Italian Wine Country!

The history of Italy is intertwined with the history of winemaking, and some of the best bottles in the world come from this country’s many famous grapes and regions. The process of winemaking was originally introduced to Italy by the Greeks, who were so thrilled by the country’s perfect climate for vineyards that they named it Oenotria, which roughly translates to, “the land of trained vines.” Over the years the Etruscans and Romans improved growing techniques, and today Italian wines are prized for their richness and diversity all over the world. If you’re planning a trip to Italian wine country, here are some of the must visit regions for tastings.

1. Amarone

Produced in the northern region of Veneto, just outside of Venice, Amarone is made from air-dried corvina grapes, using the recioto method. This involves picking grapes that protrude from the cluster and therefore are most exposed to the sun, and produces a full-bodied wine that would be more common to warmer regions. Another important part of this process is the air-drying of the grapes, which causes much of their water to evaporate, increases their flavour and the alcohol content, which tends to be between 14 and 16 percent. Amarone is a viscous port-like wine in texture, and its strong but complex taste goes great with cheeses and bold flavours.

2. Barolo

Barolo is a big, full-bodied wine with notes of strawberry, tobacco, chocolate, and vanilla, which make it commonly referred to as “the wine of kings, the king of wines.” Produced using Nebbiolo grapes from the region of the Langhe Hills of Piedmont, they are known to improve significantly with age, and are required by law to be aged for a minimum of three years. But when buying and tasting, be sure to look for bottles that have aged well over the minimum as they do take time to shed their tannic taste and develop into the rich reds that are best accompanied by creamy pastas and red meats.

3. Chianti

Chiantis were once a common and relatively cheap table wine used throughout the world, but today with the help of government regulations these Tuscan reds have developed into one of Italy’s prized wines. Made primarily from Sangiovese grapes, but sometimes including traces of Merlot, Cab Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chianti tends to be high in acidity but full of the fruity flavour of plums and cherries. One of Italy’s most famous wines from this region is the Brunello di Montalcino, which was recently presented by the Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi as a gift to US President Barack Obama.

4. Barbaresco

Hailing from a nearby region and holding a similar style to Barolo, Barbaresco is also made from Nebbiolo grapes, but hold a slightly softer and less extravagant taste. This is caused by the slight (albeit only 10 or so miles) maritime influence that Barbaresco receives from being south of the river Tanaro, which makes the early tannins a little less harsh than the Barolo and the required ageing time less. Similar to the Barolo, however, it pairs great with the rich foods of the region, and the production is extremely consistent in quality.

Wherever you choose to taste in Italy or at home, you’re bound to be both excited and soothed by the variety of tastes and styles that make up the famous selection of the country’s red wine, you can get them delivered at the comfort of your home, online retailers like Tesco offer you this chance.