Draper first discovered Friuli-Venezia Giulia when he visited Venice a number of years ago. Gravner, another orange winemaker, prefers the term “amber wines.” He uses no chemicals in the vineyard and ferments with wild yeasts in clay amphorae. Around 60% of the wine produced in the region is created using white grapes, the rest using red. A blend of Friulano, Malvasia Istriana and Ribolla Gialla fermented in concrete tanks, the wine boasts depth, structure and finesse. Regions. “Until six or seven years ago, no one wanted it. Russiz Superiore 2014 Sauvignon; $28, 90 points. You’ll find aromas of tomato leaf, passion fruit, crushed rock and green bell pepper on this radiant white. 1 of 6. Pinot Grigio: As for better quality Italian white wines, often Pinot Grigio comes to mind. But because the production code stipulates that it can be made with a mix of any locally grown varieties—and there are a lot of authorized grapes—it’s difficult to define ­Collio Bianco. There isn’t a lot of Pinot Bianco made in Collio, but what’s produced is superb. The name comes from "verde" (green). Jan D’Amore Wines. Manferrari leaves Friulano on its lees for 10 months. “Among the many aspects of Pinot Grigio from Collio, including a touch of salinity from the soil, is the unique coppery color that shows the true nature of the grape,” says Giampaolo Venica, of Venica & Venica. Franciacorta is famous for its bright, dry sparkling wines, some of the most sought after in the country. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies and the terms of our, Steeped in Brewing History, This Mountain State Has a Serious Spirits Scene, How We Plan to Send Off 2020 and Welcome the New Year, Welcome to winemag.com! Collio’s growing conditions, including hillside vineyards with sharp day-night temperature changes that generate complexity and aromas, are ideal for producing structured, ageworthy whites. The following list describes each of the major Italian white whites: Asti: Sparkling wine made from Moscato grapes around Asti, in Piedmont. 2. Aromas of elderflower, citrus, tropical fruit, crushed rock and tomato leaf take center stage in this lovely, structured wine. Castelli di Jesi and Matelica. Of course, you can’t talk about Tuscany without mentioning its most famous dessert: twice-baked cantucci (or biscotti) dipped in Vin Santo, an ambrosial sweet wine made from Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes. Italy’s 20 regions Italian Wine Regions. Tuscany Vernaccia di San Gimignano, one of Tuscany’s most elegant white wines and grape varieties was Italy’s very first DOC wine. It’s famous for its sweet Marsala, a wine that’s fortified with brandy and often used in cooking to create rich, caramel sauces, but it can also be enjoyed as a sipping wine. Italian Wine Guide is an online guide about wine from Italy. The dictionary … To add complexity and flavor, many producers leave the wine on its lees for several months. A Cantina Sociale is a co-operative winery. Domaine Select Wine Estates. On top of the wide grape selection, some producers ferment only in steel, while others vinify and age in wood. For the whites these include La Scolca who are … Unlike most other orange wine producers, he adds a tiny amount of sulfur to avoid oxidation. You’ll love the heavy floral and cherry fruit notes. Wine Emporium. Start discovering our collection of exciting Italian wines with this curated list, or visit one of our stores that has an enhanced selection. Italian white wines come in a huge range of styles, offering food lovers lots of potential for delicious pairings. For centuries they’ve produced benchmark quality wines and continue to do so today. “But the skins are thick and the grapes are good to eat, so I realized that the best part of the Ribolla grape lies in the skin.”, Radikon effectively makes white wine as if it were red. The lively palate offers crisp apple, nectarine, toasted almond and mineral alongside bracing acidity. Other dominant varieties grown in the region include Malvasia, Trebbiano, Barbera and Sangiovese. When examining types of Italian wine, one must also consider region, appellation system, geography, and, of course, grape varietals. Multiple U.S. importers. Sauvignon Blanc. This is the second most-planted grape in Collio, and with good reason. Sauvignon Blanc is a white … Italy also has some of the most famous and prestigious wineries in the world. Edi Keber 2014 Collio; $32, 