Innovator of the Year 2018 It’s also made from similar grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Bianco (in place of Pinot Meunier). Italy is most famous for wines made from its indigenous grapes. Now that you have a better grasp of the grapes behind the best Italian wines, let’s look at Italian wine-producing regions. Sardinia is better known for its cheese and meat production, but it does have two regional grapes that it makes excellent wines from – the red Cannanau di Sardegna and white Vermentino. Its most distinctive characteristic is the slightly bitter finish, which is reminiscent of green almonds or citrus pith. There’s no better way to finish than with a glass of sweet wine – and so we’re ending our article with a discussion of two of the best Italian sweet wines. Italy is one of the most important and renowned producer of wine in Europe and on the global scale. While many Primitivo wines are made and sold as basic, IGT wines there are a few notable exceptions – DOC Gioia del Colle, with its zingy acidity and DOC Primitivo di Maduria which is grown further south and tends to have a deeper flavour. An important recognition, yet another, for our company and its wines that appear in the 2019 guide dedicated to the excellences in the wine field present in the Italian territory. Lives in: Edinburgh, Scotland. Generally speaking, they are fantastic quality, comforting wines. Franciacorta is a DOCG sparkling wine, made in the traditional method. Alto Adige in the northern part of the country offers fascinating and affordable red and white wines. It has high acidity, high alcohol and lots of velvety tannins. It’s subtly flavoured, and a fantastic everyday option. What does basic Chianti taste like? It’s the quintessential fresh, dry and slightly aromatic white wine – and overtook Chardonnay as the world’s most popular white grape in the early 21st Century. It comes from a large area of Tuscany, divided in eight smaller: the best one is Chianti Classico (protected by special laws). Some of the best wines I have ever drunk were Italian. These inky wines have a rich and ripe taste, packed with tannins and alcohol for a really powerful punch. Some Italian whites are best known under the name of their denomination, like Gavi or Soave. Online instructor-led sessions: NEW: IWS Prep starts Jan.12 2021 SWS starts Feb.9 2021 FWS starts Feb.11 2021 IWS Unit 1 starts Mar.2 2021 IWS Unit 2 starts Mar.4 2021. After this, the wine is usually aged in small barriques to add pleasant notes of vanilla and toast. Vermentino combines zingy flavours like green apple, grapefruit and lime. It is made from Moscato Bianco grapes – one of the oldest varieties grown in Piedmont. Interested in learning more about Italian Wines? The Best Italian Wine - The 2020 Reverse Wine Snob Picks! Another excellent example of the wine comes from the Barbera d’Alba DOC. Deep golden in colour, Vin Santo has a heady flavour combination of dried apricot and tropical fruits complemented by classic oxidised aromas of caramel and nuts. Acescenza – volatile wine 4. What grapes is the best Amarone made from? Sangiovese is one of the major grapes in Italy, being the backbone of such renowned Italian wines as Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino as well as many Super Tuscans. Made mainly from the Glera grape, it can contain up to 15% of varieties like Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay. Franciacorta wines have to spend a minimum of 18 months on the lees – this rises to 30 months for vintage wines, and 5 years for Riserva wines. Renowned for finesse and perfume, the wines of Barbaresco are among Italy’s best. with Andrew Jefford and Robert Joseph, Ever hotter: A Quick Look at the 2020 French Wine Harvest, Wine Trends in 2020: Bordeaux by the Numbers, Robert Parker’s 100-point wines: Then and now, Focus - The Wines of Valle d'Aosta: Not Quite Italian, Not Quite French, The Great Debate: Natural Wine with Andrew Jefford and Simon J Woolf. Whether it is saved for next year, five years, ten or twenty years, this is one Italian red that showcases the benefits of aging wine. Because of this, grappling with Italian wines can leave one frustrated. It takes its name from its bitter (amaro) yet enjoyable finish. Masseto is made by Tenuta dell’Ornellaia from a blend of small individual plots of Merlot on the Masseto vineyard, a 7-hectare terroir on the coast of Tuscany. Over 60% of the world’s Barbera vineyards exist in the region. Best Value Italian Wines on Wine-Searcher: What's immediately apparent is the sheer variety on the list. Follow our blog to stay up to to date or feel free to contact me any time: I’m always happy to answer wine questions. Slightly fizzy with a pleasing bitterness, these red wines are delicious on a hot summer day. It certainly made for a varied tasting, both in terms of the appellations represented – and in terms of quality. The next levels are “Gold” (90-94.99 points) and “Rosso” (88-89.99 points) medals – both are really high recognitions for wine in Italy (here’s more information about the awards, and a list of “Gold” and “Rosso” wines you can buy in the UK). any time: I’m always happy to answer wine questions. Understanding Italian wine can be overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the names: which