Guide des vins italiens

Discovering Italian wines (3/3)

In our first articleWe have explored the entire northern region of Italy with you, showcasing the different appellations and grape varieties of Piedmont and Veneto. In the secondWe previously profiled the central region, including Tuscany and Umbria. In this third and final article, we travel to southern Italy. Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicily, and Sardinia, with their diverse grape varieties and appellations, will complete this guide to Italian wines.

Wines from Puglia and Basilicata

The different appellations and grape varieties of Apulian wines

The Puglia region is brimming with exceptional appellations and producers that deserve to be in the spotlight. Located in the heel of Italy's boot, this region stretches across nearly 114,000 hectares, of which 84,000 are dedicated to wine production. Bathed by the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Ionian Sea to the south, the region of Puglia is divided into five sub-regions: Daunia, Murge, Valle d'Itria, Magna Grecia and Salento. 

In the northern sub-regions, the landscape is mostly made up of large plateaus and hilly areas. The vineyards benefit from a climat has continental trend, or even oceanic for the plots closest to the sea. The sub-regions located to the south are characterized by areas with tendency mountainous or plainThe geographical location allows the vines to benefit from climat typically Mediterranean. 

In total, the Puglia vineyard comprises 28 DOC, 4 DOCG And 6 IGTThis is more important than any other region in the south of the country. While the list is long and it can be difficult to navigate, we have compiled a non-exhaustive list of the main appellations and grape varieties. 

  • Castel del Monte del Bombino Nero DOCG

Formerly a DOC, Castel del Monte was upgraded to DOCG status in 2011. Regulations impose a minimum of 90 % of the grape variety black bombino, for the production of a rosé wineThis single-varietal wine has a very bright pink color and expresses itself through aromas of grapefruit, rose or raspberry.

  • Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Riserva DOCG

Among the finest red wines of the Puglia region, Castel Monte Nero di Troia Riserva is produced from a grape variety typical of the appellation, the Uva di Troia, now called Nero di TroiaFormerly DOC, which became DOCG in 2011, this designation must contain at least 90 % of this grape variety. The wines have moderate acidity, flavors of cherry or plum. Some wines also have subtle notes of licorice or sweet spice.

  • Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva DOCG

Also upgraded to DOCG status in 2011, this former DOC must contain at least 65 % of Nero di troia, usually supplemented by MontepulcianoThe wines of this appellation have a ruby red color. They are generally very aromatic, intense and full-bodied. 

  • Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale DOCG

Passed to the status DOCG In 2011, this appellation was located between Taranto and Lecce and produced naturally sweet red wines. Regulations stipulate that producers must produce wines with 100% PrimitivoIn order to be able to introduce this grape variety into a DOCGThey have the choice between very late harvests or drying the grapes on mats or in crates. The wines of this appellation are generally lightweight, very fruity and very low acidity. 

The different appellations and grape varieties of Basilicata wines

Located west of Puglia and east of Campania, this wine region is still relatively unknown but rapidly gaining popularity. It covers an area of 10,000 hectaresIt is also one of the smallest regions in the country. Its development as a wine-growing area is very recent, as the first Denomination of Controlled Origin, the Aglianico del Vulture DOC, dates back to 1971. In total, Basilicata comprises 1 DOCG, 4 DOC, 1 IGT And 1 VDI. 

There Basilicata is also one of the most mountainous regions in Italy. Perched on the hills and mountains, the vineyards therefore benefit from a climat enough mountainous, enough costs but very sunnyThe terroir is volcanic, due to the presence of Monte Vulture, now extinct. 

Here is a profile of the two most important appellations in the Basilicata region: 

  • Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG

Created in 2011, this appellation produces wines in the superior category of the DOC of the same name. Unlike the historical DOC, the vineyards are not permitted to be irrigated or to produce sparkling wines. Only 52 hl/ha can be produced, and the wines must be aged for at least 12 months in oak barrels and 12 months in the bottle. Within this appellation, the king of grape varieties is...Aglianico del Vulture. 

Wines generally possess a beautiful aciditya dress in the color intense ruby and for some of the orange reflectionsThe palate is predominantly characterized by aromas of forest fruitsor even floralaccompanied by subtle spicy notes.  

  • Terre dell'Alta Val d'Agri DOC

Located in the southwest of Basilicata, this DOC was created in 2003. It produces only red and rosé wines. Regulations stipulate that the base of each red wine blend must include a minimum of 50% Merlot And 30% Cabernet SauvignonFor rosé wines, the minimum must be at 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, supplemented by 10% malvasia di basilicataOn the palate, the wines have a beautiful acidity and predominantly fruity aromas (red berries, forest fruits). 

Wines from Calabria, Sicily and Sardinia

The different appellations and grape varieties of Calabrian wines

Once called Oenotria in 1500 BC, this region of southern Italy was inhabited by the Oenotrians, meaning “wine growers.” While only a few traces remain from this era, Calabria still boasts immense viticultural wealth. However, despite significant efforts, the region struggles to comply with various production standards, making it difficult to align itself with the rest of the country. Some appellations were even revoked in 2011 due to non-compliance. Today, the Calabria account 9 DOC, 10 IGT And 1 VDI. 

There are approximately 11,000 hectares of vines, including 70 % cultivated in red and 30 % in white. The vines benefit from a climat Cold in winter and hot in summer in the valleys and on the coast. The soil is composed of gneiss, granite, and slate with some clay areas. The vines are located on steep, rolling slopes or plateaus. 

