Group of unrelated varieties, of which the most significant are: Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso: Rough tannins. Aromas & flavors: Dried red cherry, herbs, almond, flowers (lavender, geranium, violet). Best DOP: Friuli Colli Orientali DOC. Refosco Nostrano: More acidic and less (but smoother) tannins. Aromas & flavors: Flowers (lavender, iris, rose), red licorice, spices (cardamom, cinnamon, […]
Two related varieties: Raboso Piave (aka Friularo) and its offspring Raboso Veronese. Very high in acid, tannins, and anthocyanins (but loses color quickly). Aromas & flavors: Strawberry, black cherry, violet, tobacco, black pepper. Best DOPs: Piave DOC, Piave Malanotte DOCG, Bagnoli Friularo DOCG.
Low in tannin, light bodied, and light in color. Aromas & flavors: Strawberry, violet, herbs.
Several biotypes, including Brunello, Morellino, Nielluccio, Prugnolo Gentile, Sangiovese Grosso di Lamole, Sangiovese Marchigiano, Sangiovese Montanino, Sangiovese Romagnolo. Light in color. Aromas & flavors: (In warmer areas) sweet red cherry, plum, herbs; (in cooler areas) sour red cherry, red berries, licorice, violet, tea; (with age) underbrush, leather, tobacco.
The most recent Italian wine region to achieve lofty DOCG status, in October 2020, is Terre Alfieri in Piemonte, a doppelgänger of Roero not far from Barolo.
New rules for Bardolino DOC in April 2021 have introduced, among other innovations, three subzones for red Bardolino that will define a premier level of wines with longer aging and stricter requirements.
Yes . . . and there still is, but there is a new way to explore your passion for Italian wine with Italian Wine Central—with or without the IWP exam.
Chianti Classico DOCG has introduced UGAs that will soon be seen on many labels and will change the Sangiovese requirement for Gran Selezione.
Here’s an introduction to two rarely visited but fascinating Italian regions—Basilicata and Calabria—and some wines and attractions of note.
