Contributor: Tersina Shieh

Italy has been producing wines since Roman times. Like France, the country is divided into wine regions called Denominazione di Origine Controllata or Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOC or DOCG). The wine can be named after the regions or the grapes so it can be confusing to wine consumers. This long country, with high mountains and surrounded by water, has numerous different climatic zones. Together with some 300 native grape varieties, Italian wines are as diverse as the Italian cuisine.

A common characteristic of Italian wine is its relatively high acidity and high tannin, making it very food-friendly. The high acidity cuts through any fat in the food and the tannin complements the texture of red meat.

The most famous Italian wines are Barolo and Barbaresco from Piedmont in the north made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes. It is pale in color with high tannin and acidity. The wine has good structure and concentration – a food wine that is perfect with robust flavor meat dishes. It is also a wine with aging potential and will develop in bottle for a further 10-20 years. Save a few bottles if you can resist the temptation.

The most popular wines, however, are from Tuscany - Chianti, Montalcino and Vino Nobile de Montepulciano made with Sangiovese grape. These wines are similar but lighter in style comparing to Barolo and Barbaresco, and therefore can be interpreted as the younger brother. The entry level Chianti is a good happy hour drink accompanied with snacks, while the more complex ones are ideal with tomato-based dishes.

Southern Italy is hotter so naturally their wines are bigger and fuller bodied, but still supported by good acidity. The best wine is made from Aglianico grape, which is often referred to as ‘Barolo of the south’. Typical examples are Taurasi in Campania and Aglianico del Vulture in Basilicata. They have equally high tannins and acidity, and great structure as Barolo but are deeper in color with more savory notes.

Italy has two sparkling wines: Franciacorta that can rival Champagne, and Prosecco, the trendy bubbles among young consumers. Prosecco is easy drinking with pear and floral aromas balanced by acidity and a hint of sweetness. Retailed at only just over HK$100 per bottle, there is no reason why we can’t celebrate everyday with a glass of bubbles!

This is only a snapshot of Italian wine. Each region has its own grape varieties that may not be found in other regions. Be adventurous and try these unknown grapes. In fact, you can compare Italian wine with pizza. All pizzas have a broadly similar style but they can be very different depending on the toppings. You will enjoy exploring Italian wines just as much as you enjoy trying different pizzas!

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A marketer turned winemaker, Tersina's mission is to promote a stronger wine culture in Hong Kong and China, explaining wine in a no-nonsense way.

This post was created by a Jubee contributor. Views represented are not affiliated with Jubee.