Italy’s Finest: 5 Italian Wines to Try During Your Vacation

Let us leave no doubt that these are the top 5 Italian wines to try during your vacation to Italy! While you’re at it try a few more to boot (no pun intended). In Italy, people possess an innate love and appreciation for wine. True Italians don’t drink soda, beer, or cocktails. For them, wine is the drink of choice for an enjoyable meal.

Fortunately, the climate along the Mediterranean Sea is perfect for growing a variety of wine-worthy grapes.  These then make for some of Europe’s most prized wines. If you’re thinking about taking a tour of Italy, here are just five of the best wines that the country has to offer:

1. Chianti

   

   Bottles of Chianti – Photo from Wikipedia Commons

   This is a very dry and medium-bodied wine. Among Italy’s variants of red wine, Chianti is moderately tannic, possessing a fine tart-cherry flavor. It’s made mainly from the Sangiovese grapes grown in the Chianti area of Tuscany, from where it gets its name.

   For the best taste, consider “Chianti Classico,” known for its higher quality and stricter production regulations. To fully immerse yourself in the Tuscan wine experience, consider joining a tour like “Chianti Wineries Tour with Tuscan Lunch and San Gimignano” or “PRIVATE WINE TOURS VIP Wines and Wineries of Chianti Classico.” These tours offer visits to wineries, tastings, and exploration of charming Tuscan towns, allowing you to discover the region’s rich winemaking heritage and breathtaking landscapes.

2. Brunello di Montalcino

   

   Brunello inside a decanter – Photo from Wikimedia Commons

   If you like your red wine lighter, then this might be for you. Though less dry than Chianti, it is nonetheless a full-bodied, intense, and concentrated wine, made using Sangiovese grapes from the Montalcino area of Tuscany. For the best taste, look for those that are aged 15 years. But these can get expensive.

   Instead, you can try the younger Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino. Despite its youth, it retains a full flavor that’s improved by an infusion of cinnamon and clove, making it a delightful choice for any wine enthusiast. And don’t forget, get your Chianti wine tours.

   Pinot Grigio

3. 

   Pinot Grigio for breakfast – Photo from Flickr

   Like most white wines, Pinot Grigio is generally light-bodied, dry, and crisp. It possesses a subdued scent, a light flavor, and no oakiness. As the name implies, it’s made from Pinot Gris grapes that come from Northeastern Italy.

   If you’re looking for good Pinot Grigio, those from the Collio or Alto-Adige DOCs (controlled origin denomination) are usually the best. If you’re in Veneto, you can also check try some Folonari Pinot Grigio. This lively specimen has a citrus-y taste that goes well with seafood pasta.

4. Asti

   

   A bottle of Asti – Photo from Wikimedia Commons

   This is a sparkling wine with low alcohol content and a sweet, fruity, floral taste. It’s made from the Moscato grapes around the province of Asti in Piedmont.  To best enjoy its fizzy quality, it’s also usually sold and consumed non-vintage.

   For a good sample, you can try the Saracco Moscato d’Asti. Its natural sweetness and refreshing texture goes well with cream-based desserts such as cakes and sorbets.

5. Soave

   

   Bottles of Soave – Photo from Flickr

   Hailing from the Soave Zone in Veneto, this white wine is made from Garganega grapes. The flavor is quite dry and crisp. Being un-oaked, it also tends to be lighter-bodied. Hence, its taste carries some undertones of pears, apples, or peaches.

   If you find yourself in Venice, be sure to indulge in a glass (or two) of Pieropan Soave. This local white wine boasts a well-balanced texture and a brighter citrus-infused taste, making it a perfect complement to the region’s salty and spicy dishes. Grilled meats and Venetian pasta also pair beautifully with Soave. While sipping on this delightful wine, consider exploring the city’s rich history and hidden gems through a “Venice: Jewish Ghetto and Cannaregio Food and Wine Tour and more!” This unique experience combines delicious tastings of traditional Venetian dishes and kosher specialties with insightful commentary on the area’s fascinating past.

Remember, tasting Italy’s wines can be an eye-opening experience for connoisseurs and newcomers alike. Learning to pick the right one for your meal can make your amazing Italian vacation even more unforgettable. So while you’re there, make sure to do as the locals do and savor the local wine!