Italy

The Flavours of Italian Wines

Italy boasts 20 wine growing regions covering the entire country and ranging from the North in Trentino-Alto Adige right down to Sicily in the South. Because the climatic and soil conditions in these various regions are quite different, Italian wines have a wide variety of flavours. Most people are familiar with dry Italian wines: Classic red wines such as Negroamaro, but some white wines from Friaul are also dry Italian wines. Friaul, renowned for first class Italian white wines, also produces medium-dry Italian wines and arguably the best Prosecco in the country. The South Tyrol wine growing region is also well known for its white wines, in particular dry Italian wines. While red and white wines are enjoyed with a meal, a bottle of Passito is often served with dessert. This sweet, Italian wine is a treat for gourmets and wine connoisseurs. It contains no added sugars - its exquisite sweetness is entirely natural. Sweet wines  from Italy can be made from both red and white grapes that are either air-dried or sun-dried and result in a uniquely quaffable flavour with a high alcohol content.

Italian Wine and Grape Varieties

Grapes have been grown for winemaking in Italy since the Greek antiquity. Due to its very long history of cultivation, we have Italy to thank for the survival of the diverse, very old varieties we enjoy today. There are around 1000 registered grape varieties that are used for the production of excellent Italian wines. About 400 of these varieties are used for the vinification of DOC Prädikatswein. Some of the varietal wines most well-known outside the Italian border are Sangiovese, Carménère, Grenache, Montepulciano, Grillo as well as Trebbiano and Grechetto. Once you get to know the characteristics of individual grapes, it is easy to imagine the flavours that can be encountered with Italian wines.

Italian Wines: Recommendations from Vinello

Barbera is one of the bolder, full-bodied grapes. A low tannin concentration and deep red colour are characteristic for Barbera wines. This Italian grape is grown mainly in Piemont, where vintners place emphasis on a reduced harvest for high quality fruit. That high quality fruit is then vinified into top quality red wines from Italy such as Barbera d'Asti, which you can purchase from Vinello. In regions like the Piemont, Barbera red wine is often vinified as a pure varietal Italian wine. In other Italian wine growing regions it is often used as a component for modern, blended wine creations.

Popular Italian Wines

The grape variety Trebbiano is known by white wine lovers all over the world. It is one of the oldest, high yield varieties. It is divided into subcategories such as Trebbiano di Soave or Trebbiano Toscano. The Trebbiano grape is also used for blending and builds the foundation for fresh white wines. Primitivo, is also an interesting grape variety known all over the world, and it is more commonly known as Zinfandel in the New World. There is a DOC region in Apulia where the Primitivo di Manduria is cultivated.

Wine From Italy and its Quality Grades

The quality grading for Italian Wines has developed over its long winemaking history. Among them are the first-class Italian wines: The DOCG wines with a controlled and guaranteed certification of origin. There are 74 DOCG wines that come from Italy alone. Next are some 333 DOC wines with a controlled certification of origin. Italian table wines follow lastly and can be recognised by the designation IGT on their labels. Even some of these table wines can be of high quality and offer very good value for money.

Fine Italian Wines...

... are generally marked as DOCG wines. An especially good Chianti such as the Sergio Zingarelli Chianti Classico DOCG 2012 is also permitted to use the designation Gran Selezione. Most DOGC wines of Italian origin come from the Piedmont, where, in the last few years, vintners have placed special emphasis on high quality characteristics. This dedication has resulted in 12 DOGC regions and another 40 DOC wines. It is easy to see that the diversity of very good Italian wines is vast, and there are always new wines to discover.

Italian Wines and Vintages

For vintners, each vintage year is an uncertainty. Prolonged dry spells hurt the grapes just as much as too much rain. A good example for Italian wines is the 2010 vintage. Cool days and rain brought about very different – and in the end surprising - results. The Tal Lùc Passito Bianco from the Lis Neris winery was even one of the winners for the 2010 vintage.

Buy Wine from Italy Online at Vinello

At the Vinello online wine shop, you will find first class Italian wines sorted by region, variety or winery. That makes it easy for you to select the right wine for your occasion. You can buy a good Italian wine as a gift for a friend at our online wine shop just as conveniently as an Italian wine for a relaxing evening at home. Browse through our „Italian Wine“ category and buy your favourite wine – for any and all occasions.

Italian Red Wine

Do you love Italian red wine? We offer high quality red wines from the very best wine growing regions in Italy at our online wine shop! Italian red wine, whether dry, medium dry or medium sweet, brings the memories of your last holiday in Tuscany back to life.

Wine lovers from all over the world buy red wine from Italy. One of the reasons might be that these red wines are also supposed to be good for your health. It is said that red wine prevents heart disease. But this fermented grape juice is praised for many other reasons. When it comes to taste experience, everyone agrees: Italian red wines are synonymous with absolute pleasure and 'la gioia della vita'!

