Wines From Four Italian Regions To Sample This Summer

The Italian wines listed below originate from the Veneto region in the northeast, Piedmont in the northwest, Emilia-Romagna on the northern/central eastern coast and Abruzzo on the central eastern coast.

Additional information on wines from these producers is on my web log Vino Voices.

Veneto Region

Col Vetoraz. Valdobbiadene, Superiore de Cartizze. DOCG. 2024. 93+ points.

This 11.5% sparkling wine made from Glera grapes using the charmat method originates in hills equidistant between the city of Venice and the Dolomite mountains. Wispy aromas of dry granite, meringue, limoncello. Brisk attack with fine bubbles, exploding mid palate with flavors of nectarines, banoffee pie and key lime pie. Brazen acidity, firm structure, semi-complex and a delicious accompaniment to prawns, crackers with hummus, or cacciatore chicken. Bold, gripping and well balanced. Confident, forward and an orchestra on the palate. Well done! Ambassadorial to Valdobbiadene.

Piedmont Region

Gianni Gagliardo. Tenuta Garetto. DOCG Nizza. Favà. 2021 92+ points.

This 14.5% alcohol, 100% Barbera aged for 22 months in both concrete and wood casks. Complex and somewhat subdued aromas of dark mushrooms and cooked beef, with lavender, black cherries and red cherries. Sparky acidity on the attack, a landslide of fresh and ripe red fruit mid palate and a finish that lingers. Quiet tannins and dominant acidity. A rich gastronomic wine to pair with teriyaki beef or polenta with either bacon or mushrooms. Beguilingly different.

Bersano. Cremosina. DOCG Nizza. 2022. 94+ points.

This 14.5% alcohol Barbera includes aromas of red plums, wet earth, espresso, red cherries and eucalyptus. The mid palate is a swirling and juicy hit of cola, cherries, tarragon, sage, licorice and poppyseeds. Long finish that includes applesauce and roasted chestnuts. This is a balance between heft and fluidity, with gracious tannins and poised acidic undercurrents. Pair with butternut squash ravioli.

Bersano. Cannubi Riserva. Barolo DOCG. 2017. 93-94 points.

This 14% alcohol Barolo is the color of rum and orange juice. Beautifully perfumed nose—a floral and fresh spring garden with lilacs, roses and juniper. Firm tension between fruit and muscular tannins. Beefy yet creamy mouthful with rivulets of acidity enveloped by orange citrus. Pair with shish kebab or grilled lamb and orange sauce.

Abruzzo Region

Cantina Zaccagnini. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. Riserva. DOC. 2020. 92 points.

This dark 14% alcohol wine includes aromas of gum balls, leather, earth, stew, red plums and raspberries. A dark slumgullion of black and red fruit, anise and wild licorice flavors. Firm tannins and chewy chocolate brownies on the finish. Pair with cassoulet.

Emilia-Romagna Region

Poderi dal Nespoli. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. Riserva. 2021. 92-93 points.

This 14% alcohol wine has aromas of smoke and sweetness, earth and orange grove, leather and licorice. Enticing, complex, overt and beguiling. Soft tannins covering deft and dusky dark fruit—well integrated flavors of wild fennel and red cherry with toned acidity. Pair with charcuterie or slumgullion.

Additional notes on other wines from these producers can be found at my Vino Voices site here.