The joy of Italy is its ability to surprise. I can’t think of another country with such diversity both in terms of wine styles and grape varieties — vines are grown in every nook and cranny here. Regions such as Langhe and Campania may not be as familiar to us as Bordeaux or Marlborough, but, for the adventurous, they offer some of the most delightful white wines.
Italy also has a handful of regions and styles whose taste will linger in the memory and provide endless drinking pleasure, Chianti being a case in point. Old Chianti can be earthy and mellow, while youthful examples have generous fruit and possess that signature quality of acidity and dryness that make them so suitable to wash down a simple supper or accompany an elaborate feast.
What you should be drinking this week
1 2015 Feudi di San Gregorio, Greco Di Tufo
Wine direct, £15.50
Campania
In the southwest of Italy, Campania produces characterful fine wines. This falls into the glass with a deep yellow hue and, once sipped and swirled around the mouth, has a seductive texture, an almost spicy, dry character and a long finish.
2 2014 Chianti Superiore, Poggiotondo
Brook & Vine, £16.29
Tuscany
A blend of 90% sangiovese and 10% canaiolo, this sits in the glass with a dark ruby-red colour and possesses an attractive perfume. Soft and supple to taste, there is a pleasing vitality about this wine and it would make a wonderful pairing with a Tuscan feast.
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3 2015 Dragon Bianco, Luigi Baudana
Valvona & Crolla, £14
Langhe
A sensational white from Italy’s northern Langhe region, this is ever so slightly perfumed on the nose with a searingly dry, complex finish. A shoo-in for those days when you are gathered round a bowl of steaming seafood pasta.
4 2011 Chianti Rufina Riserva, Villa di Vetrice
The Wine Society, £11
Tuscany
A mature, ready-to-drink Chianti that feels warming and autumnal. It smells slightly smoky, with a gamey, earthy character and a hint of dark chocolate. There is black cherry and a very dry feel on the palate. This will pair perfectly with heavy game dishes such as roast pheasant.