The Flavours of Italian Red Wine

Italian red wine tastes as if it were 'kissed by the sun'! But as we all know, tastes differ, and that applies to red wines as well. Some prefer semi-sweet wine from Italy that caresses the palate. Another will treat him or herself to a glass of dry Italian red wine in the evening.

Whether vino italiano with a spicy note, Italian sweet wine with a floral bouquet, red wine with a fruity aroma – there is the perfect wine from Italy for all gourmets, occasions and festivities. Red grape varieties grown in Italian wine growing regions are very aromatic and are then transformed into delicious Italian red wines by native vintners.

Italian Red Wine and the Grapes it Comes From

The best Italian red wines are arguably made from the Aglianico grape which grows in the southern regions of Italy. At any rate, this grape variety is likely the very first that was brought to Italy from Greece for cultivation. Another well-known grape variety is the Barbera, which can be found mainly in the Piedmont region.

Another variety used for top Italian red wines is the Cabernet Sauvignon, which has evolved from the Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc varieties. Some other excellent Italian red wines with very unique characteristics are:

• Merlot
• Montepulciano
• Primitivo
• Chianti
• Brunello
• as well as Barolo.

One equally famous Italian red wine is Amarone. This is a DOC wine made from dried Corvina, Molinara and Rondinella grapes.

Which Italian wines should I buy?

Essential is the quality level – after all, a wine from Italy does not necessarily equate with an excellent quality Italian red wine! And the quality levels can be somewhat confusing. The labels on wine bottles contain abbreviations such as:

• DOC
• DOCG
• IGP
• IGT

What do these abbreviations tell us about the quality of an Italian wine?

• DOCG stands for 'Denominazione di origine controllata e garantita'. An Italian red wine that is allowed to bear this rating is guaranteed an excellent wine that is constantly tested and monitored for its quality.

• DOC (Denominazione di origine controllata) are very good red wines from Italy with a controlled designation of origin and undergo sensory testing from an independent committee before they are distributed.

• Italian red wines declared as IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) are delicious wines with specific regional characteristics.

• In 2009, the EU wine market regulations replaced the quality classification IGT with IGP in order to establish a European standard. Both quality designations are valid and mean the same thing. In summary, one can assert that high quality wines from Italy can be denoted by four quality classifications.

What was a good vintage for Italian red wine?

The so-called 1990s wines are commonly known for their great drinkability. Italian red wines from the 1996 and 1999 have been very popular. But both 2006 and 2007 also brought forth elegant wines. These years were very hot and dry, which is why the harvest was able to begin earlier than in most years. 2010 was also a very good year for Italian red wine, and wine lovers should definitely give these vintages a try.

Italian Red Wine: Foodpairing and Drinking Recommendations

Amarone from Italy is a red wine that is on everyone's lips – in the truest sense of the idiom! This 'sensual' DOCG red wine actually started out by accident. The Italian red wine Amarone should be decanted for about 30 minutes prior to being served. The optimal drinking temperature of this beloved red wine from Italy is a relatively warm 18 – 20 degrees Celsius. Higher temperatures can cause its aromas to dissipate.

Several factors play role when it comes to the question: 'How long will an Italian red wine last?':

• Alcohol Content
• Acidity
• Sulphur Content
• Residual Sugar
• Cork

How long can red wine from Italy be stored?

Many wines can be stored for several years. Beerenauslese wines can even be stored for up to 20 years. There are factors that make a longer bottle maturation possible for Italian red wines. Kabinett wines shouldn't be cellared for more than two years, while a Prädikatswein may be stored for over four years. In respect to storage, it really depends upon the wine's acidity. Italian red wines of the late harvest variety, sometimes also equated to an Auslese can survive a storage period of up to five years.

Italian Red Wine With Tapas?

Tapas, tiny Spanish appetisers, harmonise wonderfully with red wines from Italy. Popular snacks to serve with Italian red wines are also Crostini. Slices of Italian or French white bread drizzled with olive oil , rubbed with fresh garlic and then toasted in the oven are also delicious. Italian antipasti such as bruschetta and tramazzini also pair well with a red wine from Italy.

Order Top Red Wines from Italy Online

Vinello.de – the online wine shop – makes it easy! With our Italian red wines, you can be sure of a relaxing evening. We also offer you professional sommelier consultation. Vinello delivers your wine within 1 – 3 days, and you can even purchase Italian red wine from us on invoice – right from your very first order.

Why buy Italian red wine from Vinello? Because we offer you only the very best fine wines from almost all wine growing regions in Italy – with our exclusive cork guarantee and a 28-day money back guarantee – Il diletto puro!

Barbera D'Alba - pure origin in a bottle

Piedmont is blessed with a hilly and picturesque landscape, the cool earth of the Langhe between the Po and the Alps and world-famous wines. One of them is undoubtedly Barbera d'Alba, a ruby red, intensely fragrant and full red wine. The Barbera d'Alba is made almost exclusively from the noble Barbera grape variety and internalises the finest Piedmont flavours and a structure that not only makes long-term aging possible, but also recommends it. Treat yourself to a glass of Barbera d'Alba immediately after the purchase and one after years of storage and you will realize that time is an essential component of the highest quality.

