Exploring the Rich History and Unique Flavours of Italian Wine
Well, it’s no secret that Italian wines are some of the most respected and highly regarded wines on earth. Despite facing some tough rivals on the global stage of competitive wine, Italy manages to stand out from the crowd with their incredible wine and captivating history that dates to ancient times. Italian wine is a true treasure trove of flavours, ranging from light and fruity to full-bodied and complex, appealing to all kinds of wine enthusiasts and wanna-be connoisseurs out there. The origin of Italian wines can be dated all the way back to well over 4,000 years ago, to the ancient Etruscans. The history books tell us that the Romans carried on from the Etruscans and expanded the production of wine throughout all of Italy, and so, after many more years of wine-evolution, it soon became one of the largest wine producing countries in the world. Italy now produces more wine than any other country in the world, and it boasts a colossal 350 (or more) different grape varieties, all of which are just as impressive as the other.
Italy is home to 20 impressive wine regions, each with its own unique grape varieties, winemaking traditions, and terroir. These wine regions can be found up and down the country and benefit from geographical locations such as the Alpine foothills in the north, all the way down to the sun-kissed islands in the south. Most of the well-known wine-growing regions include Tuscany, Piedmont, Veneto, Sicily, and Puglia. Tuscany and Piedmont are world-renowned for their full-bodied red wines, such as the incredibly popular (and delicious) Chianti and Barolo wines, while Veneto is home to the UKs favourite sparkling wine, Prosecco and many medium-bodied red wines such as Valpolicella. The beautiful Mediterranean island of Sicily is not only appreciated for its blue skies and picturesque landscapes, but it also produces rich and complex red wines like Nero d'Avola. Puglia, on the other hand, is also very well-known for its full-bodied reds, these include exciting, fan favourite wines such as the one and only Primitivo and Negroamaro. The total land mass area covered by vineyards in Italy is somewhere around 700,000ha, making Italy the largest wine-producing country in the world (by volume).
It comes as no surprise that Italian wines are extremely popular among wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs all over the globe. In 2020 alone, Italian wine exports reached a record high of €6.2 billion, which is an incredible amount of wine! The U.S. is the largest buyer (importer) of wine from Italy, followed not-so-closely in second place by Germany, and then us here in the United Kingdom take third place. We believe that the popularity of Italian wines is attributed to the fundamental level of quality that all of their wines adhere to and their ability to encompass diverse flavour profiles, ranging from crisp and refreshing to bold and complex. Italian wines pair incredibly very well with a huge variety of different foods, making them a versatile choice of wining and dining occasion. Among all of the diversity and elegance that Italy produces, we have three fantastic wines that incorporate all of the history and diversity that Italy has to offer:
Zensa Fiano 2021
Fiano is a grape variety that is native to southern Italy, and it is known for producing crisp and refreshing wines, the Zensa Fiano 2021 in particular is an appreciable example of this style of white wine. Zensa Fiano is made from 100% Fiano grapes and is a bright, straw-yellow in colour with aromas of citrus and white flowers. On the palate, it’s crisp and refreshing, with flavours of mango, pineapple, and banana, with a hint of minerality, golden apples, sea salt, and lemon pith. It’s fun and fresh, and pairs extra well with seafood, salads, and pasta dishes.
Zensa Nero d'Avola 2021
Nero d'Avola is a grape variety that is native to Sicily, and it is known for producing rich and full-bodied red wines, the Zensa Nero d'Avola in particular is an organic, standout Italian red, which makes for the perfect wine for any wine lover. In this gem you’ll find it has a deep ruby colour and is bursting full of aromas of dark fruit, vanilla, and spice. The palate is plentiful and inviting, it is full-bodied and complex, with flavours of black cherry, plum, and a hint of spice chocolate. This wine makes for a fantastic pairing with red meats, hearty stews, and strong cheeses, and it encompasses all that is lovely about Sicilian Nero d'Avola, once you've tried it, you'll never want to be senza Zensa.
Masseria Borgo dei Trulli Saracena Primitivo 2020
Primitivo is a grape variety that is native to Puglia, and it is known for producing bold and full-bodied red wines and the Masseria Borgo dei Trulli Saracena Primitivo is a fine expression of this type of wine. This rich little Italian number is a bit like walking into your most-loved cafe. Not a greasy spoon one, nor a super trendy one - nothing wrong with them but that favourite place… It’s aged in oak barrels for six months and then in the bottle for an additional six months, and the final product is well worth waiting for. It boasts aromas of exotic spices, vanilla, coconut, and dried fruits, followed by rich blackcurrant, chocolate cake and exotic spice flavours. With, of course, fresh coffee on the finish!
Italian Wines are full of pleasant flavour surprises and offer an incredibly impressive range of different styles and flavour profiles. Italian wine is a true reflection of the global wine-making heritage and offer many unique tasting experiences that you don't want to miss. The Oddbins Italian wine range is certain to serve up something to complement your choices perfectly. Not sure which would best suit your palate or meal? Want to know the best Italian Wine to give as a gift? Contact our helpful team for advice via Live Chat, e-mail or by calling 0800 328 23 23 for all the help you need.
