Regarding wine, Italy stands unparalleled, with regions like Tuscany and Veneto gaining global recognition. Yet, the Italian peninsula hides some of its best-kept secrets: four wine regions lesser-known but equally enchanting. While Italy houses over 20 wine regions, we spotlight four that deserve your attention on your next wine tour.
Calabria: Ancient Grapes and Rugged Beauty
Wedged between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas, Calabria cradles vineyards that date back centuries. This wine haven, primarily overshadowed by its contemporaries, is a treasury of Italy’s rarer grape varieties. A staggering 90% of Calabria’s wine production leans toward the red spectrum, predominantly from the Gaglioppo grape. A sip of the ancient Ciro wine, celebrated for its robust fruity essence, transports one back in time. And when in Calabria, one doesn’t simply taste the wine; they experience it. Numerous wineries open their doors for authentic tastings set against Calabria’s striking mountainous landscapes.
Umbria: Where Gastronomy and Wine Dance in Harmony
Just a stone’s throw north of Rome, Umbria beckons. Its hills, lakes, and unique microclimates foster an array of grape varieties. With red wines encompassing Sangiovese, Merlot, and Sagrantino and white wines flourishing with Verdello and Grechetto, Umbria promises a wine odyssey like no other. Amidst the wine trails, the gothic charm of Orvieto city stands proud, with the majestic Cathedral of Orvieto inviting admiration. While you’re here, the Cascate delle Marmore, Europe’s high-octane waterfall, deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Lake Corbara Vineyards, Umbria
Liguria: Coastal Vines and Artisanal Touches
Beyond the allure of its beaches and the famous Cinque Terre, Liguria nestles small-scale wineries that craft wines with a personalized touch. The region is revered for its white wines, especially from the Vermentino grape. Their exclusivity? Many of these wines rarely see the light beyond Liguria, making them coveted treasures for wine aficionados visiting the area.
Le Marche: Diversity in Every Drop
Le Marche is a melange of landscapes and flavours, flanked by the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine mountains. It’s vast, encompassing roughly 18,000 hectares of vineyards, primarily celebrated for white wines like Trebbiano and Verdicchio. But, delve more deeply, and the reds from areas like Montepulciano beckon with their allure. As you traverse this region, the Renaissance vibrancy of Urbino and the maritime charm of Ancona punctuate your journey.
Italy’s wine narrative is vast and diverse. These lesser-trodden regions beckon the true wine lover with their individual stories, landscapes, and flavours. So, why tread the familiar path? Venture anew, and let Italy’s hidden wine havens serenade your senses.
Written by: Don Power
