Quality

To better understand the hierarchy of Italian wines quality, we present their classification with a division into four categories:

Table wines - Vino da Tavola
Wines of the lowest category.
Apart from the name - table wine on the label is also indicated its color, white or red, and the name or brand of bottling company. These wines are usually made from a blend of various grape varieties coming from various geographical zones and can be drunk everyday. Table wines should not be kept to long.

IGT wines - Indicazione Geografica Tipica
Protected geographical origin.
These wines are classified between table wines and DOCs and DOCGs. On the label is indicated the geographical region of origin, for example I.G.T. Toscana - IGT Tuscany, main grape, vintage (optionally). These wines are of very good quality, often equal DOCs and DOCGs despite the statutory classification. To this category belong, for instance Supertuscans, excellent quality wines that can be aged.

DOC wines - Denominazione di Origine Controllata
Controlled designation of origin.
These are quality wines on the third level of the classification of wines. On the label is always indicated DOC, set under the name of wine. These wines are produced in strictly defined zones. Their quality and organoleptic characteristics are imposed by appropriate low regulations, so-called disciplinari. These regulations define zone of origin, permitted grape varieties, maximal yield from one hectare, vine growing conditions, minimal alcohol natural level and wine typical characteristics. These regulations also regulate the production of special wines, such as Passito (naturally sweet wine obtained from grapes subjected to drying or noble mould), Spumante (sparkling wine), and aromatized wines.
Before putting the wines on the market, they are subjected to special chemical and organoleptic analyses made by an appropriate control commission appointed by Italian chamber of commerce. They are given a task of estimating if a particular wine meet obligatory production and quality standards. For these wines are also defined subzones or smaller areas, where strict production requirements are imposed, for example Colli Senesi, and smaller zones or even estates.
Next are defined characteristics of Riserva for high quality wines, made only in the best vintages, that are aged (at least for two years), and Superiore for wines with a higher alcohol content compared with common DOC wines. This classification results from unique soil conditions and geographical location of the production zone of a particular wine.
The current number of DOCs is 334.
The denomination Classico is awarded to the wines that come from the oldest historical zone of a larger winemaking area.

DOCG - Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita
Controlled designation of origin guaranteed.
DOCG is the highest status of wine. Currently in Italy more than 70 wines are classified as DOCGs. Before being awarded to DOCG, it is necessary to have DOC status for at least 5 years. The DOCG wines have to meet much more stricter standards than DOCs. These requirements include lower yield from one hectare, minimal alcohol level, maturing period or obligatory ageing, regulations of chemical and organoleptic analyses before putting in the market. These analyses are made for every batch of wine. Strictly defined rules enable to set on the bottle a special state recognition band with number, where it is written controlled designation of origin guaranteed and typology of wine - Frizzante, Spumante, Classico and bottle capacity.

Featured Italian Wines

Cantina Colli Euganei

Colli Euganei Bianco

A dry white wine made from local grape varieties cultivated in the Colli Euganei zone. This picturesque zone to the south of Padova generates delicate and pleasant white wines. Unique microclima and features of volcanic soils provide perfect conditions for vineyards, therefore the combinations of local grape varieties into a wine called Colli Euganei Bianco is a guarantee of freshness and aroma. An ideal accompaniment with fish and white meats. In summer properly cooled suits very well also with aperitif.

Color: straw yellow, with greenish reflections.
Aroma: delicate, pleasant, notes of apple and peach.
Flavor: dry, fresh, harmonious.
Food matching: with hot and cold appetizers, fresh vegetable salads, fish, white meats, fresh white cheeses.
Serving temperature: 10°C.

Azienda Agricola Luigi Giordano

Langhe Arneis

A dry white wine varietal of the autochthonous Arneis variety of Piedmont. Denomination includes all the Langhe area, so the label of the wine is to determine the Langhe Arneis DOC. The character and flavors of this wine are very similar to the Roero Arneis, this wine is just as strong and decisive.

Color: straw yellow with greenish reflections.
Aroma: notes of lemon, nut and pineapple.
Flavor: dry, fresh, full.
Food matching: appetizers based on fish or cured meats, light first courses, grilled white meats, pizza.
Serving temperature: 10°/12°C.
Alcohol: 13%.

Azienda Agricola Virna di Borgogno Virna

Barolo Sarmassa

A dry red wine made from native Piedmont grape Nebbiolo, with Lampia and Michet varieties, originating from a single vineyard called Sarmassa. The area of this zone borders the town of La Morra, characterized by the soil composed mainly of marls, so called marls of Saint Agatha, which give the wine fairly raw, but with excellent structure and great potential to age. Virna’s Barolo Sarmassa ages for 18 months in French oak barrels and casks, after that in stainless steel and for 6 months in the bottle. The 2015 vintage is considered very good as regards Barolo wines, Sarmassa will certainly maintain its potential for many years, however it’s advisable to taste it now and compare after a few years, to discover its longevity and understand its evolution.

Color: very intense ruby red.
Aroma: fresh, notes of red fruits with balsamic notes and gentle vanilla alternated.
Flavor: raw, full, rich, tannic.
Food Matching: ideal for dishes based on meat, excellent with beef steaks, long seasoned chesses.
Serving temperature: 17°/18°C in large glasses like Burgundy.
Alcohol content: 14,5%.

