CampaniaThe major wines of Campania are Falanghina (a fresh, easygoing white), Aglianico (a full-bodied red made from the local grape variety), Piedirosso (a simple but tasty red wine), and Lacrima Christi ("tears of Christ", much of it made near Vesuvius). The most sumptuous wines come from Eastern Campania, such as the rich Taurasi, light Greco di Tufo, and floral Fiano di Avellino. Specific Wineries:
Elsewhere in ItalyAmong the most famous wines of Italy are Brunello (from Montalcino, Tuscany) and Barolo (from Cuneo, Piedmont). For more information about Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino, take a look at the Montalcino travel section. Other well-known varieties are Chianti (from a large area of Tuscany), Sagratino (Umbria's answer to Brunello), and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (from the eponomous town in Tuscany). Also recommended: Amarone della Valpolicella (from Vernona), a robust, full-bodied red and Nero d'Avola (from Sicily), a dark, robust wine from Sicily. Moio del Massico - another recommended southern Italian wine.AppellationsWines in Italy can have VDT, IGT, DOC, and DOCG "appellations"; see the Wikipedia Italian wine page for a good explanation. |
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Wines
Winery/Label | Grape/Type | Vintage | Cost | Notes/characteristics |
---|---|---|---|---|
Il Vecchio Casato | Rosso Salento | 2007? | <€5 | Drinkable, easygoing table wine; only €1 at Auchan! |
Casa Vinicola Coppi | Primitivo (Puglia IGT) | 2006 | €5-10 | simple/uncomplicated, smooth, fruity: plums |
Tenuta Rapitalà | Nero d'Avola | 2008 | €5-10 | peppery, rich, dark, blackberries & plums |
Batasiolo | Asti DOCG | 2008 | €5-10 | bubbly, sweet but not overly so, $8 at NEX |
Château les Aiguières | Saint Emilion | 2005 | €10-15 | delicious, rich, but drinkable--but let it breathe before drinking |
Fontana Delle Selve | IGT Beneventano Rosso | 2008? | <€5 | very smooth...not sure of price |
Terradora | Taurasi (DOCG) | 2003 | €10-15 | plums/prunes, silky smooth, balanced |
Feudi di San Gregorio | Trigaio (Campania Rosso IGT) | 2008 | <€5 | rich cherry & floral nose, mildly acidic, cranberry finish, €2 at Metro great value! |
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