The best varieties of Italian wines

Italian wines are rightfully considered the most popular and prestigious in the world. They are among the five most demanded, because many of the best winemakers are located in Italy. This country is the largest wine producer. And its consumption is about 80 liters per person per year, which is the highest in the world.

The local climatic conditions are extremely favorable for growing grapes, this applies to the whole sunny Italy: from the northern part of the Alps to the southern regions. The most famous wine regions are Tuscany, Veneto, Liguria, Aosta, Lombardy and Piedmont.

Italian wines, whose names often coincide with the grape variety, come in two varieties: red Rosso and white Bianco. You can choose the perfect drink for any situation. Also, these wines go well with all cuisines of the world.

Dry red wines: the mood is assured

Whether you are preparing a romantic date or a warm family dinner, you will win by choosing any of these drinks. Italian dry red wines will suit any table and every event, even the most sophisticated connoisseur will find his own bouquet. Below are the names of the spirits and the dishes with which they are ideally combined.

Aglianico - has a pomegranate color and a pronounced taste, highly flavored. It goes well with pizza or fried lamb.

Amarone is an Italian red wine that stands out for its rich taste and color, but at the same time it is not too sour. Served with noodles, cheese or beef.

Barbera is a deep pink color. It has an average density. It is usually served with pizza, roast beef or lasagne.

Valpolicella is a red Italian sparkling wine. Has a pronounced and very rich flavor. Perfect with meat dishes: pork chops, poultry or beef.

Galloppo (Gaglioppo) - a wine with a rich hue, which has a small concentration of alcohol. Served with beef, pasta and pizza. It also goes well with seafood.

Dolcetto (Dolcetto) - Italian wine, aged on berries and herbs. It goes well with first courses and lasagna. It is also served with enchilada - corn tortillas.

Lagrein (Lagrein) - dry wine of burgundy color with a rich taste. Due to the high level of acidity, it is ideal for meat and fish dishes.

Lambrusco - dry red wine, has a pronounced berry flavor and gives a strong acidity. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that, depending on the year of manufacture, the taste varies from sweet to very sweet. Such wine options are ideally combined with the taste of fish dishes, and sweeter ones go well with fruit cuts.

Malvasia Nera (Malvasia Nera) - has a special taste and a very dark shade (almost burgundy). It has a plum and chocolate aroma and goes well with roasted pork.

Montepulciano is an Italian red wine with a sweet taste, moderate acidity, but a fairly high alcohol content. It goes very well with lasagne, sausages, cheese, pizza.

Nebbiolo is a strong Italian wine with a pronounced aroma of mushrooms, roses and truffles. The word nebbiolo is translated as "fog"; The wine got its name due to the fact that the grape variety (with the same name) used for its preparation ripens in autumn, when the entire region is wrapped in thick fog. The drink is combined with dishes containing tomato sauce, such as spaghetti, meat, vegetables.

Negroamaro - there is such a wine of pink or maroon color, has a unique subtle aroma and is ideal for making cocktails. It goes well with leg of lamb and pasta.

Sagrantino - it can be both dessert and dry. It is served with cheese, meat dishes.

Sangiovese is the best Italian wine infused with currants, blackberries and plums. Ideal with pasta, pizza and dishes with tomato sauce.

Dry white wines create the necessary atmosphere

You will never go wrong with the choice of this drink: it will be the main highlight of your table. Italian dry white wines create an intimate atmosphere, and are also suitable for a buffet table or any celebration

Arneis (Arneis) - translated from Italian means "prankster, wretch." The wine meets fruit fillers and tastes like peach, apricot and almond. Suitable for appetizers of Italian cuisine.

Verdicchio is a white Italian wine with an almond flavor. Has a honey-sweet aroma and a greenish-yellow hue. The name "verde" is translated from Italian as "green". It goes very well in combination with fish or seafood dishes and vegetable snacks.

Verduzzo - it can be dry and dessert. Dessert is different in that it has a sweeter taste and a strongly pronounced honey and floral aroma. It goes well with appetizers, meat dishes, and seafood salads.

Vermentino is a sparkling wine with a sweet taste that goes well with seafood.

Vernaccia is an Italian wine with a citrus aroma. It goes well with almost all types of fish dishes.

Grechetto (Grechetto) - the variety has the taste of tropical fruits and a bright floral aroma. It is in perfect harmony with pasta dishes, white meat, fish and vegetables.

Catarratto is a Sicilian fruit wine that perfectly complements baked seafood or salad.