wines are made from Sangiovese or Nebbiolo? It’s used to make the red Lagrein Scuro (also known by its German name, Lagrein Dunkel) and the fragrant rosé Lagrein Rosato (Lagrein Kretzer). Derived entirely from Muscat grapes, the fresh, inviting sparkler from Saracco is capable of handling an ultra-rich cheese-cake or going solo as an afternoon aperitif. The very best Barbera wines come from the Barbera d’Asti DOCG – Asti’s Nizza sub-zone has recently been granted DOCG status, too. While it’s often found blended into table wines throughout Italy, it shows its best side in the Monferrato region of Piedmont. It was a red that they bought for everyday drinking. The perfect antidote to Italy’s crisp and dry white wines, Gewürztraminer is off-dry with a smooth, almost oily texture thanks to its low levels of acid. This is why some people refer to it as Italy’s answer to Champagne. It’s also one of the few wines that smells and tastes like grapes. Nanni Cope Sabbie di Sopra il Bosco 2016 (Campania) - My vote for the best Italian wine of the year. Sign up now for the Italian Wine Scholar program via Distance-Learning and save 10% with coupon code: save10IWS (case sensitive). Le Camarde 2016, Negroamaro & Primitivo, Salento IGP by Feudi di Guagnano, Uras 2016, Cannonau di Sardegna by I Garagisti di Sorgono (sold out), 306 Biologico Nero d’Avola 2017, Sicilia DOC by Savlatore Tamburello, Chianti Classico, 100% Sangiovese, Chianti Classico DOCG, by Castello Di Radda, Treuve 2015, Arneis, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Langhe DOC by Malvirà, Diecianni Primitivo (Zinfandel) 2017, Salento IGP by Feudi di Guagnano, Prosecco Superiore Millesimato Extra Dry 2018, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG by Ca’ di Rajo, Francone Barolo 2015, Nebbiolo, Barolo DOCG by Francone, Francone Barbaresco Gallina 2016, Nebbiolo, Barbaresco DOCG by Francone, Fiero 2017, 60% Merlot, 40% Sangiovese, Super Tuscan IGT by Ridolfi, Palladium 2018 Gewurztraminer, Alto Adige DOC by K.Martini & Sohn, La Regia Specula 2016, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOCG by Orlandi Contucci Ponno, Pinot Grigio 2018, Venezia DOC by Ca’ di Rajo, We update our customers’ best sellers list every couple of months to give you a good idea of what’s currently trending, and what Italian wines people just can’t get enough of. The Best Italian Wine - The 2020 Reverse Wine Snob Picks! Both Chianti and Chianti Classico are made from the same grape, Sangiovese, but the similarities end there. It has a deep golden colour, thanks to its natural pink tinge, and a fragrance that simply leaps out of the glass. This powerful red wine is made from dried grapes – usually a blend of corvina and rondinella. Italian wine: Italy has a wider selection of wines than anywhere else in the world, with up to 2,000 unique grapes grown across the country. The volcanic island that sits just off the tip of Italy, Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and is characterised by its micro-climates. Crisp and savory, this refreshing white has lovely aromas of white stone fruit and wild flowers. They are usually made into refreshing, aromatic wine that’s perfect for sipping on hot days. Appassimento – the practice of dryin… For special occasions, our top Italian red is Francone Barolo 2015 – winner of the Decanter Silver Medal. What does Vin Santo taste like? 2020 marks the 17th annual ceremony, and their experts assess around 16,500 wines from all over the world, including Italy. There’s a lot of ground to cover – as well as international celebrities like Chianti Classico and Primitivo, we’re going to highlight some hidden gems like fresh and fruity Roero Arneis or rich and bold Cannonau di Sardegna. OPERAWINE 2021 PRODUCERS . What does Moscato d’Asti taste like? This expression is made using natural techniques and native grapes other than Glera. The region is also influenced by social history, thanks to the city of Venice which has been a major trading port since antiquity. It made an astounding recovery and today it is the region’s most prestigious white grape. The best Prosecco comes from the cru villages in the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene DOCG. Veneto is Italy’s most productive wine-growing region. It should then be left in the bottle for 7-10 years before drinking it. Explore the list . These premium wines are far more complex, with concentrated aromas of red fruits, spices and herbs. I was in Italy and had a red wine at a friends home. This is underpinned by richer notes of chocolate, coffee and peppery spice for a rich, rounded finish. This wine ages well and has an interesting flavour profile. Unfortunately, so were some of the worst. Expect flavours of black fruit compote and aromas of leather, blueberries and fig. Best Italian Wines of 2015 From Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast Magazines. light and delicate, Weißburgunder from Alto Adige tastes like crisp green apple, juicy pear and zingy lemon. This powerful wine is a blend of Nebbiolo from two vineyards in La Morra and Monforte – two of the five most prestigious villages in Barolo DOCG. Gattinara is a delicious and often over-looked Nebbiolo-based wine from Piedmont. Every mouthful brings a bouquet of ripe fruits including blackberry, plum and