Famous Italian wines: the most appreciated in the world

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«Italian wines are among the most appreciated in the world: a symbol of excellence and quality, they represent a real flag of Made in Italy. Let’s see what are the most precious and famous Italian wines »

The Italian wine production is among the richest and most diversified, particularly known and appreciated all over the world, so much so that Italy is in first place among the exporting countries of this excellence: the biggest buyers of Italian wine are the United States, followed by England, Germany, Canada and Japan. Among the most famous Italian wines, the reds occupy a place of honor, in particular the Tuscan and Piedmont ones, but also the whites and the bubbles.

Let’s find out which ones are the most famous Italian wines and let’s learn about their characteristics!

Barolo: considered the “King of wines”, Barolo is certainly one of the most famous Italian wines in the world. It comes from the Nebbiolo, one of the finest Piedmontese vines, characterized by a late ripening of the grapes and by the thick layer of bloom that is deposited on the grapes, giving a “misted” appearance to the purple clusters. A full bodied red with an intense aroma and a robust flavor, whose olfactory and gustatory characteristics vary according to the degree of aging, which takes place in oak barrels for at least two of the three years provided for by the production specifications. Excellent with red meats, stews and aged cheeses and served at 18-20 ° C.

Barbaresco: another Piedmontese red wine made from Nebbiolo grapes, even though it is very different from Barolo. Barbaresco, for example, provides longer aging times: from four to eight years. It is considered a more feminine and elegant wine on the palate compared to Barolo, decidedly more decisive and rough; it goes well with red meat, poultry and white truffle dishes. By far one of the most famous Italian wines.

Brunello di Montalcino: A Tuscan red, produced exclusively in the municipality of Montalcino and with Sangiovese grapes from its hills. Known all over the world for its exceptional quality, Brunello di Montalcino improves over time: the older it gets, the better it becomes. Given the long aging times (at least 5 years), it must be re-oxygenated before being consumed, preferably at a temperature of 18-22°C, so that it can release all the aromas of its rich bouquet. Aromatic hints range from fruity to undergrowth, making this wine particularly suitable to accompany game and mushroom dishes.

Classic Chianti: another red among the most famous Italian wines. A true Tuscan heritage, it is produced in the provinces of Arezzo, Florence, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato and Siena from the Sangiovese grape, whose grapes must compete for at least 80% in the production of classic Chianti. This wine is distinguished by its intense ruby ​​red color and by the velvety sensation it gives to the palate. In the glass it releases floral and fruity aromas and, thanks to its robust structure, it is perfectly combined with cheeses of equally strong taste, such as pecorino.

Amarone della Valpolicella: among the red wines of the Veneto region it is certainly the most prized and one of the most famous and appreciated Italian wines abroad. It is produced exclusively in the province of Verona, from different types of vine, among which the Corvina Veronese dominates. Amarone della Valpolicella can reach up to 10-20 years of aging in the bottle, developing an aromatic and inimitable structure. With a characteristic bitter aftertaste and a dry but balanced flavor, it is the star of the typical risotto with Amarone, but it also accompanies meat and cheese in an excellent way.

Cannonau: produced by the homonymous vine, the Cannonau is certainly among the most famous Sardinian wines. Cultivated throughout the island, the Cannonau vine covers about 30% of the entire Sardinian wine-growing area. There are different versions of this wine: Rosso, Rosato (obtained through the fermentation in white), Liquoroso Secco and Liquoroso Dolce, which are obtained by adding alcohol of vine or must  origin, and perfectly accompany desserts and fruit salads. With a full and rich flavor and fruity and spicy olfactory scents, the Cannonau di Sardegna goes well with typical Sardinian dishes, and is very structured.

Fiano di Avellino: a white wine from Campania produced in the territory of Irpinia, mainly from the Fiano vine, known for the sweetness of its grapes. With a straw yellow color and a warm and enveloping bouquet, with hints of hazelnut, honey and fruit, Fiano di Avellino, with its fresh and savory taste, goes mainly with shellfish and second fish dishes, tasted at a temperature of 8 -10°C .

Franciacorta: moving towards the bubbles, among the most famous Italian wines we find Franciacorta, the sparkling wine produced by Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and Pinot bianco vines, depending on whether the wine is Bianco, Rosé or Satèn. It was the first Italian wine made using the bottle refermentation method to have obtained the DOCG recognition. Regardless of the type, Franciacorta must be served cold and is characterized by a rich foam and a refined and persistent perlage, with a fruity aroma and a fresh and pleasant taste. Its different versions make it practically suitable for any occasion: Bianco is perfect for aperitif time, Rosé goes well with vegetables, fish, risotto and desserts, while Satèn, with its soft and velvety taste, accompanies salami, crudité  and carpacci.

Marcella Scialla

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