Malvasia Bianca - has a rich fruity aroma and honey-pear flavor. It goes well with fish dishes, fried poultry and vegetable salads.

Moscato is the most famous white sparkling wine. This grape variety is used in the preparation of Asti Spumante champagne, known to the consumer simply as Asti. Moscato and Asti go well with desserts, cakes, pastries and fruits.

Nuragus is an Italian white wine with a spicy aftertaste and rich aroma. Served with seafood and snacks.

Pigato is a highly aromatic wine that goes well with seafood dishes.

Picolit is an excellent dessert wine with a delicate fruity aroma. Served with appetizers, it goes especially well with brie or blue cheese.

Pinot Grigio is a popular drink with a delicate and aromatic scent. Perfectly complements pasta dishes, seafood and cheese.

Ribolla Gialla is a unique wine with a floral aroma. Combines with fried fish, seafood, corn and creamy sauce.

Soave is a world-famous white wine, ideal for cheese, curd, vegetable snacks.

Tokay Friulano (Tocai Friulano) is a dry white wine with a taste of citrus, peach and pear. Due to this, it is characterized by a fragrant aroma.Complement snacks and fish dishes.

Trebbiano is a table white wine with a neutral taste. It is served with almost any main course. It goes well with veal, seafood and grilled white meat.

Fiano (Fiano) - wine with a rich nutty aroma. It goes well with seafood and pasta dishes.

Italian wine is a sign of good taste. As you can see for yourself, the taste and aromas of this drink are very, very diverse. The choice is incredibly large, so anyone, even the most capricious gourmet, will find his best Italian wine. Berry, fruit, nut bouquets create a unique atmosphere. And one more important nuance: the aroma of wine does not overwhelm the taste of the main dishes, but, on the contrary, gives them a special touch and brings Italy right to your table.

Chianti is the most famous Italian wine

Fine dry red wine from the Tuscany region has the highest standard - DOCG, and it is produced almost all over the world. Italian wine "Chianti" (Chianti) is known far beyond the borders of Italy itself. For blending Chianti, various grape varieties are used, the most popular of which are Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Colorino, Mammolo, Malvasia Nera. There are others: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah. Whites include: Trebbiano, Malvasia Bianca.Italian wine is very popular all over the world, and Chianti rightfully takes the honorable first place among all. The aroma of wild cherries, wild berries and violets create a unique and special bouquet, and the sour and tart taste will not leave indifferent true connoisseurs of this divine drink. Chianti wines are produced according to the strictest standards and are therefore valued above the rest.

Main categories of Chianti

This type of wine is the most widespread in the world, so many winemakers are trying to repeat the technology of its preparation. But, since there are many factors that affect the quality of this alcoholic beverage, there are several classifications of Chianti wines:

• Normale. It is informal in nature, therefore, as a rule, it is not intended for long-term storage and must be drunk within two years from the date of release.
• Riserva. This wine is made only in good years, the best vineyards are used for production. It is aged longer in barrels and bottles and has a higher alcohol content.

Categories of Italian wines developed and fixed in the last 35 years. There are four of them, each has its own characteristics. Their main difference lies in the quality and price of the alcoholic beverage.

Denominazione d'Origine Controllata (DOC) category

It includes very high quality and expensive Italian wines, the names of which sound like "Barbera D'Asti Sperone", "Dolcetto D'Asti Sperone", "Soave Sartori", "Amarone Sartori", "Orvieto Vendemmia Melini", "Pinot Grigio Conti d'Arco ”,“ Cabernet Sauvignon Conti d'Arco ”,“ Marzemino Conti d'Arco ”. Today, this category includes about 250 brands of wines.

It is very difficult to obtain this qualification, because the application for its labeling is considered by the local chamber of commerce, the National Committee of Names, then sent to the local authorities and the Italian Ministry of Agriculture. If the answer is yes, the President issues an additional decree to the DOC Act.

Thanks to such a complex procedure, winemakers adhere to the strictest quality standards in the production of their products, but the price of such a product is also appropriate.

Denominazione d'Origine Controllata e Garanta (DOCG)

This category ranks even higher than the previous DOC. It contains only 13 species. On store shelves, such wines are recognized thanks to the red stamp with the name and number.

The names are: Chianti DOCG Piccini, Chianti Classico DOCG Piccini, Nobile di Montepulciano Piccini, Barbaresco DOCG Sperone, Barolo DOCG Sperone, Chianti Melini, Chianti Classico Melini, Chianti Melini "," Chianti Classico Vendemmia Melini ". These wines are served in the best restaurants in the world, and they also adorn the tables of the royal families. Fragrant bouquets of drinks in this category are a sign not only of luxury, but also of perfect taste.