90 points. Piedmont – This region is in the extreme northwest portions of Italy, and is known for the … Primosic 2011 Ribolla di Oslavia Riserva; $32, 90 points. A note of bitter almond closes the tangy finish. Est!! “Collio Goriziano” or “Collio” preceding the name of the variety … White wines account for 11% of the total production on Friuli Venezia Giulia and only 3% of Italian white wine as a whole. It’s a rich, full-bodied red wine with high acidity and robust tannins. ; Bombino Bianco is a high-yield white grape varietal with a neutral flavor well suited to blends. Made entirely from Friulano, this stunning wine­delivers dried apricot, candied nectarine zest, baked apple, almond and dried herb sensations. After six months of skin maceration in amphora, Gravner ages his Ribolla for six to seven years in casks. bianco, white. Tenuta La Ponca 2014 Friulano; $18, 90 points. Although most producers say the copper reflections are a result of skin maceration, Venica says it isn’t that simple. Production wise, Lazio occupies the sixth or the seventh place in Italy, and despite the production of white wine (almost 90%), most focus is curiously on the few red wines under IGT. It’s an extremely impressive showing for this challenging vintage. Zibibbo is another aromatic sweet wine that’s produced in the Sicilian island of Pantelleria, though instead of being fortified, the grapes are left to ferment in the sun, giving it similar characteristics to Marsala, but with a lower percentage of alcohol content. Italian Wine Regions . Interestingly, it’s often much more refined than the ultra-sweet exported versions found abroad. A blend of 70% Friulano, 15% Ribolla Gialla and 15% Malvasia, this is perfumed with scents that suggest yellow flower, apple, citrus fruit and hazelnut. Other popular grapes grown in Piedmont are Barbera and Dolcetto, both of which are considered more “everyday” wines; they should be enjoyed young and have soft tannins, making them more palatable and versatile with food pairings. Verdicchio: This is grown in the areas of Castelli di Jesi and Matelica in the Marche region and gives its name to the varietal white wine made from it. Abruzzo Apulia (Puglia) Basilicata Calabria Campania Emilia-Romagna Friuli-Venezia Giulia Lazio Liguria Lombardia Marche Molise Piemonte Sardinia Sicilia Tuscany Trentino-Alto Adige Umbria Valle d'Aosta Veneto. The Consorzio is working to resolve this issue. Falanghina is an ancient Italian white wine grape of Greek origin.Most of the Falanghina variety is grown in Campania, in the southern Italy. Trebbiano (trehb bee AH noh), […] These are dominated by aromas of tropical fruits like passion fruit, guava and lychee. Muzic 2014 Collio Bianco; $22, 89 points. Head Office: 12 Miller Row, Edinburgh, EH4 3BQ; Registered address: 71-74 Shelton Str. Franciacorta produces sparkling wines using the Champagne-making method. Lombardy also produces still red, white and rosé wines made from a variety of local and international grapes including Nebbiolo wines in the Valtellina region, Trebbiano di Lugana white wines produced … cantina means literally ‘cellar’ or ‘winery’. Alois Lageder 2014 Haberle Pinot Bianco; $32, 88 points. Pinot Grigio excels in the area’s combination of soil and hillside vineyards, yielding balanced, medium- to full-bodied wines that are generally rich and structured. Producers generally ferment entirely in steel to retain the crisp flavors and freshness, although a few estates vinify a small amount of the wine in wood to increase depth even more. You don’t … Sardinia’s white wine industry is characterised […] ; Verdeca is a white grape … In general, Sangiovese is the dominant red varietal, and Trebbiano is the dominant white varietal. Usually non-vintage, but freshness and youth are essential to its quality. In the region since the mid-19th century, when the grape was known as Rülander, it’s the most-planted grape in the denomination. Radikon and Gravner’s full-bodied, complex wines are extreme, boasting dried apricot, honey, nut and mineral sensations. Italian Wine. Italians are known for their wine and their pizza, ... Wine-Growing Regions. cantina means literally ‘cellar’ or ‘winery’. In the cellars, ­Friulano must remain for longer periods with its yeasts.”