Azienda Vitivinicola Ornella Bellia

Malbech

A dry red wine from Malbec. This grape variety originates in France, yields quite tannic berries with intense color. Malbech from eastern Veneto is a fresh wine with gently balanced acidity and pronounced fruit notes. Not aged in wood, matured only for a few months in stainless steel tanks. It‘s a good accompaniment to many dishes, especially based on meats.

Color: lively red with age having purple hues.

Aroma: notes of red fruit, delicate spices.

Flavor: dry, fresh.

Food matching: excellent with cured meats, white meats and game.

Serving temperature: 18°C.

Alcohol content: 12,5%.

Azienda Agricola Luigi Giordano

Barbera d’Alba

Dry red wine made from the autochthonous Piedmontese Barbera d‘Alba grape. The Barbera is one of the oldest and most popular grape varieties of Piedmont. Depending on the zone in which it grows, has diffrent aromas and flavors. Barbera from Alba is different from the Barberas of Asti and Monferrato. It has a more intense scent and is less acidic. Barbera d‘Alba from our producer Luigi Giordano is an example of perfection of this traditional Piemontese wine. It comes in a vineyard called Buschet. For 4 months aged in Slovenian oak barrels and then matures for three months in the bottle.

Color: purple.
Aroma: intense, vinous, notes of plums and blackberries.
Flavor: dry, harmonious, warm.
Food matching: large structure first courses, braised and cooked meat, medium seasoned cheeses, cured meats.
Serving temperature: 16°/18°C.
Alcohol content: 12.5%.

Azienda Agricola Luigi Giordano

Barbera Alba Barrique

Dry red wine from Piedmont‘s native Barbera d’Alba grapes produced in the Alba zone. In relation to the ordinary Barbera, this version of wine, as the name suggests, was subjected to aging in small French oak barrels - barrique for almost a year. Therefore, its structure is stronger and definitely enhances the typical notes of toasted wood and spices such as cocoa. It is characterized by a strong ruby color, intense aroma and deep strong taste. This wine is full-bodied, velvety and harmonious.

Color: red, ruby red, intense.
Flavor: velvety, long-lasting in the mouth.
Aroma: intense notes of ripe plum, blackberry and cocoa.
Food matching: large structure first courses, braised and cooked meats, medium seasoned cheeses, cured meats.
Serving temperature: 16°/18°C.
Alcohol content: 12,5%.

Cantolio Cantine del Primitivo di Manduria

Arunte Negroamaro

A dry red wine of the native Puglia grape Negroamaro. Extremely pleasant wine originating from the surroundings of the provinces of Taranto and Brindisi, awarded on the wine festivals (Merano wine festival edition 2014). The name Arunte refers to an Etruscan deity predicting the future with flying birds. Fruity, warm, long lasting in the mouth. Excellent as an accompaniment with beef casserole, roast lamb, beef sauces and sheep cheeses.

Color: intense burgundy.

Aroma: complex, notes of forest fruit, blueberry, plum jam.

Flavor: warm, soft, velvety.

Food matching: perfect with meat dishes, especially beef and lamb, sheep cheeses.

Serving temperature: 14°/16°C.

Alcohol content: 13,5%.

Azienda Agricola Lombardo

Confino

Castello di Meleto

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Dry red wine from the native Tuscany grape Sangiovese. Several years ago some Tuscan winemakers started making their Chianti Classico Gran Selezione in the best vintages. These wines are carefully crafted in every detail, starting from the quality of grapes, selected first in the vineyard and then in the winery. The yield is 45 quintals per hectare. The grapes picked only by hand are gathered to 10kg cases. After the fermentation and prolonged maceration of the fruits with the most, which is done in big oak casks. The wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon is transferred into small French oak barrels used for second time, part of the wine made from Sangiovese matures in equally big barrels, but used for second and third time. The ageing time in wood, depending on the vintage, takes from 14 to 18 months. Gran Selezione is a great wine for special occasions. Extremely elegant, noble and harmonious.

Color: intense ruby red,

Aroma: complex, rich, balsamic notes, spice, ripe red fruits

Flavour: velvety, tannic, long finish.

Food matching: with beef dishes, ideal for bistecca alla fiorentina or beef steak.

Serving temperature: 18°C.

Alcohol content: 14%.

Vigne Sannite

Greco

Dry white wine of Campanian native Greco grape. It comes from the vineyards located in the surroundings of Monte Taburno, the Taburno Mount, in the province of Benevento, in the north-eastern part of the region. As its name suggests, the wine was brought along by the Greeks to ancient Italy. Thus, this grape variety was already known in ancient times, Virgil and Pliny wrote about its merits. The Sannio zone, with many areas rich in minerals, is suitable for growing of these noble white grapes, collected in autumn in October. This is a wine with rich and elegant structure, unusually original.

Color: straw yellow, shimmering.
Aroma: complex, notes of citrus, apricot and peach.
Flavor: soft, mineral, elegant.
Food matching: perfect with white meat- and fish-based aromatic dishes and sauces, cream and thick vegetable dishes, boiled vegetables.
Serving temperature: 12°C.
Alcohol content: 13,5%.