Some of Italy’s Top Wine Regions namely Piedmont, Super Tuscans, Alto Adige.
Piedmont: Known for the big, burly wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, Piedmont sits high and tight in Italy’s northwest corner. Home to some heavy duty red wines and the ever popular, light-hearted bubbles of Moscato, this particular Italian wine region is dominated by three key grapes: Barbera, Nebbiolo, and Dolcetto. The highly concentrated, ultra dry red wines of Barolo and Barbaresco are both built on the late-ripening grape of Nebbiolo.
Super Tuscans: A unique “Renegade” wine that’s blended with Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Most folks think of Italian wine and immediately images of Tuscany come to mind. Rolling hillsides, medieval castles, walled cities, and endless vineyards all collide to create collective images of the Tuscan wine region.
Alto Adige: Tucked into the base of the Italian Alps, locally dubbed the Dolomites, the wine region of Alto Adige has to be home to the world’s most stunning vineyard views. The wines of Alto Adige impress with a medium body, dry, crisp styles, and bright aromatics.
Table Wines and DOCG Italian Wines.
Italy’s table wines tend to be less expensive red or white wines that are produced to be consumed in the easy-going atmosphere of an Italian-style family dinner. Sometimes they are sold in larger jugs other times it’s in a basic 750ml bottle, either way, they are the mainstay of an Italian dining table. Table wines are often fruit-forward wines, some are sparkling, most are light-medium bodied and all carry an affinity for regional Italian fare. High-end Italian wines range in quality designations, from good to superior. With over 2000 native grape varieties covering varied terrain, growing in forgiving climates and all packed on one outstanding peninsula, you can imagine that the resulting wine combinations would be just as diverse as the subcultures that surround them.
Food Pairing
The wine to pair with everything from spaghetti and meatballs to backyard BBQ fare is Chianti. Or consider Dolcetto d’Alba as another solid red table wine that is made for Italian fare. If you are looking to crank on some steak or other heavy red meat, then take a turn with Piedmont’s Barolo or Barbaresco wine. Both are built to handle high fat, high protein with full flavors, powerful tannic structure, and incredible acidity. Pinot Grigio is Italy’s most popular white wine variety and for good reason. It highlights incredible acidity and makes for easy food pairings. Perfect for seafood, an assortment of appetizers and favorite poultry picks, Pinot Grigio is Italy’s go-to white wine.