A combination of endless unique native grape varieties and diverse geography helps Italy produce a wide range of wines. From crisp Prosecco and dry styles of Pinot Grigio to the deceptive Nebbiolo or the bold and bodacious Sangiovese, the variety of wines that Italy offers is breathtaking. We know that the wine community cannot get enough robust reds from this country, however, it is time to shift the focus to some extraordinary whites that are produced here.
Italian white wines are a thing of beauty due to their crisp acidity and well-rounded structure, which makes them fun to drink and effortless to pair with a variety of food. These whites are gaining the attention of wine lovers who want to refine their palate and are looking to travel the world through their wine glasses. So, if you are a wine enthusiast who loves trying different styles of wine and is willing to get out of your comfort zone, then you have to try white wines from Italy.
Here are seven award-winning Italian white wines you have to try:
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio Alto Adige 2021:
A wine that’ll instantly transport you to the foothills of the Alps, this Pinot Grigio from Alto Adige has fresh and lively aromas of green apples and white peaches, along with sublime floral notes. Do try this wine if you are looking for the essence of European summer in a wine bottle. Due to its bright acidity, the wine pairs quite well with seafood preparations Grilled Prawns and Fish Tikka. Vegetarians can also pair it with a Caprese Salad.
Price: Rs 3250
Imported by – VBEV
Tormaresca Pietrabianca Castel del Monte DOC 2022:
This is the wine for lovers of bold yet sophisticated full-bodied whites. This delightful wine from Puglia has flavours of ripe pear along with hints of citrus, and vanilla that are contrasted by a touch of minerality. Its refreshing acidity makes this wine an excellent pairing for light salads that are bursting with tangy, herby and fresh citrus flavours, like a quick-to-whip-up Kachumber salad. Seafood lovers can also pair it with tangy spicy Prawn Balchão.
Price: Rs 7100/-
Imported by – Vinopolis Wines
Marco Felluga Mongris Collio Pinot Grigio DOC 2021:
For those who value elegance and complexity, this Pinot Grigio makes for a perfect pick. The wine’s refreshing aromas of green apple and pear are wonderfully contrasted by subtle minerally notes. Its lively citrus notes and zingy acidity make it a perfect accompaniment for raw seafood dishes like sushi or oysters. Alternatively, you can pair it with delicately flavoured soft cheeses made from cow or sheep’s milk.
Price: Rs 4375
Imported by – Chenab Impex
Picollo Ernesto Gavi DOCG 2022:
Wines from the Gavi region are known for their distinct floral aromas and minerally notes that remind you of sea breeze. Picollo Ernesto Gavi DOCG 2022 perfectly captures this unique combination that the region is known for, along with notes of peach and apricot. A full-bodied wine that will appease those who like to get lost in the fragrance of their drink, the white wine will pair well with seafood dishes that have been pepped up with a squirt of lime juice.
Price: Rs 3330
Imported by – Gusto Imports
Sensi Collezione Pinot Grigio, Veneto IGT 2021:
This delightful white wine from the Veneto region is a true testament to Italy’s superior winemaking. Apart from the staple aromas of a Pinot Grigio, what stands out in the wine are notes of citrus zest and discernible hints of white flowers. A lean and zingy wine with a clean finish, it pairs supremely with fishes like tilapia, sea bass, and snapper alongside scallops, mussels and clams.
Price: Rs 2450
Imported by – Gusto Imports
Casetta Gavi DOCG 2021:
A fun dry white wine that is perfect for hot days, the Casetta Gavi will fit right on the wine menu for your pool party. Rich with fragrances of flowers and white fruits, this wine is light, fresh and easy to drink. Be it fresh-of-the-boat seafood or a simple grilled chicken, this wine goes with all kinds of lightly seasoned meat preparations.
Price: Rs 2500
Imported by – Agnetta International
Mannara Pinot Grigio 2022:
If you are looking for a fun and lean wine that rejuvenates you with its acidity, this is where your search ends. This dry, easy-drinking Sicilian white is packed with floral aroma and flavours of citrus, apple, pear, vanilla and almonds. While it will go well with all kinds of seafood dishes and lean meats like chicken and turkey, you can also pair it with a crunchy apple and smoked almonds salad that is topped with goat cheese or gorgonzola.
Price: Rs 2295
Imported by – Vinopolis Wines
Tips to buy Italian Wines: Understanding the labels
When buying Italian wine of any kind, it is important to know about various labelling terms that you may come across. These terms, often written as abbreviations on the label are either indicators or geographical location or a combination of geographic region, quality and method of production.
Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC): Wines in this category are subject to geographical boundaries as well as limitations in terms of grape varieties used and the method with which wine has been made.
Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG): Such wines must not only fulfill all DOC requirements but have also been bottled in the area of production and subjected to a tasting by Italy’s Ministry of Agriculture.
Vino da Tavola (VdT): This refers to wines that do not have a specific geographical indication, meaning the grapes could have been picked from any vineyard or area in the region.
Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT): This indicates that the wine has been produced using grapes from a specific geographical indication.
Classico: Over the time, several regional classifications for wine regions have emerged in Italy. The term classico refers to wine that are made on the land that were part of the original classification.
Reserva: This refers to wines that have higher alcohol levels and have been subject to longer ageing than the minimum stipulated by the appellation laws.
Did you enjoy reading these recommendations? Check out the India Wine Awards 2023 Winners’ List to know more about the best wines available in India. India Wine Awards is the country’s largest wine-tasting competition that curates a list of the best in-market domestic and international wines for Indian consumers. Our jury features some of the finest wines palates in the country who are urged to put on their consumer hat while tasting the wines. Click here to check out the winners.