Italian Wine
After France, Italy is the second largest producer of wine with a huge variety of wines from the red wines of Barolo in Piedmont to the light fruity white wines of Pinot Grigio.
The huge variety in grapes is due to the geography of Italy as they have cold winters and hot summers in the North, and a more mediterranean feel in the south.
The white wines of Italy have a fresh lightness with the best variety being Pinot Grigio. The red wines include Tuscany’s Chianti Classico, Barbera d’Asti and Valpolicella Superiore and the finest wine Barolos, Chianti Classico Riservas.
In general Italian wines are great value for everyday drinking, and have reasonable mid-priced wines to drink with food.
Recommended Wines
Pinot Grigio Bacaro IGT Pavia 2008. Made using 100% Pinot Grigio this wine displays notes of citrus fruits, with a hint of floral aromas.
Chianti Classico San Leonino Tenimenti Angelini 2006. This is a very traditional style of Chianti made from 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo. It has all the violet and red cherry characters you’d expect, with vibrant acidity and sweet spice lingering on a sumptuous finish. This will be a fantastic partner to roasts, barbeques and pasta dishes.