Inzolia is an Italian grape variety mainly associated with Sicily, though small amounts are also found in Tuscany (Ansonica Bianca). The grape was best known for its use in Marsala wine, but it is now often blended with the local Catarratto, and it can also produce good quality varietals.
The wines produced from Inzolia are straw-colored, floral, and usually have a distinct nutty character. The aroma is typically reminiscent of mimosa, apricots, peaches, and citrus fruit. The wines are soft and round, with low to medium acidity and a subtle mineral finish.
Vermentino is a white grape variety predominantly grown in several Mediterranean wine regions, especially in Northern Italy and Sardinia. It is particularly known for producing crisp, aromatic white wines. Vermentino wines are known for their vibrant acidity and crispness.
They often exhibit aromatic notes of citrus (lemon, lime), green apple, pear, and stone fruits. Floral notes and hints of Mediterranean herbs are also common. The wines typically have a mineral character, sometimes with a saline quality reflecting the coastal vineyards where they are often grown.
VARIATIONS OF Vermentino
The term sweet vermouth is generally associated with red Italian-style vermouth. Their red color is mostly gained with caramel-coloring, and the examples of the style are typically subtly bitter and usually sweeter than dry vermouth, while the aromas and the final taste profile are usually reminiscent of spices and stewed fruit.
Sweet vermouth is best known for its use in cocktails, and it makes the bases of some the classics, including Manhattan and Negroni. Some of the most popular brands include Martini Rosso, Carpano, and Cinzano Rosso. Officially, sweet vermouth can have a maximum of 15% sugar.
VARIATIONS OF Sweet Vermouth
Arneis is a native grape from Piedmont that gives the best results in Roero—where it is used in the production of the famed Roero Arneis DOCG. Its exact origin is not known, but it is assumed that it has been cultivated in the area since the Roman times.
Between two world wars, it was on the verge of extinction, but in the 1960s, it was reintroduced to the region as a variety that has excellent potential to produce refined dry wines of great character. The grape is also used in the production of dessert and sparkling wines.
Asti Spumante is a fully sparkling wine produced under Asti DOCG appellation. It is made from Moscato Bianco grapes and most commonly by Charmat method, in which fermentation takes place in pressurized tanks. If it is made using the traditional method, where the wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle, it is labeled Asti Spumante metodo classico.
The best examples of Asti Spumante are light, fresh, and sweet, without being cloying. Flavors and aromas are floral and fruity, reminiscent of peaches, pears, oranges, acacia, and honeysuckle. Asti Spumante wines are traditionally paired with desserts, but they also make a great aperitif and go well with charcuterie.
This white Italian wine is produced in Rome Lazio region with Malvasia Bianca di Candia and Malvasia del Lazio as principal grape varieties. The wine is usually crisp and fresh, with typical notes of white flowers, fruit, and citrus, while it can also display subtle herbaceous aromas.
Because of its good acidity and minerality, Frascati Superiore pairs with fish or poultry-based dishes, as well as seafood and fresh cheese, but it is an ideal accompaniment to light pasta dishes such as cacio e pepe, fettuccine Alfredo, or spaghetti aglio e olio.
This prized Italian wine is produced exclusively from the Cortese grape variety in the Province of Alessandria. The unique climate conditions and mineral-rich soil where the grapes are grown contribute to the exceptional quality of Cortese di Gavi wines.
The best examples are fresh and crisp with typical notes of white flowers and fruits such as citrus, green apples, pears, peaches, or honeydew, as well as a characteristic almond finish. The wines are well known for their balanced and moderate acidity, which makes them a perfect accompaniment to seafood and vegetable antipasti.
Soave is an Italian wine that comes from the namesake wine region, which is located east of Verona. It is predominately made with Garganega grapes, and occasionally small amounts of Trebbiano di Soave, Chardonnay, or other varieties. Soave comes with different quality designations, including Classico, which can only be produced in the designated Soave hillside vineyards.
It can also come in three styles, the dry still Soave, sparkling spumanti, and sweet recioto. Dry Soave wines are crisp, delicate, light, and harmonious. Most varieties produced today are light-bodied, with fresh, fruity notes. Light soave wines are enjoyed as an aperitif, but they also pair well with fish, seafood, pasta, or light appetizers.
In 2020, the production of Prosecco rosé has been officially approved by the Italian government. The wine can be made with Glera and Pinot Noir (Pinot Nero) varieties, with a maximum of 10-15% of Pinot Noir. It has to be produced using the Charmat-Martinotti method, in which the second fermentation, which has to last for at least 60 days, takes place in pressurized tanks.
Prosecco has long been one of the most popular Italian sparkling wines and was only available in the classic white (bianco) version. The decision to include rosé styles has long been in the works, with some of the producers strongly opposing the idea, arguing that rosé styles significantly move away from the original Prosecco identity.
Bardolino is a type of dry red wine traditionally produced around Verona, on the southeastern shores of Lake Garda. It is predominately made with a blend of Corvina and Rondinella grapes, while other, minor varieties may include Rossignola, Barbera, Sangiovese, and Moinara.
Bardolino DOC and Bardolino Classico DOC, which is produced in original, traditional vineyards, are harmonious and pleasant wines that go well with various strong and light dishes. Other styles include full-bodied Bardolino Superiore that must be aged for a minimum of one year, Bardolino Chiaretto rosé, and the refreshing young Bardolino Novello.
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