Barbera d'Alba - small town, great reputation

The Italian wine Barbera d'Alba truly extracts the full temperament and zest for life of the character of Piedmont with every grape. Intense play of colours between ruby red and garnet red, deep grazing taste with hints of blackberry, cherry, strawberry and jam and spicy notes of cinnamon, pepper and vanilla. A Barbera d'Alba will remain in your memory, even if the bottle has already donated the last drop. And even when the fruity bouquet says goodbye to the nose and the voluminous taste to the palate, at least the quite high alcohol content remains in the head. A Barbera d'Alba must have at least 12% vol. to earn DOC status. In the case of Barbera d'Alba Riserva even 12.5 % vol. are prescribed. However, most wines exceed this requirement by far. Barbera d'Alba is a sumptuous wine that makes festivals festive and friends happy.

Our VINELLO recommendation

Suculé Barbera d'Alba DOC - Lo Zoccolaio

From the heart of Barbera d'Alba, from the municipalities of Barolo and Monforte, this red wine from the Lo Zoccolaio winery enchants us. Colourful and full of harmony, Suculé Barbera d'Alba is the ideal companion to pasta, beef and pork. With accentuated scents of rose petals and ripe red fruits and finesse-rich integrated tannins, this red wine from Piedmont will bring you into a holiday mood with a long finish and soft taste.

Facts worth knowing about Barbera d'Alba

What is Barbera d'Alba?

Barbera d'Alba is an Italian red wine from the vineyards around the town of Alba in Piedmont. The wine has had DOC status since 1970. Barbera d'Alba is characterized by its often single variety vinification, a fruity bouquet and a long shelf life.

What is Barbera d'Alba suitable for?

The Barbera d'Alba is ideal with pasta, dark meat, roasts, ripe cheese, grilled meats and poultry.

At what temperature do you drink Barbera d'Alba?

The ideal drinking temperature of Barbera d'Alba is 16°C.

How long can Barbera d'Alba be stored?

Barbera d'Alba has a good ageing potential of up to 6 years, with the wine acquiring a garnet red colour and similarity to a Barolo. Store Barbera d'Alba in a dark, cool and temperature-resistant place.

How long does an open bottle of Barbera d'Alba last?

An opened bottle of Barbera d'Alba lasts up to 7 days, depending on the quantity of wine. The fuller the longer. Close the bottle with the cork and put the bottle in the fridge.

Buy Barbera d'Alba cheap online

Order the wonderful Barbera d'Alba wines cheap and uncomplicated on VINELLO. Our selected offer provides you with the variety of Piedmont, which will make a noble companion available for every day and every occasion. The Barbera d'Alba comes directly from Italy to your home via a small detour. Simply order online and expect our climate-neutral and insured delivery. Barbera d'Alba cheap and well packaged - with VINELLO and a liquid greeting from Piedmont.

Italian Rosé Wine - molto rosato, molto bene

The colourful culinary delights of Italy know no bounds - the Italian rosé is a bright pink example of this. In the rural hills of Tuscany, the steep vineyards of Veneto, along the stony coast of Sicily and the vineyards between the Adriatic coast and the Apennines - rosé wine is omnipresent in Italy. Matching pasta and pizza, the wonderfully radiant Italian rosés lure with fruit, freshness and colour and open decelerated enjoyment with ample lightness. A lively change from the daily grind - rosé wine from Italy at your pleasure shop VINELLO makes every moment a gallant pleasure.

Rosé from the Italian Provinces

Italian rosé wine is hard to beat in variety. Made from the most important varieties that the wine world has to offer, the winegrowers from Lombardy to Apulia produce the best rosé wines for a successful Italian evening. Recently, however, more and more winegrowers are discovering the benefits of their autochthonous grape varieties and creating more and more local specialties from Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Canaiolo and Vermentino. Rich in grape varieties and terroir, the Italian rosé wines inspire with a lively freshness and intense fruit that shines in the first league of rosés. With a vino rosato, the Italian name for rosé from Italy, one discovers manifold nuances of a great wine nation in a new dress. Cerasuolo from Abruzzo, Chiaretto Bardolino from Lake Garda or sparkling rosé sparkling wine Spumante after the metodo classico - Italian rosé wines from dry to sweet are waiting to enrich your day with a crisp note.

Our VINELLO recommendations

Italian rosé wine buy cheap online

Join us on a journey through Italy and discover the best rosé wines at an affordable price. The picturesque wine regions of Tuscany, Umbria, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Apulia, Sicily, Piedmont and many more would like to convince you with fresh and fruity rosé wines. Order your rosé from Italy and benefit from our climate-neutral and insured delivery, which brings fine wines from all over the world to your home quickly and reliably. Enjoy the variety in pink and buy cheap rosé wine from Italy on VINELLO - cin cin.