Discovering Italian wines (1/3)
The history of Italian wines is impressive, with the first vines being planted by Greek colonists around 800 BCIf today Italy positions itself as leading wine producer Compared to France and Spain, Italy's wines have often suffered from a reputation for being "cheap" at the expense of quality. Despite its rich history, it is only in the last forty years or so that Italy has regained its position as a producer of quality wines. Like many other countries, Italy is governed by various regulations and offers a wide range of wine varieties. The aim of this guide is therefore to present a series of three articles on Italian wines, region by region, and to highlight the different appellations and grape varieties of the country. In this first article, we will introduce you to the various Italian regulations and present the wine regions of the northeast and northwest of the country.
Regulations governing Italian wines
The four categories of wine in Italy
The variety of Italian wines is impressive. Within the controlled appellation system, approximately 1,000 different wines are produced in 300 different locations While it may seem like a real labyrinth, Italian wines are classified under four categories in order to regulate wine production as well as their quality level.
First, we find the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC). Very similar to the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée in France, this designation guarantees the origin of the grapes and adherence to a strict production method.
Next, we find the Designation of Origin Control and Guarantee (DOCG). To belong to this category, wines must meet all the requirements similar to the DOCbut in addition they must be bottled in the production region and be subject to tests by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Introduced in 1992, theTypical Geographical Indication (IGT - IGP) refers to the country wines that we now call IGP (Protected Geographical Indication). This classification includes many wines made from grape varieties and using non-traditional production techniques in a specific production area.
Finally, the fourth and last category is that of Vino da Tavola, or more commonly known as table wine. This categorization quickly comes to refer to wines without an appellation or designation. In other words, these wines may or may not indicate their geographical origin, grape variety, or vintage on their label.
The Northern Region of Italy
In Italy, many native grape varieties These grape varieties are cultivated. They are specific to the Italian terroir, possess their own characteristics, and impart a particular style to the wine. Depending on the location, climatic influences also vary. Soils, terroirs, and exposures differ, thus shaping different wine styles.
In total, Italy is divided into 20 regions, each of which enjoys a certain degree of autonomy. Furthermore, in each region, wine is produced at least under the category DOCIn this first article, we will focus on northern Italy and the most important regions within this internationally recognized segmentation. We therefore find the Piedmont to the northwest and the Veneto in the northeast.
Piedmont: cradle of great wines for aging
A true leader in wine production, this region is located in northeast of the countryIts name, Piedmont, literally means “at the foot of the mountains”. It is the region of Italy with the largest area of vineyards for the production of DOC and DOCG wines, with more than 40 different names.
Although many white wines are produced there, the region's reputation is firmly based on its red winesFour of them have DOGC status, the most important of which are the Barolo and the BarbarescoSince the IGT status is not recognized in this province, many wines simply use the appellation. Piedmont DOC.
In total, the Piedmont region comprises six appellationsin which we find four grape varieties different:
Within the appellation Barolo DOCG And Barbaresco DOCGwe find the grape variety nebbioloThe wines produced will be full-bodied, with a very tannic structure. The following two links lead to key producers selected by Cavissima, such as Gaja, Vietti, Bruno Giacosa, and Paolo Scavino.
Within the appellation Barbera D'Asti DOC And Barbera D'Alba DOCThis time we find the grape variety barberaConversely, the wines have a fresher style, with lighter tannins, as well as moderate creaminess.
Within the appellation Dolcetto d'Alba DOCwe find the grape variety dolcettoThe vineyards are mostly located on the hillsides south of Alba, near the Dolcetto di Dogliani vineyards. Generally, the wines produced there are quite powerful and slightly bitter. They are also wines meant for earlier consumption, as it is recommended to cellar them for three or four years.
Finally, the Gavi DOCG is produced with a grape variety of corteseThis appellation primarily produces dry white wines. Its name originally derives from the local dialect which referred to the appellation “Ga Va”, which means “land of holes”. The wines produced have flavors of pear and lemon.
Veneto
Located in northeastern Italy, the Veneto region produces more DOC wines than all other Italian regions. The climat The climate of this region is tempered by the mountains to the north of the country and the sea to the east. Regarding the numerous export markets, the three most important wines all come from the west, around the city of Verona. These are the Valpolicella, of Bardolino and of the Soave.
Valpolicella DOCThis is the second DOC the most important red wine region in Italy in terms of quantity. The vineyards stretch from east to west, north of Verona. The main grape variety is Corvina Nera, which offers notes of Morello cherry with a vegetal touch. The wines are generally light and fruity, best enjoyed young. This appellation also includes the following grape varieties: rondinella And molinara.
Next, the famous Amarone della Valpolicella DOCThis is one of the most distinguished wines of the region. It is made from grape bunches dried for at least three months, then vinified. This winemaking process promotes the production of wines with powerful flavors And unforgettableRegarding the Recioto della Valpolicella DOC, The wines are also produced entirely from dried grapes. However, what distinguishes them from the previous appellation is that fermentation is stopped earlier in the process. This process produces... full-bodied wines And slightly sweet.
Another name for the Veneto region is Bardolino DOC, with a similar grape variety to ValpolicellaBenefiting from climat more softthese wines are lightweight and on the fruit.
Soave DOC is an appellation for white wines produced from the grape variety GarganegaIt is the second best-selling wine in Italy, after the Chianti (We will see this designation in the next article). While this wine was originally produced to appeal to a wide audience and therefore be an "everyman's" wine, its quality has increased considerably over time. Soave superiore and the Recioto di Soave are, moreover, wines that have recently been marketed under the name DOCG.
Finally, the last name for this region is Veneto IGT, whose grape varieties are based on corvina and merlot.
Don't miss our next article, which will focus on the wines of the central region, including the greater Tuscany region! See you soon on cavissima.com !