Vini da tavola

This category is the lowest among all four. It includes ordinary or, as they are also called, table wines.The manufacture of such alcoholic beverages is not regulated by laws or authorities. Producers change grape varieties every season, which naturally affects the main characteristics. Even so, this category includes very good and expensive wines.

Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT)

The newest category that has emerged relatively recently. It is translated from Italian as "Typical Geographical Feature". It only controls local wine production. With its help, standards such as color, varietal composition, origin, harvest year are determined. And the grape variety and the place of its production must be indicated on the labels.

However, in reality, these standards are often not verified, and the authenticity of the data is based solely on the reputation of the winemakers. The new category is higher than the ordinary Vini Da Tavola wines, and therefore you can find quite decent drinks among it.

Sparkling wines from fabulous Italy

These drinks are created for the most important events in your life: they have a unique taste, their aroma is mesmerizing, and you will remember the color and type of such alcohol for a long time. Sparkling wines of Italy are at their peak of popularity anywhere in the world. And all because they have special production technologies and long-term exposure.

Sparkling wines under the names Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino have been the sales leader for many years in a row.

Sparkling wines in Italy are usually labeled with Spumante on the label (which means "frothy" in Italian) or Frizzante (sparkling, but less frothy than spumante). These drinks are very expensive and of the highest quality, for example, Asti and Franciacorta are classified as DOCG.

Sparkling wines from Italy, which are often mistakenly called champagne, are world famous. Every gourmet and connoisseur of beauty is obliged to pamper himself with such an expensive gift at least once in his life.

Italy produces the largest amount of wine. No nation supplies such a quantity of this type of alcohol to the world market: more than 500 brands of elite varieties and even more locally produced wines. This only means that Italians know a lot about this sunny drink, making it original, aromatic and unique in taste.

Reviews

Italian wines are loved by millions of people around the world. Numerous positive reviews once again prove that this alcohol is rightfully considered the best. If you look through the pages of various information resources, magazines, forums, etc., where connoisseurs leave their comments, you can make sure that the sales leaders are Asti and Chianti, and consumers also choose Pinot Grigio or Bianco d'Alcamo ".

However, there are wine lovers who find the taste of the best Chianti drink too sour and even bitter, so when choosing an elite alcohol, you should rely on your own preferences and, possibly, the assessments of reputable tasters.

If you belong to the category of ardent admirers of Italian wine (be it Italian champagne or other types), then you simply must know its international classification. Only with its help it will be possible to purchase the best wines of Italy while traveling or simply exploring the range of wine boutique in your city. Considering the fact that winemaking is ubiquitous in a sunny country, there are quite a few distinctive features, as well as various complex terms.

Classification of Italian wines

The entire modern classification of Italian wines is based on the following factors:

• the place where the vines grow, which provide raw materials for wine material;
• the variety of berries used;
• climatic conditions for the cultivation of grapes;
• the degree of maturity of the berries;
• the conditions in which the wine is produced and matured;
• sizes of one batch of a drink.

There are four categories of Italian wines in total, which makes it quicker and easier to navigate their huge assortment.In particular, labels may include the following abbreviations:

1. DOCG is the designation for wines belonging to the first and most stringent level. All of them are tasting and fully comply with all production standards accepted in the country and the world. On the necks of the bottles there are red or green-yellow paper strips with numbers, which manufacturers receive in very limited quantities.
2. DOC. With this abbreviated name, Italian winemaking has long been used to designate drinks, the source material for which is grapes grown on a certified plantation. Neither strip marking nor tasting such alcohol passes.
3. IGT is the third category of Italian wines, which are produced without such strict quality control as the representatives of the first two. The name of the alcohol contains the name of the region from which 75% of the grapes were brought for its production. Otherwise, the firm can assign any name of its choice to its product. IGT wines are not subject to quality control by any government agency. The manufacturer himself is responsible for their quality, deserving a reputation with his own name.
4. VDT is the lowest, fourth category of wines of mass consumption. They are not checked for quality in any way, the only responsibility of the manufacturer is to indicate the color of the drink. When purchasing products of this level, be prepared for the fact that the same alcohol can have completely different tastes, both excellent and frankly bad.

