Make Mine Italian: Wines From Tuscany And Piedmont

A modern renaissance of winemaking in Italy is making wine lovers and critics stand up and take notice.  In the 20th century, wine in Italy frequently meant low-cost, low quality and high volume-think straw covered bottles -- with little to get excited about.  However, things have changed in past 25 years and thanks to new laws further regulating Italian vintners, the standard of winemakers in that country is reaching new levels of excellence.

Today, Italy is seen as one of the most prolific and versatile wine regions in the world-with over 100 official vitis vinifera vines -- and thousands of grape varieties.  Italian wines are food friendly and affordable, with many of the wines available in specialty retail stores.  Italian red varietals offer a nice alternative to California cabernets and merlots.  Sangiovese is the grape of Chianti Classico that hails from the hills of Tuscany in Northern Italy, and in the hands of a talented wine maker, this red wine can be absolutely elegant.  Look no farther than the cuisine of Italy to find the perfect match for Chianti.  Try pasta pomodoro (or any red sauce), pizza and roast lamb with this lovely red.

The great Barolo, made from the Nebbiolo grape grown in Piedmont, is the King of red wines in Italy.  And though Barolos are rare and pricey, these big-gun reds are prize cellar candidates, with at least 5 (if not 15) years of patience required before the wines mature to a divine richness.  As a boutique wine retailer, we have only a limited supply of the 1999 Cordero di Montemezolo Barolo, priced under ($40).  This is a great value from one of the best vintages of the last decade.  If pasta and pizza are on your menu this week, try the 2000 Il Mandorlo Chianti Classico ($25) from another great vintage.  It is blended with a little cabernet and merlot, to create a lush, mouth-filling wine with just the right acidity to balance tomato sauces -- and not break the bank while still impressing your guests.

Do You Know These Little Known Facts About Tuscany Wines?

Entertain with the Region’s Finest Wines

Wine can add a sophisticated touch to any party or dinner that you host.  When entertaining, treat your guests to the smooth flavor of Italian wine, specifically Tuscany wine.

Italy produces more wine than any other country in the world, and some of the finest varieties hail from the Tuscany region.  Wine has been produced in Tuscany for hundreds and hundreds of years.  In recent decades Tuscan winemakers have put great effort into the quality of their products, resulting in the excellent Tuscany wine on the market today.  Tuscany wine is enjoyed widely and is easy to find in restaurants and diners as well as stores.

Super Tuscan Wine

In the past few decades an unofficial category of Tuscany wine has arisen, given the name Super Tuscan.  Wines created by making unconventional blends of different grape varieties fall under the Super Tuscan category.

Tuscany Wine Zones

Tuscany is divided into several wine zones.  Three of the most important of these are Bolgheri, Chianti Classico and Montalcino.

What is Bolgheri Tuscany Wine?

The Bolgheri zone, located in the west of Tuscany, is the birthplace of Sassacaia and Tignanello, which began the Super-Tuscan trend.  In recent decades Bolgheri wine has received much attention for the quality of its wines.  Winemakers in the Bolgheri zone specialize in red Tuscany wine created by blending the grapes of Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Syrah, Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.  Several different wines are produced using different combinations of these grapes.

What is Chianti Classico Tuscany Wine?

What more classic image of Tuscany wine is there than the straw basket covered bottle of Chianti resting on a checkered tablecloth in a cozy Italian restaurant?  The Chianti Classico zone lies in central Tuscany.  Red Sangiovese grapes are the primary ingredient of Chianti Classico, but they are generally blended with other grapes, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Canaiolo.  Chianti Classico is a full-bodied, bold wine that makes a good complement to well-seasoned food.  Chianti Classico wine has come a long way from its inexpensive, straw bottled past and today there are some excellent wines produced in the region.  You can still get the straw basket variety if you choose, however.

What is Montalcino Tuscany Wine?

The Montalcino zone is located in the Siena area of Tuscany.  Montalcino is known for producing the Brunello di Montalcino variety of Tuscany wine.  Brunello di Montalcino is a red wine made from the Sangiovese grape and normally aged for at least four years, two in oak barrels.  Brunello di Montalcino goes well with steak, roasts and flavorful cheeses.

More Tuscany Wine

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a robust red wine that is also based on the Sangiovese grape and is similar to Brunello di Montalcino.  Trebbiano is a traditional white Tuscany wine.  Bianco di Pitigliano is produced in the southern Tuscan region of Pitigliano, and is a popular white Tuscany wine.  Vernaccia di San Gimignano, made near Siena, is one of the best known Tuscany white wines.