If you love Italian wines, you have probably thought about tasting Verdicchio, Primitivo, or Sagrantino. However, you have no idea which ones are good and which ones you should stay away from. Read on to learn more about these Italian wine varieties. We recommend that you try at least one from each region to make the most of your Italian wine experience. You can also check out our article on Nero d’Avola and Sagrantino.
Verdicchio
If Soave is an Italian wine that takes itself seriously, Verdicchio is an underdog. Its thin, curved bottle, which is associated with the Adriatic, is highly visible. Some producers doubled down on the nautical association by forming their bottles in the shape of a fish. The result was that Verdicchio sank into the bargain bin of Italian wines. Thankfully, this has all changed.
Primitivo
Among Italy’s finest red wines, Primitivo is a popular choice for wine lovers. Primitivo grapes are typically grown in the southern part of Taranto province, stretching from Avetrana to San Giorgio Jonico and into Brindisi. Its vineyards are surrounded by the comunes of Erchie, Oria, and Torre Santa Susanna. This region is considered the heart of Primitivo production, with 19.6 million 75cl bottles produced annually.
Sagrantino
You might have heard of Sagrantino Italian wine before. Sagrantino is a grape variety indigenous to the Central Italian region of Umbria. However, Montefalco is now a growing area for this Italian grape variety. Listed below are some of the most popular Sagrantino Italian wines. If you haven’t tasted it before, you should. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this grape variety.
Nero d’Avola
If you are a fan of Italian wine, you should try Nero d’Avola. This Italian wine has a mysterious edge to it, yet is approachable and easy to drink. Its rich, fruity flavor is complemented by a firm, core acidity. While it shares many characteristics with Pinot Noir, Nero d’Avola is unique and easy to drink.
Lambrusco
A low-ABV sparkling wine from northern Italy, lambrusco is an excellent accompaniment to a variety of foods. It’s the perfect choice for brunch or afternoon aperitivo hour, and pairs well with spicy dishes. Here’s how to pair lambrusco with a variety of Italian dishes. A little chilled, this Italian wine cuts through the grease from fried foods. Pair it with roast chicken, fried fish, or savory dishes.
Valpolicella
The wines of Valpolicella are famous for their high-quality red wine. The area uses post-harvest grape withering to produce this dry, smoky wine. There are four main types of Valpolicella wine: Barbera, Rossignola, Negrara Trentina, and Sangiovese. The region is known for its diverse grape varieties and is home to some of Italy’s most celebrated wines.
Dolcetto
Dolcetto is a grape variety grown in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. This wine is an excellent example of an Italian black wine. Its flavors are reminiscent of berries. Its deep red color and full-bodied taste make it one of the best choices for a special occasion. Dolcetto is an extremely easy drink that can be enjoyed by both men and women. Its distinctive flavor also makes it a great choice for a meal.
Negroamaro
A deep-colored Italian wine is the hallmark of Negroamaro, a red wine grape variety native to the southern part of Italy. It is grown almost exclusively in the southern region of Apulia, in particular in Salento. Salento is also known as the “heel” of Italy. Negroamaro has a mellow flavor, but it is also capable of producing wines with strong tannic acidity.