Major wine regions in Italy

Italy wine map

Italian wines by region is another classification format that helps to understand the current range of products of this sunny country. By the way, it will be said that grapes in Italy are grown and converted into alcohol literally everywhere, but there are regions in which its production was started in ancient times and is flourishing to this day. So, let's begin:

1. Piedmont is the birthplace of Asti's playful wines and the strong, dense wines of Barolo and Barbaresco. Winemakers in this area sacrifice profits and massive sales for the quality of their products. Instead of quickly picking and using the grapes, they wait for them to fully ripen, which takes precious time. Nebbiolo is a complex berry variety whose skins become fully ripe only after a long period of foggy autumn. And such a frivolous Asti is manufactured in compliance with the strict requirements of the DOCG category, which also affects production volumes.

2. Vin de la Sabla

   Valle d'Aosta is a small area where good Italian wine is made “for their own people,” that is, in very limited quantities. It is here that grape varieties grow that cannot be cultivated in any other region of the country. Wines from Valle d'Aosta are concentrated and have a significant structure, suitable for aging in small oak barrels and intoxicating literally from the first sip.

3. Pigato Riviera Ligure Ponente, Sancio

   Liguria is a region that “disgraces” the wine-making glory of all Italy by the fact that, having at its disposal wonderful vineyards, it almost does not export finished products. Higher quality drinks end up in local cellars, while mediocre ones are left to be torn apart by visitors. And this despite the fact that it is in Liguria that the chic Italian red wine Ormeasco is produced, which you will hardly find on the shelves of European wine boutiques.

4. Giorgi Costarosa Sangue di Giuda Dell Oltrepo Pavese

   Lombadia is the region that produces one third of all wine in Italy, with most of the varieties classified in the DOC category. They make good sparkling drinks, good merlot and cabernet, excellent chardonnay with a nutty flavor and a little pinot noir.

5. Vignale Valpolicella 2010 Veneto

   Veneto is a region that produces light, pleasant and unobtrusive wines, most of which have a hint of cherry pits.It is worth noting that the white wines of Italy, produced in Veneto, do not indulge in fruity aromas and are too tart, if not sour. It is customary in the region to consume young alcohol and pay close attention to the vintage for that.

6. Tuscany is one of the most brilliant wine-growing regions, with an area of ​​vineyards that is simply amazing. It is here that the legendary Chianti and other expensive Italian wines are made. The region is more inclined towards the production of red alcohol, the assortment of which is divided into three main areas. In particular, much attention is paid to sharp and young drinks made by adding withered grape clusters during the secondary fermentation process. There are also serious, aromatic and popular foods with berry notes, reasonable acidity, and an appropriate tannin level. And, of course, it is in Tuscany that refined, balanced and delicate wines with a rich structure and bouquet are produced.

Italian wines, the names of which are becoming more and more numerous, perfectly convey the character of the region of their origin, the mood and mentality of people who have linked their lives with winemaking. And since you have decided to get acquainted with the wines of Italy, do not skimp on the first "date".

It is impossible to talk about Italian wines in general - you need to consider each separately taken region, because in each province these alcoholic beverages have their own distinctive features. The best Italian wines are produced in Lazio, Lombardy, Veneto, Sicily and Sardinia. Italian wines from Valle d'Aosta and Emilia Romagna should be noted. You will find a description of the white and red wines of Italy on this page. You can also see photos of Italian wines and learn about their distinctive features.

Italian wines Lazio

Italian white wines from Lazio: frascati, orvieto, est! Est !! Est !!!

Red Italian wine from Lazio: cesanese.

Most Lazio wines do not pretend to be sophisticated in any way. "Roman wines" do not travel for a long time and do not stagnate. Many find a special romance in the absorption of these young malleable wines in Roman trattorias: nothing is so refreshing.

Est! Est !! Est !!! Is the funniest official wine appellation in Italy. It is connected with the story of the campaign of Henry V to Rome in 1111, whose messenger made marks on the doors of the wineries: "Yes". The exclamation marks meant how good the house's wine was.

The best Italian wines of Veneto

Valpolicella, soave, bardolino are the best wines in Italy, which are produced in huge volumes. Among them today you can find outstanding ones, but this is perhaps the exception. In Veneto, they make an inexpensive sparkling wine called prosecco. The region's iconic wine is red amarone: it is made with the addition of dried grapes, but it is nevertheless dry.

Red wines of Italy from Valle d'Aosta

Red Italian wines from Valle d'Aosta: nebbiolo, dolcetto, pinot noir, gamay.

White: moscato, müller thurgau.

Dessert: malvoisie.

The smallest region of Italy is bordered by France and Switzerland. It is known for its ski resorts and protected cleanliness.