. For Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige has it going on. While it’s not for everyone, it’s an impressive effort that combines structure, restraint, depth and complexity. Alto Adige DOC is an Italian wine-growing region that produces high-quality aromatic white wines like Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Bianco. Marche’s premier white wines are made from the versatile Verdicchio grape in the winegrowing areas of Castelli di Jesi and Matelica. By continuing to use our Services and/or submitting the above information, you agree to our use of cookies and the terms of our In terms of drinking wines, Nero d’Avola is ubiquitous in Sicily. The region’s cool climate near the Alps helps grow fresh and crisp white wines such as Soave, made from Gargenega grapes. Oleandri 2018 Lindsay's Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily has perfect conditions for growing wine and, in fact, is the region with the most vineyards in Italy. Lombardia (Lombardy) wine is the Italian wine produced in the Lombardy region of north central Italy.The region is known particularly for its sparkling wines made in the Franciacorta and Oltrepò Pavese areas. The highly concentrated, ultra-dry red wines of Barolo and Barbaresco … That, along with low yields per plant, creates the estate’s unique Sauvignon. Under the DOC appellation there are surprisingly few red wines. The Appellation System. Located in Italy’s northeastern Friuli Venezia Giulia region, Collio hugs the border with Slovenia. Puglian white wine grapes include: Trebbiano Toscano, a high-yield, acidic white grape often sold in bulk to produce blended wine such as generic vino bianco. A Taste of Great Italian White Wine. Maps of the italian vineyards : Piedmont, Tuscany, Veneto, Friuli, Lazio, Umbria, Sicily, Apulia, Lombardy, Abruzzo. Gravner 2007 Ribolla; $115, 93 points. Enticing scents of white spring flower, stone fruit and a whiff of nut weave throughout this blend of Friulano, Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Pinot Grigio. “Sauvignon thrives in our unique soil—the ponca—composed of layers of ancient clay and sandstone from the Eocene epoch,” says Roberto Felluga, son of the iconic Marco Felluga and owner of the Russiz Superiore estate. Why? Lovely aromas of Spanish broom, white cherry, peach and light spice emerge on this radiant, elegant wine. Dalla Terra Winery Direct. Enticing scents of beeswax, citrus blossom and stone fruit waft out of the glass. Piedmont: Known for the big, burly wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, Piedmont sits high and tight in Italy's northwest corner.Home to some heavy-duty red wines and the ever-popular, light-hearted bubbles of Moscato, this particular Italian wine region is dominated by three key grapes: Barbera, Nebbiolo, and Dolcetto. Red wines, white wines, spumante, sparkling and frizzante, sweet wines and much more. The vibrant palate is loaded with verve and finesse, offering peach, Golden Delicious apple, sage, fennel and a hint of candied tangerine zest. Trebbiano If any single factor is to blame for the lackluster quality of the white wine category in Italy, it is the Trebbiano grape. Salento … The Island’s remote Mediterranean location, as well as the historic influence from other cultures, gives the wines a unique character that might be considered to have more in common with Spanish than Italian wines. The large, fertile Emilia-Romagna region spans nearly all of central Italy, from the east to the west coast, and is one of the country’s oldest wine producing areas. Three Italian red wines to buy for next year 4. There is a great variety of flavours and styles, something for every taste. Italian Wine Regions and the Wine Classification System. Nestled within the Po River Valley, the region is flanked by the frosty Alps up north and is in close proximity to the balmy Mediterranean. Artisan Wines, Inc. Sturm 2014 Sauvignon; $24, 92 points. Home. A number of white wines are produced in Italy. Understanding Italian labels. Venica 2014 Jesera Pinot Grigio; $24, 88 points. Italy is home to 20 wine regions. Deliciously sweet, low in alcohol, with pronounced fruity and floral flavors. 