Choosing an Italian wine can be a bit overwhelming, but that’s what happens when a country has been making wine for several thousand years. In fact, Italy is the leading wine producing country in the world both in terms of volume and exports. Italian wine is produced in every region of Italy and is home to some of the oldest wine-producing regions on Earth. But don’t let the sheer number of options keep you from exploring all Italian wines have to offer!
With such a large array of Italian wines to choose from, you can spend as little or as much as you like and still get a quality wine. Below we’ve broken it down by price range so you can pair a bottle with a quick spaghetti dinner or give an impressive gift to your in-laws.
Low Priced (under $13)
Masciarelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
The 2017 Masciarelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo opens with lots of ripe red fruit and spice plus a little leather on the attractive nose. An easy drinking and uncomplicated wine that’s perfect for pizza night.
Di Majo Norante Sangiovese
Aromas of violets and red berries complement undertones of leather and anise. On the palate this wine is dry and mellow with smooth tannins that make for a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-drink red wine. Pair this wine with hamburgers, bolognese sauces, lasagna, and even paella valenciana.
Barone Fini Valdaige Pinot Grigio
A bright, light, and refreshing white wine that thrives with lemon and lime flavors that tickle the tongue. There’s also a slight hint of grapefruit flavors on the finish, which make this citrus-like wine a perfect, summer sipper.
Mezzacorona Chardonnay
Basic balanced lively chardonnay featuring fine lemon and pear. Starts simple, clean and fresh, but really grows in the glass. A beam of tropical lime breaks through and supports the wine throughout the finish. A lively and refreshing poolside favorite.
Mid-range Values ($15-$25)
Kellerei Kaltern Caldaro Pinot Grigio
This gorgeous Pinot Grigio displays the fresh aromatic fragrances associated with cool-climate and mountain winemaking. Layers of jasmine, tangerine, cut grass and white almond appear on the bouquet, giving this wine a delicate and feminine personality. A spicy touch of acidity drives the clean, bright finish.
Arcangelo Primitivo Salento
Arguably more well known by its alter-ego Zinfandel, Primitivo is a delightfully brash wine that’s very dark, very juicy and very high in alcohol. Sweet cherries, blackberries and smoked plums mix with tobacco, vanilla, and dark chocolate on the palate. Aromas of cherry jam, spices, and wooden notes. Excellent with veal.
Querciabella Mongrana Toscana Red
The Querciabella Mongrana begins with a fresh and attractive aroma of blackberry, black cherry, licorice, a little mint, wintergreen, chocolate and more. There is a lot to smell and a lot to like here. The wine tastes smooth, harmonious, and delicious with all the notes and flavors from the nose re-appearing in the mouth. Add in a vibrant mouthfeel, and this is a really tasty blend.
High-end ($30+)
Giacomo Ascheri Barolo
This opens with aromas of grilled porcini menthol and a hint of Asian spice while the straightforward palate offers ripe raspberry dark cherry and cake spice. Firm fine-grained tannins provide support for this harmonious and well-structured wine. This is a collectible wine that will evolve over 18 to 20 years if kept in a cool dark place. It pairs wonderfully with roasted, skewered, and grilled red meats and ripe cheeses.
Donnafugata Ben Rye Passito Di Pantelleria Zibibbo
Ben Ryé is one of the most appreciated sweet Italian wines in the world. The 2014 surprises with its freshness and complexity. The bouquet is intense and fragrant: typical aromas of apricots and candied citrus zest combined with balsamic scents of Mediterranean scrub and sweet notes of honey and fresh figs. It matches with caramelized duck, foie gras and blue cheeses. It goes well with pastries and gourmet chocolate like gianduja. Extraordinary alone, as a meditation wine.
Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale Oro
Riserva Ducale Oro is produced only in outstanding vintages. If the grapes don’t meet the winemaker’s exacting standards, the wine will not be made. This chianti classico riserva seeks an even higher level of quality by starting with the finest hand-harvested sangiovese grapes primarily from Ruffino’s Gretole Estate and continuing with impeccable standards throughout all phases of winemaking. You’ll find a lovely and juicy Chianti Classico with berry, dried fruit, black truffle, and chocolate. Full body, soft and velvety tannins, and a flavorful finish. Class with tradition. Drink now or hold for value.