Sparkling Italian wines from Lombardy

Sparkling Italian wines from Lombardy: franchacorta.

White: chardonnay, pinot bianco, pinot grigio.

Red: Bordeaux varieties - Barbera, Nebbiolo (local name - Chiavenasca), etc.

The most noteworthy wine story in the region is the rapid rise of Franciacorta. In this area, on the shores of Lake Garda, since the 1970s, sparkling wines have been made according to the champagne method. Very quickly they began to be considered the best sparkling wine in Italy.

Red sparkling wines of Emilia-Romagna

Sparkling red wines of Emilia Romagna: lambrusco.

Dry red: albana, sangiovese.

Wine in Emilia-Romagna is made in abundance, but you cannot find outstanding here: it is “gastronomic”, it is drunk a lot and easily.

White Italian wine from Friuli

Friuli is considered the main "white" region of Italy, although there are also some good red wines.The best vineyards lie in the hills in the east of the region, forming the "Golden Triangle of Friuli": Collio, Coli Orientale del Friuli (COF) and Isonzo.

White Italian wines from Friuli: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Friulano, Istrian Malvasia, Ribolla Jala.

Red: merlot, cabernet franc, refosco, sciopettino, pignolo, tazzlenge.

The region is also famous for its grappa.

Italian wines of Sardinia

Sardinian Italian wines are highly prized. The coastal sandy appellation of Sulcis is especially famous.

Red: cannonau, carignano, giro, monique.

White: vermentino, vernaccia, dessert vernaccia di Oristano.

Best wines of Italy from Sicily

In the time of Pliny the Elder, the most famous wine from Sicily was Mametin. In 1773, Marsala was invented - a fortified sweet wine that began to compete with sherry, port and Madeira. Vineyards cover almost evenly the entire island and is the largest wine-growing region in Italy.

Red varieties: nero d'avola, nerello, perricone, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, sira.

White: cataratto, inzolia, chardonnay.

Dessert: moscato (dzibibbo), including the famous Passito di Pantelleria.

Italian wines from Campania

From the slopes of Vesuvius originated the most valuable ancient Roman wine - Falernian.

The amphora of this bitter wine was worth a fortune. The first great millesimus of Falernian was 121 BC. BC: Pliny the Elder wrote about him 170 years later!

In this region, unlike others, international varieties are not very accepted. Here they are proud of their antiquities.

Campania wines have a very high status. Taurasi from the alianico cultivar is considered the longest-lived red in the Italian South.

Local white varieties:

goeko litufo

fiano

phalanx very peculiar, each with its own bright character.

Another famous name is Lacrima Christi del Vesuvio.

Under this appellation, both red wines (from the varieties Piedirosso, Chashinozo, Alianico) and white (coda di volpe, verdeca) are made.

Red white and sparkling wines Basilicata

Basilicata red wines: alianico del Vulture (alianico), matera (sangiovese, alianico).

Basilicata white and sparkling wines: Matera (Greco, Malvasia, Moscato)

It's no secret that italian wine occupies one of the leading places in world production.

Many Italian wines are known all over the world, others are familiar only to local connoisseurs and connoisseurs.

In this article I I will tell you about the wine regions of Italy, the classification of Italian wines, which will help you navigate when buying wine in Italy, as well as why there is such a variety of wine glasses.

Advice

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Wine regions of Italy

Italy is ideally positioned to give the wine world a huge number of unique masterpieces. Stretched for a thousand kilometers, the "boot" can be found in any combination of altitude, latitude and exposure of the slopes.

The whole territory of Italy is perfect for wine production, and therefore 20 wine regions of the country coincide with 20 administrative regions. In other words, vineyards are everywhere in Italy!

Each wine region in Italy is distinguished by a unique terroir, approach to wine production and a variety of grape varieties. The soil of volcanic origin is often found, there is also a lot of limestone or tuff and fine-stony alumina, which gives the characteristic features of the grapes grown here.

Winery at the foot of Vesuvius Cantina del Vesuvio

Italy has a huge number of rare autochthonous varieties, which makes Italian wines unique and inimitable. Their number exceeds 400.

Of course, the wine regions of Italy such as Tuscany and Piedmont are perhaps the most famous.In their characteristics, they can be compared with the French regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy.

But please don't be limited to wines from just these Italian regions. My advice to you: whichever region of Italy you are visiting, try to sample local wines to expand your knowledge and complement your trip.

Italian wines - history

Italy received a rich heritage from the Roman Empire, including age-old secrets of wine production.

