Wine
You can’t have a meal in Italy without a glass of wine and more than any other country, Italy reigns supreme in offering over 500+ grape varietals. While this makes Italy a mecca for a wine connoisseur it can also lead to confusion for the wine enthusiast, especially when they receive a multi-page menu full of wine options.
As someone who studies wine, I want you to remember this important fact… Old World wines are labeled by region and not by the grape varieties which is how we label our wines in America.
In Italy (Old World Countries) each region has strict regulations on which grapes are allowed to be grown and unless you know the region, you are going to be a bit confused as to the varietal. To make things less complicated, I would encourage you to keep these top Italian grapes in mind when ordering wine in Italy.
Sangiovese – the most popular planted Italian Grape. The heart and soul of the Sangiovese grape is found in the mountainous region of Chianti, Tuscany. With a medium body, high acidity and moderate tannins the wine pairs nicely with classic rich Italian meals. When you see Chianti on the menu think this grape.
Nebbiolo - This top red grape is native to the Barolo and Barbaresco Regions of Piedmont. When you see Barolo aka “the king of wines” or Barbaresco aka “the queen of wines” on the menu, you know the wine grape is a Nebbiolo. A Nebbiolo grape is one of the oldest grapes in Italy and is delicate in aromas and rigorous in tannins, making for excellent aging potential. While Nebbiolo is a full-bodied wine it surprisingly has the lighter hue like that of a Pinot Noir.
Vermentino is a white grape that thrives along several regions on the Italian Coastline, primarily on the island of Sardinia in the Mediterranean Sea. Vermentino is a dry full-bodied wine that produces fresh aromatic flavors that pairs well with seafood pasta and garlicky dishes. Vermentino is relatively unknown in America thus making for a high-quality high value wine. Think Sauvignon Blanc!
As my journey to Italy came to an end, it became clear to me that the food and wine are not just about flavors but also about the connection to the land. Every meal from the bowl of pasta to the elegant glass of wine, tells a generational story of the Italian culture. I leave knowing Italy will stay with me for a long time to come. That’s Amore!
To see more of my Italy trip and food / wine recommendations visit me at @onelifekitchen