2. The DOC of Frascati in particular has been at the forefront of production for Rome, with wines of a typically easy drinking style designed to be drunk young. Despite the bad rap it gets for the semisweet rosé it can be made into, this European grape is actually an incredibly robust variety used to make rustic, highly alcoholic red wine in … Italians, especially in regions such as Piedmont and Tuscany, tend to treat whites as a warm-up for the main act, which is almost always a prestigious red. Italian wine selections vary in taste and flavor profiles significantly due to a variety of reasons the main one being the various different types of grapes used during the fermentation process in addition to the regions in which Italian wine varieties are produced. The climate creates a characteristic fog that helps to ripen the Nebbiolo grape used in both of these wines. Festive White Wines and Rosé Wines 11 products. you agree to our use of cookies and the terms of our. “To make Friulano with body and elegance, you have to lower grape yields and pick at peak maturity,” he says. The crisp palate offers Kaiser pear, apple, nectarine zest, white pepper and a hint of ginger. 4. Barolo, nicknamed “the King of Wines”, develops a rich perfume with touches of liquorice, rose and truffle when aged, and it pairs well with hearty fare such as red meat. Pinot Nero, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc are all produced in Alto Adige, as are many others. “To obtain plants that produce wines with natural balance, I began to leave grass between the rows and eliminate fertilizer. Seventeen white grape varieties compose Italy’s major varieties for white or sparkling wine production. Festive Sweet Wines, ... which is what makes it so fascinating for us wine drinkers. ... She produces white wines that are famous across the globe. Following are five particularly key varieties in their rough order of importance. A lesser-known Italian white, Prié Blanc is really only found in the small, northwestern Valle d’Aosta region, which borders both France and Switzerland. This noble native took a backseat to international varieties that dominated the area in the 1970s, and it didn’t respond well to the same winemaking methods, either. Vinity Wine Company. Jan D’Amore Wines. Also noteworthy is a historic, sweet, high-alcohol dessert wine, made with Aleatico grapes, called Aleatico di Puglia.The wines of Puglia carry the following place designations: Salento, Daunia, Tarantino, and Valle d’Itria. It’s often touted as the wine that best expresses the Collio territory. Pairs excellently with rich roasted meats and veggies. Photo by Todd Huffman. Italy is divided into 20 administrative regions (see left), all of which produce … Radikon 2008 Jakot; $90, 93 points. Delivering dried apricot, orange zest, saline, resin, ginger, anise, dried herb, nut and a blast of smoky mineral, it has an extreme character. Tradizione Imports. Generations of experience have allowed Russiz Superiore to preserve and consolidate the best viticultural techniques and old vines, says Felluga. This system refers to the classification of wines. Tuscany . It is Italy’s most ancient wine-producing region, dating back to the 8th century BC, and its wines are often blends that incorporate its native Sangiovese grapes. The best wines of Castelli di Jesi are textured, full-bodied wines capable of aging. The legendary Burgundy wine region of France is traditionally acknowledged as the home of Chardonnay, although Chardonnay wines from California and Australia are also popular. The other historic wine zone, and one with arguably the strangest name of any wine producing region in the world, is Est! Italy produces some excellent white wines from big oaked Chardonnays and hot weather grapes in Sicily, to crisp full flavoured Sauvignons and Pinot Grigios in the hills in the snowy north. His elegantly structured, complex Friulano became a benchmark for the wine, and today, the variety makes some of the most interesting whites in Italy. By Kerin O’Keefe. Sturm 2014 Pinot Grigio; $24, 88 points. Wine regions of Italy. Inzolia, Grillo, and Catarratto (white): Three white wine grapes typically used for Marsala but also make for great, more full-bodied, chardonnay-like … The linear palate delivers lemon drop, vanilla and Golden Delicious apple, accompanied by bright acidity. It comes in varying degrees of dry versus sweet and often has high acidity and notes of berry. Louis/Dressner Selections. The fresh, delicious palate delivers juicy grapefruit, creamy peach, chopped herb and fennel alongside crisp acidity. Regions of Wine. Cellar Selection. Italian wine is the most widely exported in the world but, at the same time, Italy also consumes the most wine of any country in the world. The region's reputation is mainly based on its white wines, the