After all Ancient Rome was famous for its wines all over the world, the art of winemaking was developed there to a fantastic level for those times.

We can say that Italian winemaking is over 3000 years old.

But Italian wines became famous relatively recently, because even at the beginning of the 20th century they were not bottled, but brought in barrels and drunk without ceremony, like water.

Classification of Italian wines

While French wines have already taken the leading position in the world, in the 1960s, the Italian government had just begun to create wine certification and classification systems, which was exemplified by the world's oldest French classification, which has existed since the middle of the 19th century.

Vineyards in the fog. Winery Il Paradiso

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Today everyone Italian wines are divided into four categorieswhich you can find on the label.

VdT (Vino da Tavola)

Most common in Italy table wine category.

For wines in this category, the region of origin of the grapes and a clear varietal composition are not determined.

These wines can be bottled, but their production is not controlled.

IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica)

Local wines from a specific region of origin.

The label must indicate the harvest, the name of the area, the color or variety of the grape, or the type of wine.

The authenticity and type of wine is not verified, but the category is based on the reputation of the producer.

Quite often you can find Italian wines of this category, which may well surpass even the highest category in their properties and characteristics.

DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata)

This is category of wines produced in specific regions according to local regulations.

Since 1990, in some regions of the DOC, standards have been set for the main characteristics of wine - color, aroma, taste.

Compliance with these standards is monitored by a special tasting committee.

DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita)

Wine DOCG Chianti

This is

the highest category of wines , the origin of which is controlled, and their quality is also guaranteed.

This category includes such expensive wines like Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico and others.

Italian wine - prices in Italy

Good Italian wine has a "good" price.

Of course, if you know the producers, you can buy good quality table wine either in bottles or on tap for only 2-3 euros per liter.

Generally, a bottle of good Italian wine will cost you at least 10 euros.

Oddly enough, for Italian wines the rule “the more expensive the better” works. Although there are still exceptions.

The best option is to go directly to the winery, talk to the producer, who will gladly organize a tasting of his works for you, and buy the wine you like at the best price. Such an experience will not leave you indifferent: savings plus a lot of impressions.

I'll tell you a little later why there are so many different shapes of wine glasses, and how you can't hold a glass in your hand so as not to pass for “illiterate”.

Why so many shapes of glasses for Italian wine?

Everyone knows that there is a large number of different shapes of glasses for Italian wines, each glass for its own kind.

But what is all this for? Just in order to have something to show your literacy to sophisticated connoisseurs?

It turns out that this is not just an opportunity to flaunt your awareness, but it is necessary for the correct perception of the drink.

The shape of the glass, its thickness, edge and other factors determine what kind of idea we get about wine, our perception of this drink as a whole.

For example, a red wine glass is generally wide at the base of the bowl and tapering towards the rim, so the bouquet first opens up in the wide bowl and then concentrates in the upper tapering part.

Did you know that there is a direct connection between the shape of the glass and the way our tongue works?

Our tongue is a set of taste buds: we feel sweetness with the tip of the tongue, bitterness with the back of it, maximum acidity can be felt on the sides of the tongue, and the salty taste is felt the same over the entire surface of the tongue.

That's why it is very important which zone of the tongue the wine falls on.

Our perception depends on which point the wine contacts in the first place.

A properly selected glass will accentuate the taste and aroma of the wine, while the wrong one will kill it.

Of course, it is not the taste of the wine itself that changes, but only its perception.

Therefore, for sour wines, you need to select a glass with a narrowed edge, then the wine will fall into the center of our mouth, and not on the side areas, which will react very strongly to acid.

And chardonnay, for example, on the contrary, should hit the side zones in order to reveal the acid, and not to weaken it.

Therefore, for chardonnay, you need to choose glasses with a wide rim.

Advice

The wine glass must not be held by the bowl, this will leave fingerprints on the glass and may affect the temperature of the wine. It is more correct and aesthetically pleasing to hold the glass with three fingers on the stem.

Read my other articles on wine, spirits and wineries worth visiting:

Taurasi DOCG - the southern king of Italian wines

Winery Tenuta Pepe heart of Irpinia

De Stefanelli Winery: a dream come true

Soave - love at first sight and sip

What to see in the Chianti area in one day

What is grappa and how to drink it properly

Liqueur Limoncello: history and recipe

Do you have anything to share about Italian wine? Looking forward to your feedback and comments below!

And finally, I suggest you watch a humorous video from the KVN program about the quality of Russian wine ... good viewing =)