  • Cirò DOC

Among the 9 DOC, Cirò is the most popular. Created in 1969, it is located in the east of the region near the towns of Cirò, Melissa, and Crucoli. Within this appellation, one finds both red wines (the Cirò Rosso), than white wines (the Cirò Bianco) or even rosé wines. The main grape varieties are the Greco Bianco and the gaggiopto. The wines of this appellation are, in general, very floral and very fragrant. 

  • Terre di Cosenza DOC

New name for the north of the CalabriaIt was created in 2011 to replace four old ones DOC and symbolize a renewal in the region's vineyards. The Red Lands of Cosenza is produced from native grapes Calabrians Magliocco (also known asArvino or Mantonico Nero), which is present in at least 60 % grapes. The Magliocco is also used for rosé wines, which have a much more flexible composition. In fact, the rosé Terre di Cosenza can be produced from any combination of Greco Nero, Gaglioppo, Aglianico and Calabrese (Nero d'Avola). The white DOC are based on the Greco Bianco and the MantonicoIn total, the regulations allow the inclusion of 15 grape varieties distinct in name, whether local, Italian or international. 

The different appellations and grape varieties of Sicilian wines

With 180 000 With hectares of vineyards, Sicily is considered the leading Italian wine region in terms of surface area. However, it is not the country's leading wine-producing region; that distinction belongs to... Veneto (see guide 2/3).

Located mostly at altitude, the vineyards are also close to the'EtnaThey are therefore dependent on a climat Cool and temperate in the north, and Mediterranean, almost Saharan in the south. The soil is volcanic, calcareous and clayey. 

In total, Sicily has 24 DOC And 1 DOCGHere is an overview of the main names: 

  • Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG

Located in southern Sicily, this appellation originated as a DOC established in 1973, which became a DOCG in 2005. Regulations stipulate that the wines must contain a minimum of 50 to 70% Nero d'Avola and 30 to 50% Frappato. The wines are highly structured and remarkably elegant. For centuries, the wines of this appellation have been renowned for their exceptional quality and excellent aging potential.

  • Etna DOC

Located near Europe's largest volcano, the Etna appellation covers 18 hectares of vineyards. The volcanic soil and humid microclimate that benefit the vines give the wines a very distinctive character. 

Founded in 1968, the DOC Etna must produce wines with a minimum of 80% of nerello mascalese, which can be supplemented by nerello cappuccio up to 20%. Etna red wines are often smooth, delicate and with a very pronounced floral character. 

As for white wines, they must come exclusively from CarricateThey will tend to express themselves with a lot of freshness and minerality, brought by the volcanic soil.

  • Faro DOC

Located in the far northeast of Sicily, the appellation Faro DOC It was first recognized in 1976. Like Etna, the predominant grape varieties are Nerello Mascalese (45-60%) and Nerello Cappuccio (15-30%). The wines must be aged for at least one year. The soils are clay-limestone, and the wines are elegant and distinctive. They are concentrated, elegant, and fragrant, with aromas of undergrowth or spices. 

  • Sicilian Land IGT

IGT Terre Siciliane covers approximately 33,000 hectares of vines, making this appellation the most important in the region. The wines produced can be sparkling, white, red, or rosé. Among the best-known grape varieties are... Perricone, THE Zibbibo, THE Nerello Mascalese, THE Grillo or even the Nero d'avola. The wines of this appellation have character, reflecting the warmth of the Sicilian sun. Regulations stipulate that varietal wines must contain at least 85% of the chosen grape variety, which may be complemented by up to 15% of another. For wines made from several varieties, the blend must include at least 15% of each of the respective grape varieties. 

The different appellations and grape varieties of Sardinian wines

Sardinia is an exceptional terroir, ideal for winemaking. Located in western Italy, this island is a true treasure, with a long winemaking tradition dating back to antiquity when Sardinians cultivated vines. 

There climat Sardinia is a true microcosm of the Mediterranean. Made up of hills, plains, and coastal cliffs, the island benefits from a climat Maritime, with hot summers and mild winters. Sardinia is a true mosaic of terroirs, composed of granite, sand, clay, silt or even limestone. 

In total, Sardinia has only one DOCG and 33 other appellations (DOC, IGT, and VDI). Here are some of the main appellations: 

  • Vermentino di Gallura DOCG

Located in northern Sardinia and the island's only DOCG, Vermentino di Gallura produces exclusively white or sparkling wines. Its name is derived from the grape variety. Vermentino and to the Gallura region. The wines produced within this appellation are generally intense and delicate, accompanied by a light fruity acidity and aromas of fresh flowers. 

  • Alghero DOC

Located in northwestern Sardinia, the Alghero DOC primarily produces wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Cagnulari, and Merlot. Single-varietal wines must contain at least 85% of the respective grape variety and be complemented by other permitted varieties. The wines tend to be quite dry and full-bodied, with slightly tannic structure. 

Some white wines are also produced, from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Vermentino grapes. The wines are harmonious, fruity, and slightly acidic. 

 

Just like the rest of the country, the regions of southern Italy offer a wide diversity of wines, backed by a long tradition and expertise passed down through generations. Find our entire catalog of Italian wines on [website address]. Cavissima.com !

ITALIAN WINES

Discovering Italian wines (1/3)

Discovering Italian wines (2/3)

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