Italian labelling
terms
Classico indicates the
historic centre of many DOC and DOCG regions within these sites producing some
of the best wines. Riserva indicates
that a DOC or DOCG wine has been aged for a minimum number of months before
release and must contain high minimum alcohol.
Red wine regions and
grape varieties
In Piemonte, the most
famous reds are Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG and are both made from Nebbiolo
grapes. Nebbiolo produces full-bodied
wines with high tannins, alcohol and acidity and develop incredible complexity
with notes of liquorice, mushroom and leather with age. Barolo usually commands a premium price but
is certainly a good investment for the cellar.
Hailing from central
Tuscany, Chianti and Chianti Classico (DOCG) are traditionally dominated by the
Sangiovese grape. Sangiovese produces
medium- to full-bodied wines with high levels of tannin and acidity necessary
for long ageing. Basic Chianti is packed
with red fruits and hints of spice with nice acidity but the more complex
Chianti Classico DOCG shows plum, earth and tomato and tea notes.
Veneto in northeast
Italy is the home of Valpolicella and Valpolicella Classico DOC. Traditionally a blend of local varieties,
predominantly Corvina, the styles can vary considerably. Less expensive styles are usually
light-bodied, low tannins and high acidity with pleasant notes of sour cherries
and strawberries. More expensive
examples, such as Amarone, are full-bodied, complex dry wines with very high
alcohol levels.
White wine regions
and grape varieties:
Italian white wines are
often characterised as being light- to medium-bodied, medium acid and with
delicate floral and green fruit aromas.
Pinot Grigio is an
immensely popular white grape grown throughout Italy but the best examples come
from Trentino and Friuli. Dry, medium-
to light-bodied with light green fruit characteristics and medium acidity, it
is a perfect summer sipper.
Soave and Soave Classico
(DOC) are my personal favourites, produced from Garganega grapes situated next
to Valpolicella. It displays subtle
characteristics of chamomile and iris and with age (Soave Riserva) these floral
notes develop becoming more pronounced and succulent.
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| Caprese with Soave Riserva |
Gavi (DOCG) located in
Piemonte is a light, high-acid wine made from Cortese with slightly confected
green fruit and citrus notes.
In contrast to the
lighter white wines, Verdicchio can be full-bodied with intriguing lemon,
fennel and almond notes. This is
certainly a wine to be paired with luscious risottos or fennel and asparagus
dishes. Verdicchio is labelled as
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi (DOC) produced in Marche.
I have just touched on a
few of the vast multitude of Italian grape varieties and wine styles but I do
hope that this can serve as the starting block for your foray into the world of
Italian wine. In my opinion, the only
way to get to know a wine region is to start drinking it or better still, go to
Italy.
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| Prosecco e Gelato |
