Dear wine lover, in this blog post we will take you on a tasteful journey through the world of artisanal Italian wines. Dive with us into the rich traditions and unique flavors that each region has to offer. Be surprised and inspired by the passion and craftsmanship behind these Italian specialties. Discover with us where these delicious wines come from and what makes them so special. Cheers to discovering the best Italian wines!
1. Various grape varieties and terroirs
Italy is known for its rich wine culture with over 350 indigenous grape varieties. This variety provides a wide range of flavors and aromas in Italian wines. Think for example of the Amarone della Valpolicella from Zenato or the Barolo from Guiseppe Rinaldi.
2. Traditional production methods
Italian winemakers attach great importance to tradition and craftsmanship. Often, artisanal wines are still produced in the same way as centuries ago, with love and dedication. Take for example the Chianti Classico from Castello di Ama or the Brunello di Montalcino from Biondi-Santi.
3. Stricter regulations and quality control
Italian artisanal wines often enjoy a DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) or DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) classification, which guarantees that the wine meets strict requirements and comes from a specific area. Such as Pieropan's Soave Classico or Gaja's Barbaresco.
4. Passion for sustainability and authenticity
Many Italian artisan winemakers have a deep connection with nature and strive for sustainable production methods. Think of Benanti’s Etna Rosso, grown on the slopes of the Etna volcano, or Punica’s Vermentino, made with respect for the Sardinian landscape.
Key features of Italian artisanal wines:
- Rich grape selection and diversity
- Emotional and historical value in every bottle
- Strictly controlled origin and quality
- Deep connection with local culture and terroir
This unique combination of factors has earned Italian artisanal wines a special place in the hearts of wine lovers worldwide. Discover the magic of these unique wines for yourself and enjoy a piece of Italian tradition and passion in every sip!
Famous Wine Regions in Italy
Italy is known worldwide for its excellent wines, which originate from several famous wine regions. Let's explore some of these regions and identify the unique characteristics of the wines that come from them.
Tuscany
- Chianti Classico: Famous for its ruby red colour and aromas of cherries and spices.
- Brunello di Montalcino: Made from the Sangiovese grape and known for its complexity and long aging potential.
- Super Tuscans: A blend of international grape varieties with local varieties, such as the famous Sassicaia and Ornellaia.
Piedmont
- Barolo: Known as the “king of wines” for its powerful tannins and aromas of roses and truffles.
- Barbaresco: Made from the Nebbiolo grape and has a more refined character than Barolo, with aromas of dried fruit and spices.
- Gavi: A refreshing white wine made from the Cortese grape, with notes of green apples and almonds.
Veneto
- Amarone of Valpolicella: Made from dried grapes and has a rich and concentrated character with notes of dried fruit and spices.
- Prosecco: A sparkling wine with fresh citrus aromas and a light, crisp taste.
- Soave: A dry white wine with floral notes and fresh acids, made from the Garganega grape.
The diversity and uniqueness of each wine region in Italy allows you to enjoy a range of wines that perfectly match different dishes and moments. Taste the rich culture and history of Italy by discovering the unique wines that each region has to offer.
Top selection of artisanal Italian wines
Italy is known worldwide for its exquisite wines, and the artisan winemakers in this beautiful country produce some of the world’s most refined and characterful wines. In this blog section we will present a selection of the best artisan Italian wines, with detailed information about their flavours and aromas, as well as recommendations for food pairings.
Prosecco: Bellenda Col di Luna Prosecco Superiore Brut
- Flavor profile: Refreshing and fruity, with notes of green apple and peach.
- Recommended dish: Perfect as an aperitif or with light starters such as bruschetta with tomatoes and basil.
Chianti Classico: Castello di Ama San Lorenzo
- Flavor profile: Dry and spicy, with ripe cherries and a hint of vanilla.
- Recommended dish: Pairs perfectly with grilled meats, such as a juicy bistecca alla fiorentina.
Amarone della Valpolicella: Allegrini Amarone
- Flavor profile: Full and velvety, with intense aromas of dried fruit and chocolate.
- Recommended dish: Delicious in combination with game dishes or a hearty cheese platter.
Barolo: Pio Cesare Barolo
- Flavor profile: Complex and powerful, with notes of rose petals, tobacco and truffle.
- Recommended dish: A gastronomic choice with rich dishes such as risotto with porcini mushrooms.
Impress your guests or treat yourself to a bottle of these exquisite artisanal Italian wines and discover the rich diversity and tradition of Italian winemaking!
Where to buy
Are you looking for a nice selection of wines to enjoy? Here are some great options where you can buy quality wines:
- Wine shops: Visit specialist wine shops such as Gall & Gall, VinNaturel, or De Gouden Ton for an extensive selection of wines from all over the world.
