Starting with this post and continuing for the next 2 Education ones, I will outline the major wine regions of Italy. This country, which is called the “land of staked vines” by serious oenophiles, has at least 20 different wine regions that export more wine to America than any other. Geographically, it’s easy to divide Italy’s regions: north, central, and south. For the rest of this post, I will cover the 5 major regions in the north. As always, I will be making use of my notes, as well as my 2 reference books (WAoW & OCtW).
Starting in the Northeast and heading west, you come to Friuli-Venzia -Guila first. This region was regarded as a “powerhouse” of fine white wines in the 1970’s, especially Pinot Grigio. They also make some decent Chardonnays & Pinot Biancos. Moving west, we next come to Veneto, which is a large production area for Amarone della Valpolicella (made mostly from the Corvina grape). Also produced in a large area that contains both of these regions is most of Italy’s Prosecco (made mostly from the Glera grape). This sparkling wine is VERY popular in America and one of my favorite “go to” appetizer wines. Ruffino is one of the biggest exporters and Clinton Wine & Spirits carries it, as well as several other good ones. The next region to the west & north is Trentino-Alto-Adige. Being right on the border, it is no surprise that this area is most known for it’s Riesling and other German style grapes (like Gewurztraminer).
The next region to the west and slightly south is Lombardy. They make their own sparkling wine in the Franciacorta DOCG and a Nebbiolo in the Valtellina area. The last and most northwest region is Piedmont, which contains Barolo & Barbaresco, the Burgundy’s of Italy. Besides being the largest producers of Muscato, this region is famous for its expensive Nebbiolos. In the Barolo DOCG, there are only 5 communes (wineries) and all Nebbiolos are aged 3+ years before release; while in the Barbaresco DOCG, there are only 2 communes and all Nebbiolos are aged 2+ years before release. The nearby Lange DOC also produces excellent Neb.s, but usually at a much more affordable price. According to the Wine Spectator (WS), the best years for Piedmont Neb.s was 2015 & 2016.
That should be enough for this post. Since I’m in Italy, the next one, which is a Food & Wine (appetizer) post, will be specific to this country. See you soon. Cheers!