The world of Italian wines can be intimidating. In a nation smaller than California, there are reportedly over 2,000 distinct native grape types, of which roughly 400 are exploited in the production of commercial wine. In Italy, wine is produced and exported from every province, so there are a ton of locations to be aware of!
The good news is that this implies that there is a wine for everyone in Italy; the country's unique geography yields an amazing array of regional specialities in every imaginable style and price range. Not surprisingly, though, Tuscany, one of Europe's most productive wine areas, produces the wine of choice, the Livio Sassetti Brunello di Montalcino Pertimali 2015.
Additionally, Italian wines are known for being well-balanced, elegant, and food-friendly. This means that you can find the ideal wine to pair with anything from pasta night to a seafood extravaganza to an antipasti picnic. These are the top Italian wines to look for at the moment.
Top 7 Italian Wines
Valtellina Superiore Maroggia
This wine comes from northern Lombardy, in the mountainous villages surrounding Berbenno di Valtellina. Valtellina Superiore Maroggia is aged for 24 months, 12 of those months spent in wooden barrels. It is made from at least 90% Nebbiolo grapes and 10% other non-aromatic red grape varieties. It is ruby crimson in the glass with garnet reflections and a faint yet pleasant aroma. It goes well with meats and games, particularly roasts, braised meats, rich stews, and delectable grilled or spit-roasted specialties. It is silky, harmonic, dry, and somewhat tannic.
Valtellina Superiore Inferno
Strong-character wine with notes of dried rose, hazelnut, and vanilla. Rich ruby-red in colour, this is also from the Valtellina Valley, which is located just north of Lake Como. After 24 months of ageing, 12 of which were spent in hardwood barrels, the wine is earthy and tannic, rich and fragrant. The taste becomes smoother and silkier after it was initially abrasive. Its richness pairs nicely with aged cheeses, slow-cooked meat dishes, or previous dishes seasoned with game meat sauces.
Franciacorta Satèn
Stretched over the plains in Brescia between Lake Iseo and Lake Garda, vineyards cover the landscape like gorgeous canvases. Rich and golden, this sparkling Brut has a lovely freshness balanced with subtle silkiness and natural softness. You can distinguish white blossoms and flavours of vanilla inside this blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco. This bubbly ages for a minimum of 25 months, of which at least 18 are in the bottle. In contrast, Vintage Franciacorta must age for a minimum of 37 months, at least 30 of which must be spent in the bottle. Franciacorta is a great match for a risotto, like one made with red chicory (radicchio) or asparagus. It should come as no surprise that it goes well with sushi, roast chicken, and other white meats.
Franciacorta Rosé
This wine, which comes from the same region in the Lombardy province of Brescia, is a blend of minimum 35% Pinot Nero, maximum 50% Pinot Bianco, and maximum 10% Erbamat. The wine's pearly pink hue is derived from the entire fermentation of Pinot Nero grapes. Together with the characteristic notes of the wine, Pinot Nero gives this Franciacorta a unique body and vitality. With flavours of fruit and red blossoms in a well-balanced acidity, it is dry and structured despite being delicate and pink. Franciacorta Rosé pairs beautifully with white rice, fresh fish or prawns, as well as Butterfly Pasta with Pesto.
Barolo
Barolo's birthplace is said to be the Langhe Hills in Piedmont, southwest of the town of Alba. This wine, produced from Nebbiolo grapes, is robust, full-bodied, and dry. It is aged for at least three years, the first two in wood-veneered barrels. It needs to be matured for a minimum of five years in order to attain the Riserva quality. It is a rich ruby-red colour in the glass with intense orange highlights. It has earthy flavours and complex aromas of strawberries, herbs, violet, rose, liquorice, and even tobacco. This singular group gives a robust, tannic structure with every sip.
Barbera d’Alba
The enormous region surrounding Alba stretches from the Tanaro River eastward into the Roero hills to the north and west. Matured for six to eight years, Barbera D'Alba Superiore is matured in oak or chestnut barrels for a minimum of one year. When this wine ages, its garnet red hue deepens to a rich maroon. This dry, light- to medium-bodied wine has a strong berry taste and pairs well with heavy winter fare, including stews, boiling meats, pasta dishes, and game.
Dolcetto d’Acqui
Despite its name, which translates to "sweet or candy," Dolcetto d'Acqui is sometimes mistaken for a sweet dessert wine. Piedmont Dolcetto is eaten with a range of antipasti plates as well as main entrees, though it goes particularly well with chocolate or cheese. Its structure goes well with tomato-based pasta, meat, and vegetable meals, and its mild acidity and soft tannins won't overpower delicate seafood dishes. Dolcetto has almond undertones and is fiery crimson with dazzling highlights. It is also silky and dry.