Italy is one of the countries with the oldest and largest wine producing cultures in the world. The diversity in native and hybrid grape varieties as well as wine styles results in extremely quality wines. If you are a wine lover, there is no reason not to learn about the famous wines of this beautiful country. Let's learn with Pasta Fresca about the history, classification and shelf life of the most popular Italian wines today!
Learn about Italian wine
History of Italian wine
The wild Vitis vinifera grape has been cultivated for millennia. The process of wine production has been around for a long time, not until it was colonized by the Greeks. Viticulture appeared in southern Italy during the Mycenaean period, ancient Greece, and was also developed during the period of colonial expansion. When the Romans defeated the Carthaginians, who were master winemakers in the 2nd century BC, the wine industry began to thrive and expand. Until the 17th century, viticulture and production techniques wine be paid attention to. Since then, Italy has become a famous wine producing country in the world.
In 2005, Italian wine production accounted for about 20% of total global production, second only to France's 26%. The country's wine consumption market share has also increased in recent years.
Italian wine producing regions
Italy is divided into 20 wine producing regions from North to South divided into 4 different regions. Nature has endowed Italy with extremely rich geographical conditions and unique climates in each region, favorable for grape growing and wine production. Looking at the overall terrain and weather conditions, we can still appreciate that most of the high-quality viticulture in Italy takes place on picturesque hillsides. Some of the most famous wine regions in Italy include: Tuscany, Piedmont, Abruzzo, Veneto, etc. Using more than 400 types of grapes meticulously cared for by farmers to produce quality wines. quality, high class.
Popular Italian wines
Below are the most popular Italian wines today. Each wine offers unique and wonderful experiences. You can enjoy them on special occasions for your own feel and experience.
Negroamaro of Puglia
Negroamaro is a typical grape variety of the Puglia region, southern Italy. With a name that means “painful black,” the Negroamaro grape demonstrates its unique character through its rich flavor and color. Negroamaro wines typically have a deep ruby red color and rich aromas of ripe fruit such as black cherries, raspberries and black berries. In particular, this wine also has a mellow astringency and a long aftertaste, creating a harmonious and smooth feeling on the tongue.
Primitivo di Manduria
Primitivo di Manduria is a typical red wine from the Manduria region, Puglia, Italy. Originating from the Primitivo grape variety, this wine offers a powerful and unique flavor experience. Primitivo di Manduria has a deep red color and complex aromas of ripe fruit such as raspberries, black cherries and black berries. In addition, this wine also smells of spices, oak and a bit of vanilla.
Prosecco
Prosecco is a famous Italian sparkling wine, typically produced from the Glera grape variety in the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions. This is a dry white wine with fresh fruit aromas, such as apples and pears, along with a mild acidity and a pleasant finish. Prosecco is often used to make celebratory wine, mix cocktails or enjoy on special occasions.
Amarone
Amarone is a special red wine, produced from Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grape varieties in the Veneto region. The Amarone production process requires the grapes to be dried for a long period of time, which helps the grapes increase their natural sweetness and create the characteristic flavors of jam, plum and dried nuts. Amarone is often the perfect choice when enjoyed with red meat prepared from beef or wild game.
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a typical red wine from the Abruzzo region, Italy. Produced from the Montepulciano grape variety, this wine offers a unique and exciting taste experience. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo has a deep red color and rich aromas of black fruits such as black cherries, raspberries and blueberries. In particular, this wine also has silky tannins, not too stiff, creating a smooth feeling when enjoying.
Classification of Italian wines
When learning about Italian wine, we will know that they divide wine into 4 different levels:
VDT level (Vino da Tavola)
This is the lowest rank. VDT wine bottles are mass produced wine bottles, without a specific region of origin. These bottles will have a reasonable price because the quality is not too special, used for daily drinking or table decoration. Most Italian wine bottles will fall into this category, it can be said that this is the most basic bottle of wine.
IGT level
In 1992, the IGT level was introduced. Bottles of wine labeled with this level will come from a certain winemaking region, introduced by the Italian government to recognize mid-range wines that meet production standards. The bottle label has information about the grape variety used.
In particular, the IGT level will have bottles of wine produced using new and innovative methods, thus providing outstanding quality but not complying with the rules like the DOC system.
DOC level
DOC wines must be made from certain vineyards and must meet the following strict regulations:
- Must be produced from certain grape varieties, according to the formula or ratio prescribed by the Italian State.
- Harvested grape output must meet national standards to ensure the quality of wine grape varieties
- The minimum soaking time in the production process must meet standards. The government also strictly regulates that each type of wine must rest in the cellar and soak in oak barrels long enough before being released and brought to the market.
DOCG level
DOCG level is the highest Italian wine classification level. This level includes premium wine bottles that meet all the criteria prescribed by the Government, are of high quality and have achieved DOC level for over 5 years.
Wines that meet the DOCG level are not allowed to sell in bottles with a capacity of over 5 liters, and must be tested at a committee to ensure authenticity and quality. In addition, wine labels of this level are also specially numbered by the Government. Currently, throughout Italy there are 73 regions promoted to DOCG level.
Expiry date of Italian wine
The shelf life of unopened wine is that some types can be kept for 1 year, 3 years, even 20 years, and some types can be kept for thousands of years and still retain the wine's taste. Specifically, the age of wine is as follows. :
- The shelf life of wine is 1-3 years, like wine made from grapes with light green skin, it should be drunk as soon as possible, not more than 3 years to avoid the wine changing color and the wine's taste will be affected. lost.
- Wines with a lifespan of 3-20 years are higher quality wines such as Chianti Classico and Sangiovese, produced from carefully selected grapes so they are of higher quality, increasing the longevity of the wines. This wine. Should not be consumed before 3 years and you can comfortably store it for up to 20 years.
- Wines that are thousands of years old are premium premium wines, such as Barolo wine bottles in the Piedmont region that can last for a century while still maintaining their special taste and price. Much more expensive than other wines.
Epilogue
Hopefully through the above article, Pasta Fresca has helped you answer questions about Italian wine, as well as gain more information to choose your favorite bottles of wine.
If you are looking for an ideal place to enjoy premium, premium wines and delicious dishes in a warm, romantic atmosphere, please contact us immediately. Pasta Fresca for advice and to book a table as soon as possible!
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