- Supermarkets: Large supermarket chains such as Albert Heijn, Jumbo and Lidl often have a good selection of affordable wines of good quality.
- Online wine stores: Explore online retailers such as Wijnvoordeel, Vivino or AH.nl for the convenience of ordering wine from home and a wide range of wines for different tastes and budgets.
How to enjoy
Once you have purchased your favorite bottle, it is important to enjoy its flavor to the fullest. Here are some tips to get more enjoyment from your wines:
- Serving temperature: Make sure to serve red wines at room temperature (between 16-18 °C) and white and rosé wines chilled (between 8-12 °C) for the best taste experience.
- Decanting: Let red wines breathe by decanting them before serving. This opens up the aromas and enhances the flavor.
- Wine glasses: Use the right glassware for the type of wine you are drinking. For example, a Bordeaux glass for red wine or a tulip glass for white wine to allow the aromas to come out better.
- Storage advice: Store your wines in a cool, dark place, preferably lying down to keep the cork moist and prevent oxidation.
Example:
Let’s say you want to buy a bottle of Viljoensdrift Chardonnay to enjoy. Head to De Gouden Ton in Amsterdam, where they have an excellent selection of South African wines, including this premium Chardonnay. Remember to put the bottle in the fridge before serving to bring out the best flavors.
With these tips and recommendations, you'll be well on your way to enjoying your favorite wines to the fullest and getting the best experience out of every sip. Cheers! 🍷
Taste the flavors of Italy with these unique wines
There is so much to discover and enjoy in the world of Italian wines. So be sure to try a few bottles from different regions to experience the diversity of Italian wine. Be surprised by the rich traditions and craftsmanship in every sip you take. Cheers to a world full of beautiful artisanal Italian wines!
Frequently asked questions about our Italian delicacies
Some of the most popular Italian artisanal wines are Barolo and Brunello di Montalcino. Barolo is produced in the Piedmont region in northwestern Italy. It is a full-bodied red wine made from the Nebbiolo grape. Brunello di Montalcino comes from the Tuscany region in central Italy and is made from the Sangiovese Grosso grape. These wines are known for their high quality and complex flavors. If you are a lover of Italian wines, then Barolo and Brunello di Montalcino will definitely please!
In Italy, several regions are known for their artisanal wine production. Some famous regions are Piedmont, Tuscany, Veneto, Sicily and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. These regions produce high-quality wines that are known worldwide, such as Barolo and Barbaresco from Piedmont, Chianti from Tuscany, Amarone from Veneto and Nero d'Avola from Sicily. Each of these regions has a unique terroir and climate that contributes to the diversity and quality of their wines.
Terroir plays a vital role in the creation of artisanal Italian wines. It includes factors such as soil conditions, climate, altitude and vineyard location. This unique combination of natural elements influences the growth and ripening of the grapes, which in turn determines the taste and quality of the wine. For example, chalky soils can produce wines with higher acidity, while grapes grown in warmer climates tend to be richer and fruitier. In short, terroir plays a crucial role in the character and identity of artisanal Italian wines.
An Italian wine is considered artisanal because of the meticulous attention to detail and traditional winemaking methods that are applied. This includes hand harvesting, careful selection of grapes, slow and natural fermentation, aging in wooden barrels and preserving the unique characteristics of the grape variety and terroir.
Also distinctive of artisanal Italian wines is the focus on quality over quantity, the passion and dedication of winemakers who have often been active in the same family for generations, and the desire to preserve local traditions and flavors. This results in wines that are rich in complexity, character and a pronounced personality, which distinguishes them from regular wines that are often produced on a larger scale and with less attention to detail.
The quality of artisanal Italian wines is guaranteed and certified by various legal and regulatory bodies, such as the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) systems. These systems establish strict rules and regulations regarding grape cultivation, production processes and the regional origin of the wine. Wines that meet these criteria are accredited with the corresponding seal of quality, which guarantees their authenticity and quality. In this way, the consumer is protected and can trust the provenance and genuine artisanal nature of Italian wines.
Craft Italian wines often use traditional production methods, such as hand-picking, natural fermentation and long-term aging in wooden barrels. They also often use specific grape varieties that are typical of the region where the wine comes from, such as Sangiovese for Chianti in Tuscany or Nebbiolo for Barolo in Piedmont. The result is a unique and characterful wine that reflects the traditions and flavors of Italy.
When making artisanal Italian wines, grape varieties such as Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Montepulciano, and Aglianico are often used. These grape varieties play an important role in producing well-known Italian wines such as Chianti, Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera d'Asti, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, and Taurasi. These grapes provide a wide range of flavors and characteristics that contribute to the diversity and richness of Italian wine production.