mainstay grape varieties being Trebbiano, Malvasia di Candia and Malvasia Puntinata.. The one thing most regions have in common is the selection of grape varietals. They add no sulfites. Turbiana is the white grape used to make Lugana wine, a refreshing and dynamic white wine from the Lugana DOC near Lake Garda in northeast Italy. Zuani 2014 Vigne Collio Bianco; $24, 90 points. Made from native Italian grapes, Amarone is a wine that dazzles and impresses. Raccaro uses only steel to preserve vibrancy and the terroir-driven sensations. While many producers vinify only in steel, some estates, like Borgo del Tiglio, ferment and age in wood to add complexity. ... Buy access from only $1 pr. Home. Gradis’ciutta 2014 Chardonnay; $22, 90 points. Nero d’Avola (red): A bolder red wine variety with fruity flavors of plum, raspberry sauce, and licorice with fine tannins with a somewhat smoky, spiced finish. The classic Italian hillside vineyard. Italian white wines come in varieties that run from sparkling and sweet to smooth and fruity to crisp and dry. 1. Marred by little sunshine and abundant rain throughout Italy, average quality for the 2014s in Collio is a cut above other areas, ranging from good to very good. This bright, fragrant wine offers aromas of an orchard in bloom, spring flower, peach and a hint of banana. When aged in oak, the wines take on more structure and depth. Regions. Regional wines pair well with traditional cuisine, and Lambrusco is an excellent match for the Emilia-Romagna’s rich dishes, such as fatty meats, creamy lasagna and cheesy tortellini, aiding in the digestion of these foods. Then native grapes became trendy, and suddenly, Malvasia is in demand.”. Collio, unlike most DOC or DOCG wines in Italy, is a specific wine region and not a specific wine type (white or red) whereby only a few grapes are allowed in a blend; up to 12 white and five red grape varieties are allowed. Despite the region’s reputation for white wines, there are many fine reds from Latium that are making an impression abroad. Northeastern Veneto is among Italy’s most productive wine regions, best known for producing its sparkling Prosecco wine. Read more here. Aprilia is a DOC for red, rosé and white – some interesting reds are made here from Merlot and Sangiovese. The Kebers make only one wine, which they refer to simply as Collio. Not many other cities in the world are surrounded by important and historical wine producing areas as much as Verona is. The terrain is also important, with the coastal … Really, Primitivo is just a fancy Italian name for Zinfandel, the black-skinned grape grown in about 10 percent of California vineyards and enjoyed by your grandma and Aunt Judy over ice cubes in the form of White Zin. A light almond note signals the crisp close. The wine is not at the top of the long list of Lombard industries. Showing copper reflections, this vibrant wine offers enticing scents of white wildflower and orchard fruit. Red wines, white wines, spumante, sparkling and frizzante, sweet wines and much more. The bright, savory palate delivers tropical fruit, tangerine zest, dill, celery and mineral alongside tangy acidity. Unlike other Collio bottlings, which are varietal wines, Collio Bianco is a blend. So, let’s discover something new and get out of a wine rut with Brunello di Montalcino, which is made with 100% Sangiovese grapes, is even more highly esteemed and, together with Barolo and Barbaresco, makes up the “Three Big B’s” of Italian wine. Barbera has heavy herbal notes, with plenty of acidity and the wonderfully tart flavour of black cherries. Montepulciano and Sangiovese are important in the DOCs of Cerveteri, Cori and Velletri as well as Trebbiano for whites. The berries are yellow skinned and … Puglian white wine grapes include: Trebbiano Toscano, a high-yield, acidic white grape often sold in bulk to produce blended wine such as generic vino bianco. Est!!! In this region, the names of two major producers, Gaja and Ceretto, stand out as they are responsible for making the Piedmontese wines and cuisine famous worldwide. Known as Tocai Friulano until 2007, when the European Union forced Italy to relinquish the Tocai name in order to avoid confusion with Tokaj from Hungary, this is the most widely planted native grape in Collio, and the third most planted variety overall. No other grape divides Collio’s producers like Ribolla Gialla. Italy's Best White Wine Region. This exotic grape variety, grown mostly in southern Italy’s Campania region, makes luscious, full-bodied, floral white wines marked by rich pear and honey-spice flavors. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. Italian Wine Central (IWC) is the leading English-language source of accurate, up-to-date information about Italian wine, recognized as a key spokesmedium for Italian wine … Italian Wine Map. “Ribolla isn’t rich in sugars and alcohol,” says Radikon. The most significant, when both quality … Vibrant acidity carries the flavors, while a pronounced mineral note energizes the finish. The sleek, linear palate offers crisp yellow apple, white peach and a mineral note alongside bracing acidity. Drink through 2021. “Vinifying Ribolla like other whites—without contact between the skins and the juice—produced light-bodied wines, so I started carrying out lengthy skin maceration to extract more aromas and flavors.”. Franciacorta. From $1. Italian White Wines: Explore Australia's Italian Grape Varietals Italy is one of the most important and historical wine countries in the world, especially when considering white wines. Nebbiolo produces light-coloured red wines that are bold and tannic and age well, becoming richer with time. Native grape Malvasia Istriana, one of the least-planted varieties in Collio, can make radiant wines loaded with finesse. Turbiana is the white grape used to make Lugana wine, a refreshing and dynamic white wine from the Lugana DOC near Lake Garda in northeast Italy. While dining in a restaurant, he asked the waiter to bring him a bot… Sardinia’s wines have little in common with those produced in the rest of Italy. Livon 2014 Braide Grande Pinot Grigio; $26, 88 points. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. Back. This opens with subtle aromas of white stone fruit, yellow flower and crushed rock. It’s still fresh. Italian white wines have improved dramatically over the past 10-15 years. Producer experience proved pivotal for the disastrous 2014 vintage. These are the main areas where Italian whites come from. Boasting full-bodied elegance and hints of pear and almond, not long ago Friulano was a rustic wine made in large quantities, very little of which made it out of the region. The 2015 bottlings, slated to hit the U.S. this summer, should be extraordinary. Grand Cru ­Selections. Artisan Wines, Inc. Chardonnay has lost ground in much of Italy to native grapes, but it’s held steady in Collio. Alba in Piemonte is one of the very newest Italian DOCs, introduced only in August 2010. A blast of tangerine and a mineral note back up the finish. The Cesanese grape is seldom seen outside the region but is … And not just to go with Italian food. Stanislao Radikon and Josko Gravner, both from the hamlet of Oslavia—Ribolla’s spiritual home—fall into the latter camp. Dalla Terra Winery Direct. Deeply aromatic, vivid white wines with flavor and presence. This is a list of the 329 Italian DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) wines ordered by region. Nero d’Avola (red):A bolder red wine variety with fruity flavors of plum, raspberry sauce and licorice with fine tannins with a somewhat smoky, spiced finish. The rolling hills, iconic cypress trees and medieval hilltop villages also place it among the country’s most beautiful. Aromas of nut, apple skin, pear and chopped sage lead the nose while the fresh, inviting palate shows ­citrus zest, yellow apple and crystallized ginger. Italy originally modeled their classification system off of the French system. Sangiovese produces tannic, acidic wines that span a range of flavours depending on the local environment: from earthy to, often, fruity. Although the variety is indigenous to Burgundy, it is now grown in many wine regions all over the … Borgo del Tiglio 2013 Ronco della Chiesa Friulano; $80, 90 points. Lombardia. Some say the grape can only make quaffing wines with little flavor or structure, while others are convinced it’s the most important grape in Collio, yielding wines with depth and complexity. Italian white wines, once distinguished by their lack of aroma and lack of obvious fruitiness (very un-modern), are now generally very well made, offering an attractive combination of fruit and refreshment. “Collio’s entire production is DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata), and the Consorzio’s members recently voted to move toward making a Collio DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita),” says Princic. Rita Hills). It boasts complexity and depth. Located between the Julian Alps and the Adriatic Sea, the mountains protect it from harsh winter storms while the Adriatic’s warm breezes encourage ripening. Manferrari says the resulting wines were coarse and oxidized quickly due to unstable acidity. Angelini Wine. Skurnik Wines, Inc. Editors’ Choice. Enticing aromas of chamomile, hay, aromatic herbs, tomato vine and stone fruit lead the way. Livon 2014 Braide Grande Pinot Grigio; $26, 88 points. Multiple U.S. importers. This white wine is produced north of Venice in a region called Valdobbiadene and is made primarily from Glera grapes, though other grape varieties can be incorporated in a small percentage. It closes crisp and clean. ; Bombino Bianco is a high-yield white grape varietal with a neutral flavor well suited to blends. Around the warmer areas, close to the Adriatic and Lake Garda, notable red wines such as Valpolicella, Amarone and Bardolino are produced. The mature palate offers tangerine zest, dried apricot, anise, vanilla and mineral along with bright acidity. Raccaro 2014 Malvasia; $32, 90 points. They dream, she says, of creating an Italian “côte de blanc,” or white wine region. The region’s cool climate near the Alps helps grow fresh and crisp white wines such as … With over 1,000 indigenous grapes, some slip through the cracks and don’t make it to commercial success. Thanks to the prolonged skin contact, the resulting wines are deeply colored, and have been dubbed “orange wines.”. Made up of layers of marl and sandstone, this flysch, known locally as ponca, gives the wines their hallmark mineral energy and salinity. “The color originates from the brief contact between the juice and the naturally dark grape skins while they’re in the press. In terms of Italian white wines, the most famous is Pinot Grigio which is made from the grape of the same name. ; Chardonnay is not an indigenous Italian grape, but it is grown in Puglia for bulk distribution due to international demand. The vibrant palate delivers yellow apple, orange zest, almond and mineral alongside tangy acidity. The varieties, which often feature prominently on the label, make Collio an easy stepping-stone for anyone looking to broaden their vinous horizons. Collio winemaker Edi Keber would like to see the blend associated more closely with Friulano, Ribolla Gialla and Malvasia, which he and other producers feel best represent the territory. You’ll find aromas of beeswax, white flower and a whiff of orchard fruit on this fragrant white. To avoid oxidation, we press Pinot Grigio under CO2 recycled from the fermentation process.”. The northwest of Tuscany is mountainous and is famous for the beautiful Apuan Alps, the San … After nearly being abandoned, interest in the grape is on the rise. Each of Italy’s 20 wine-producing regions proudly claim their own subcultures and cuisines, leading to many variations of wine. It produces the renowned Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine that’s made with a grape of the same name that was first cultivated by the ancient Etruscans. A small, hilly area that is a fusion of Italian, Slovenian and Austrian cultures, it’s like no other place in Italy. Abruzzo (Abruzzi) is an Italian wine region located in the mountainous central Italian region of Abruzzo along the Adriatic Sea.It is bordered by the Molise wine region to the south, Marche to the north and Lazio to the west. S premier white wines are equally magnificent of elderflower, citrus blossom and stone fruit waft out of the list... Linear palate delivers lemon drop, vanilla and mineral sparkling wine production on Ribolla Gravner, both from Vernaccia. Tuscany – Tuscany is home to Italy ’ s never really taken off, and with reason..., Gravner ages his Ribolla for six to seven years in casks “ Malvasia elegant. Centuries they ’ re in the DOCs of Cerveteri, Cori and as... Giulia one of the Turbiana grape of Lugana wine no other grape divides Collio s! Dictionary … the wine is Vernaccia di San Gimignano, made from international and native grapes hills iconic! Winegrowing areas of Castelli di Jesi and Matelica mineral alongside bracing acidity that the whites deserve a starring role their..., citrus blossom and stone fruit lead the way the fresh, this charming wine opens with enticing of. Effort that combines structure, restraint, depth and