Tuscany
The most important wine region in Central Italy. The Tuscan countryside is famous for its undulating hills which seem to provide the ideal microclimate to ripen the Sangiovese grape which for years has been synonymous with the fine wines of the Region. The Trebbiano grape has been for white wine what the Sangiovese has been for red. Approximately 15 DOC white wines exist in Tuscany.While Tuscany is best known for its Chianti Wine, there are other lesser known wines of finer quality produced here, e.g.
- Vin Nobile di Monelpuciano - which must have a minimum of 2 yrs ageing of which 2 must be in oak barrel's. For the Reserva Wines, a minimum of 3 yrs
- Brunello Di Montalcino - which must have a minimum of 4 yrs ageing of which 3.5. years must be in oak barrels. For the Reserva wines, a minimum of 5 years is required.
Chianti
Chianti is the name of a specific geographical area between Florence and Siena It must be aged for a minimum of 3years . Bottles of Chianti Classico are distinguished from those of Chianti by the Black Rooster Seal on the Cork. Seven zones of Tuscany can call their wine Chianti:-
- Chianti Classico
- Chianti Montalbano
- Chianti Colli Fiorentini
- Colli Sensi
- Colline Pisane
- Collli Arentine
- Chianti Ruffina
There are other wines entitled to call their wines simply CHIANTI without the addition of one of the above names.Emilia Romagna
Another large wine producing region in Italy, yet it differs in that most of its famous wine Lambrusco* is drunk within the region. Lambrusco can be red or white, often slightly sweet and with a slight sparkle.
Marche
This region is noted for its white wines from the Verdicchio grape . One of the better known Marche wines is Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi which is bottled in a green bottle shaped like an ancient Amphorae. This wine is best drunk young and fresh.
Umbria
Best known by the old Etruscan town of Orvieto situated on the top of a hill and by its wine of the same name. A delicious clean refreshing wine for drinking young and fresh.
Abruzzo
Montelpuciano d' Abruzzo is a delicious rich red wine ( not unlike Chianti) made the Montelpuciano grape . In the past Abruzzo has not been known for its wines, but as a result of major redevelopment and replanting of vines, the area is producing excellent quality which can be had for excellent value. One To Watch ! Not to be confused with Vin Nobile di Montelpuciano a wine made in Tuscany.
Puglia
One of the wine regions situated in the toe of Italy. Puglia produces more wine than any other region of Italy. The main red grape variety used is the primitivio which is known to be a clone of the Californian ZINFANDEL*grape. Again, the wines of Puglia, most notably of Salentino have gained enormous popularity both for the quality of the wine and for the excellent value. Perhaps this is attributed to the abundance of Italian Restaurants springing up in every major town.
Italy | Northern | Central & Southern