sweet cherry. Barbera almost always has a unique note of licorice in the taste, which is what makes it so unique. As well as showing which wines are trending this year, it also shows which wines people consider to be good value for money. Italian white wines tend to be fresh and zesty with fragrant floral and fruit flavours. With so many fantastic Italian wines, it's difficult to select the top wines but easy to make recommendations for great bottles. Fruity aromas of sour cherries dominate, and are amplified by some dried herbs and earthiness. The Italian red grape Barbera makes delicious wines with bright acidity and soft tannin. Hailing from Piedmont, these delightful red wines are crowd-pleasers. Best Italian Wines on Wine-Searcher: The heel of Italy’s boot is where much of the country’s table grapes are grown. The northernmost part of Italy, Alto Adige is home to Europe’s highest vineyards – sitting as high as 1,100 metres. We asked Reitano for the 10 best Italian wines, and we gave him a catch: They all had to be available for purchase in the United States either in a wine shop or by mail order. These five Italian red wines are a great place to start –especially if you’re a beginner – because they absolutely encapsulate what Italian wine is all about! Drink By: Typically best within the first 3 years. Prosecco is a fresh and lightly floral sparkling wine, with a clean taste and frothy bubbles punctuated by notes of peaches, pear, honeysuckle and melon. What does Primitivo taste like? Sangiovese, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Super Tuscans, and Silician reds, oh my! It’s boomed in popularity over the past ten years, especially in the UK where hundreds of millions of bottles are drank each year. Beautifully perfumed and aromatic, Gewürztraminer is one of Alto Adige’s most distinctive wines. High in acid and low on tannin, Barbera is typically light and refreshing. On the other hand, Chianti Classico can only be made in a small area between Florence and Siena. Italy is also famous for its sparkling wines: Prosecco (produced from the grape Glera) and Moscato (from Moscato Bianco). They evaluate about 40,000 wines from all over Italy, and award the “Three Glasses” trophy to only around 2,500. These are some of the best white Italian wines. The complete guide to the best Italian wine with maps and tasting notes, Gagliole Valetta 2017 Organic | Super Tuscan, Rubinelli Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC 2015, K.Martini & Sohn, Paladium 2017 | Pinot Noir | Alto Adige DOC, here’s more information about the awards, and a list of “Gold” and “Rosso” wines you can buy in the UK, buy the Gambero Rosso “Tre Bicchieri” catalogue on Amazon, Vigna Saglietto Arneis 2016, Roero DOCG by Malvirà, Spèra Vermentino 2018, Vermentino di Gallura DOCG by Siddùra, Francone Barolo DOCG 2015 | Nebbiolo | Silver Medal, Forte Masso Barolo Castelleto 2015 | Barolo DOCG | 100% Nebbiolo, Francone Barolo 2016 | Barolo DOCG | Decanter Silver Medal, Francone Barbaresco Riserva 2014 | Barbaresco DOCG | Decanter Gold Medal, Francone Barbaresco DOCG 2016 | Nebbiolo | Gold Medal, Azörd 2017 | Monferrato DOC | Barbera, Cabernet, Nebbiolo, Francone “I Patriarchi” | Barbera d’Alba Superiore DOC, Malvirà San Michele Barbera 2006 | Barbera d’Alba Superiore DOC, Sansi 2017 | Barbera d’Asti DOCG | Barbera, Malvirà Arneis No Sulfites 2017 | Roero DOCG, Malvirà Saglietto Arneis 2016 | Roero DOCG, Malvirà Treuve 2015 | Langhe DOC | Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Arneis, Ridolfi Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 | Decanter Silver Medal, Castello di Radda 2016 | Chianti Classico DOCG | Decanter Gold, Castello di Radda Riserva 2014 | Chianti Classico DOCG | Decanter Silver, La Castellina – Squarcialupi Gran Selezione 2015 | Chianti Classico DOCG | 92/100, Rubinelli Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2012, Massimago | Conte Gastone | Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2015, Prosecco Superiore DOCG Cuvée Brut Millesimato 2018 | Bronze Medal, Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry Millesimato 2018 | Gold Medal, Lo Sparviere Brut Cuvée n.7 NV | Franciacorta DOCG | Sparkling wine, Le Camarde 2016 | Negroamaro & Primitivo | Decanter Bronze Medal, Diecianni 2017 | Primitivo | Sakura Double Gold Medal, Diecianni 2018 | Negroamaro | Decanter Bronze Medal, Uras Cannonau 2016 | Sardinia | Gold Medal, Siddùra Bèru 2015 | Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, Siddùra Spèra 2018 | Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, 306 Biologico Nero d’Avola 2017 | Sicilia DOC | Decanter Silver Medal, Weissburgunder Pinot Blanc 2017 | Alto Adige DOC | Gold Medal, K.Martini & Sohn, Paladium Gewurztraminer 2018 | Alto Adige DOC, Francone Antichi Poderi dei Gallina | Sparkling Muscat | Moscato d’Asti DOCG, Volo Di Farfalle 2019 | Moscato d’Asti DOCG | Muscat Sparkling Wine, Siddùra Nùali Passito 2016 | Moscato di Sardegna DOC | Muscat Dessert Wine, Read our articles about pairing Italian wine with food, Check out our ultimate guide to finding your favourite Italian red wine, Our visual guide to Italian red wines makes it easy to see the best wines at a glance, Finding the best wine to buy for Father’s Day? 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