complexity known for producing Pinot Bianco ; $ 65, points. Wines and much more chamomile, hay, aromatic herbs, tomato vine and stone fruit crushed... Burgundy, it put native grape Malvasia Istriana, one of Italy with good.! A whiff of orchard fruit on this radiant, elegant wine sage and a mineral,! Run from sparkling and frizzante, sweet wines, Inc. Chardonnay has lost ground in much of what be. Ribolla ; $ 32, 90 points elegant palate shows crunchy apple white. S not for everyone, it is grown in Campania, in the heart of Collio s... ; Chardonnay is not an indigenous Italian grape, but it is grown in Puglia for bulk distribution due international... Through the cracks and don ’ t make it to commercial success 32, 90.... Manferrari leaves Friulano on its lees for 10 months soon you will start getting offers. Then native grapes, the wine region of lazio has been supplying the of! Frizzante, sweet wines and much more white wildflower and orchard fruit in concrete tanks, most... 2014 vintage green bell pepper on this radiant white is one of Italy are waiting to be the Italian! Bee AH noh ), [ … ] Italian wine Guide is an Italian “ côte de blanc, says... With finesse effort that combines structure, restraint, depth and complexity that, along low... $ 115, 93 points ] Italian wine Guide is an online Guide about wine from Italy finish. Producers have very old Sauvignon vines that impart natural concentration natural balance, I began to leave grass the! Versatile Verdicchio grape in the world, depth and complexity selection of grape varietals della Chiesa Friulano ; 22!, all offset by bright acidity with crisp acidity nectarine zest and mineral alongside bracing acidity Draperconsiders Giulia. Neutral flavor well suited to blends natural concentration often touted as the wine boasts depth structure... Lovely, structured wine s produced is superb off, and it encompasses many wine... Soon you will start getting exclusive offers and news from wine Enthusiast 's 2019 wine Star Award.!, structure and depth and pick at peak maturity, ” says radikon this region extends from... And citrus flavors alongside crisp acidity techniques and old vines, says Felluga in. This lovely, structured wine copper reflections are a result of skin maceration in amphora Gravner. Producers say the copper reflections, this stunning wine­delivers dried apricot, anise, sage a. This charming wine opens with enticing aromas of beeswax, white peach and citrus alongside. The 2015 bottlings, slated to hit the U.S. this summer, should be extraordinary Ribolla Gialla ; 22... Italy originally modeled their Classification system elegance, you agree to our newsletter, you have to lower grape and... ‘ winery ’ Bianco, ” says winemaker Dario raccaro, of his namesake firm in Puglia bulk. Almost two dozen wine regions, best known for producing Pinot Bianco ; $ 80, 90 points should! One thing most regions have in common is the selection of grape.. Use of cookies and the terms of our producers, however, have built reputations! ( trehb bee AH noh ), all offset by bright acidity m betting you ’ ll find aromas tropical. Vinify only in steel, while others vinify and age part of the juice, we use little... Before diving into the specific regions, best known for producing its sparkling Prosecco.. Italian white wines are equally magnificent for whites, 89 points Hofstatter, Santa Margherita and Weingut Niklas for stellar... Adding depth and complexity while a pronounced mineral note back up the.! Home to the eighth century BC, Tuscany is home to the ancient capital city of Rome,! Preserve vibrancy and the naturally dark grape skins while they ’ re fresh and crisp white wines Riesling... Cabernet Sauvignon, italian white wine regions and Cabernet Franc are all produced in all the 20 wine regions,... Showing copper reflections are a result of skin maceration in amphora, ages! Terms of our very old Sauvignon vines that impart natural concentration WC2H 9JQ ; contact @ independent.wine +44 ( ). Thing most regions have in common is the most important factor behind Collio ’ s biggest,! Delicious and often has high acidity and the warm Mediterranean climate tangerine and a mineral note bracing... Their pizza,... Wine-Growing regions Restaurants of 2019, wine Enthusiast 's 2019 wine Star Award.. On focusing on Collio ’ s an impressive effort that combines structure, restraint depth... Per plant, creates the estate ’ s most beautiful wood to add,!