Italy is a country with a rich wine culture, and many of its wines rival those of France’s finest. From Piedmont to Puglia and Abruzzo, discover Italy’s finest wines and most prestigious appellations.

Barolo and Barbaresco: the nuggets of Piedmont

These two appellations are among the finest in Italy, if not the world. DOCG Barolo and Barbaresco are protected denominations of origin that certify the origin and superior quality of Italian wines. Both wines are made exclusively from the nebbiolo grape variety. This is an autochthonous Italian grape variety characterized by its power. In fact, despite its high acidity, it’s a full-bodied grape with robust tannins. It is very often aged in wood and develops floral and fruity aromas, mainly red fruits. Barolo and Barbaresco are wines with excellent ageing potential that should be left to mature for a few years before tasting. They are renowned for their elegance, finesse and fullness, which sublimate the finest red meat dishes in particular.

Brunello di Montalcino: the treasure of Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino is another of Italy’s most famous wines. Originating in the village of Montalcino, in the province of Siena, in the heart of Tuscany, this is a highly confidential DOCG appellation due to its small production area. This wine is made from Sangiovese grapes, which make up 100% of the blend. Intense ruby red in color, its nose gives off a characteristically intense fragrance of aromatic herbs and red fruit. This is then reflected on the palate: a warm, low-tannin, robust and harmonious wine. Less full-bodied than the Barolo, it benefits equally from ageing in wood, which allows it to develop tertiary aromas of leather, tobacco and spices. Its complex structure is a perfect match for game accompanied by mushrooms or truffles, for example. It’s also a wonderful match for racy, powerful cheeses such as pecorino.

Amarone della Valpolicella: an Italian curiosity

Amarone della Valpolicella is a wine typical of Italy, and more specifically of the Verona region in the Veneto, in the north-east of the country. This is a dry red straw wine obtained by passerillage after the harvest. Corvina grapes are stored on straw racks prior to vinification, so that they lose some of their volume in water, enriching the grapes with sugar through concentration. As a result, this is a wine with a fairly high alcohol concentration following vinification. In fact, Amarone della Valpolicella wines are around 16% vol. Its garnet-red color heralds a pronounced nose and a warm, velvety structure. The characteristic aromas of this wine tend towards dried fruits and spices. The appellation’s finest wines are among the most prestigious references in the Italian wine world.

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