7 Most Popular Italian Wines and Their Characteristics
The pleasures of Italian wine, among the richest and most highly diversified wine producers in the world, there is truly an Italian wine to please every palate. Appreciated the world over, you’ll find a vast array of celebrated red wines, but can also discover some truly delicious white and sparkling wines as well.
If you’re new to the world of Italian wine and are looking to try some of the best that the country has to offer, keep reading to discover why this special place has such a well-established reputation for delectable grapes. Here are seven of the most popular Italian wines and the reasoning behind their stellar reputation:
1. Barolo
Looking to try the “King of wines,” anyone? Among the most famous of Italian wines readily available today, Barolo is big, bold, and voluptuous. Hailing from the Nebbiolo, one of the finest Piedmontese vines, this specific grape is characterized by late ripening and the thick layer of bloom that is deposited on top of them as they mature.
A full-bodied red with an intense aroma, Barolos offer a robust flavour that makes them the perfect partner for red meats, stews and aged cheeses.
2. Chianti
If you like eating food from the Tuscan kitchen, chances are you’ve encountered this world-famous grape. Produced in the provinces of Arezzo, Florence, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato and Siena from the Sangiovese grape, this much-beloved wine is renowned for its intense ruby red color and its velvety feel in the mouth. It releases floral and fruity aromas when given the chance to open up and thus does very well served alongside a varied cheese plate.
3. Barbaresco
Like Barolo, Barbaresco is a Piedmontese red wine made from Nebbiolo grapes. You won’t mistake the two though. Unlike its arguably more famous cousin, Barbaresco provides longer aging times (from four to eight years) and is also considered more elegant. For that reason, this wine tends to be more pleasing to the highly trained palate. Due to the complexity of its flavour, Barbaresco is a good match for delicate foods like white truffles.
4. Brunello di Montalcino
Another Tuscan red, Brunello di Montalcino is produced exclusively in the municipality of Montalcino and with Sangiovese grapes from its hills. Known to improve over time, this special wine must be re-oxygenated before being consumed, preferably at a temperature of 18-22°C.
Although it will still be drinkable if consumed normally, this is the best way to ensure you get to enjoy all the aromas of its rich bouquet. The earthy undertones offered by this rich wine make it a nice choice to accompany game and mushroom dishes.
5. Cannonau
Among the most celebrated Sardinan wines, Cannonau is cultivated throughout the island, with the vine covering about 30% of the entire Sardinian wine-growing area. Available in several different versions, from Rosso and Rosato, to Liquoroso Secco and Liquoroso Dolce, this wine is always full and rich in flavour.
Cannonau offers a variety of fruity and spicy oscents and is always a safe bet to serve alongside the tradition dishes of Sardinia. Well-structure, this wine can hold its own against many different flavours.
6. Fiano di Avellino
A white wine from Campania, Fiano di Avellino is produced primarily from the Fiano vine, known for the sweetness of its grapes. It offers a rich bouquet of hazelnut, honey and fruit, and is often the recommended wine to be served with shellfish and fish dishes.
7. Franciacorta
If you’re looking for some sparkle in your life, try these Italian bubbles. Franciacorta, which is produced from Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and Pinot bianco vines, can be either Bianco, Rosé or Satèn. Always served chilled, this wine is perfect for a celebration and has a fruity aroma and a fresh and pleasant taste.