This is the second of three posts I am doing about Italy. In the first, I covered the Northern wine regions. In this one, I will cover the central wine regions using my notes and the 2 encyclopedic references WAoW & OCtW. “The heart and perhaps the soul of Italy lie in this central, slightly westwards skewed slice of the peninsula” (WAoW). The cities of Florence and Rome, as well as the iconic countryside of Tuscany/ Chianti are found here. In general, the most planted white grape is Trebbiano and the most planted red grape is Sangiovese.
Moving from east to west, the first major region you come to is Emilia-Romagna. This area is a large producer of Lambrusco, a popular sparkling wine that can go from dry to sweet. It also has a DOCG, Valtellina Superior, that grows an excellent Chiavennasca (a type of Nebbiolo). The next one you come to is Marches, where whites like Verdecchio and Trebbiano do well. The next region is Umbria, where whites like Trebbiano or Grechetto do well. There are also some estates growing Sangioveses that compete with Tuscany. Additionally, you will find the ancient Etruscan city of Orvieto, who’s “mag- nificent 3,000 year old cellars are a unique example of prehistoric technology” (WAoW).
Finally, we come to Tuscany, a large region that contains several smaller areas, including Chianti Classico. Chianti wine, from the Sangiovese grape, has been made here since the 14th century and they have gotten very good at it! Two smaller areas in greater Chianti worth mentioning are Brunello & Montepulciano. Both grow there own variation of a Sangiovese. In Brunello, it’s 100% Sangio. and must be aged for a minimum of 4 years. In Montepulciano, it’s at least 70% Sangio. and must be aged for at least 2 years. That just leaves Chianti Classico, the “granddaddy” of them all. Now divided into 11 microclimate sub-zones, this small area between Florence and Sienna makes some of the best wines in the World. Their Reservas (38% of total volume) are excellent and can frequently be found in Steve’s price range; while their Gran Seleziones (5%) are always OUTSTANDING and will age for 10-20 years (definitely Reggie III’s range). According to the Wine Spectator, 2015-2016 are currently the best years and Antinori, San Felice, Capraia, Castello Banfi, Baron Ricasoli, and Mazzei (Castello di Fonterutuli) are all excellent wineries whose Chianti’s you should be able to find at most wine/ liquor stores. My personal favorite is Mazzei!
That is more than enough for now. Next week will be the Wine of the Month for March. No hints this time, you’ll just have to wait and seen what it is. Cheers!