Italian Wine Guide

PTL · 发表于 2013-3-13 13:36

Looking for a beginner's guide to the world of Italian wines?
Trying to distill down Italy's wine regions, varietals, producers and vintages into a beginner's guide is like trying to thread a rope through a needle, but here goes...

From Sangiovese to Trebbiano and the wide viticultural variations that lie in between, navigating the wine shop shelves to find an Italian wine that will complement a Friday night lasagna can be a fun-filled experience - if you are armed with a little Italian wine knowledge.

While Italy has successfully planted the vast majority of the dominant international grape varietals, the country's domestic vines are what offer the true flavor characteristics that have made Italian wines world reknown for ages. With literally hundreds of wines produced in Italy annually, it is no wonder that selecting Italian wines can be a bit intimidating. Deciphering Italian wine terms and names, interpreting Italian wine labels , learning Italian wine classification systems, understanding regional grape growing zones , and discerning grape varietals that do not always fall into the "familiar" cagetory are all part of the Italian wine adventure.

PTL · 发表于 2013-3-13 13:42

First things first, generally speaking Italian wines can be divided into two main categories: Table Wines and "Higher End" Italian Wines

Before, we go into the nuances of the two categories, keep in mind that Italian wines are made for Italian food. The two go hand in hand, and like a good marriage both are typically enhanced by the other. That said, the Table wines are generally less expensive red or white wines that are produced to be consumed in the easy-going atmosphere of an Italian-style family dinner. They are often sold in larger jug-like bottles and are a main-stay of an Italian dining table.

Table wines are often fruit-forward wines, that can lean a touch on the sweeter side, some are sparkling, most are light-medium bodied and are very compatible for first time wine drinkers.

Lambrusco is likely the Table wine that comes to mind; for better or for worse. Lambrusco, a dry, red wine with a touch of 'frizzante,'(an Italian term for slightly sparkling) has had a reputation for focusing on quantity with a lackadaisical eye placed on quality. However, Lambrusco times have changed and many producers are upping their quality standards making this an ideal time to give it a try.

Which to try? If you are looking for something beyond the 1970's famed Riunite Lambrusco, then check out Ca de Medici Terra Calda Vino Frizzante Rosso priced around $10 a bottle. A super wine to pair with everything from spaghetti and meatballs to backyard BBQ fare. Another good Italian table wine is Bera Dolcetto d'Alba . For some, an authentic Chianti , encompasses the Italian Table wine genre. For others, they prefer to turn it up a notch, part with a few more bucks and experience a Chianti Classico.

Still uncertain where to start? This list of reasonably priced Italian wines should get you started.

PTL · 发表于 2013-3-13 13:45

Beyond Italian Table Wines, the Sky is the Limit

High end Italian wines range in quality designations, from good to superior. With over 2000 native grape varieties covering varied terrain, growing in forgiving climates and all packed on one outstanding peninsula, you can imagine that the resulting wine combinations would be just as diverse as the sub-cultures that surround them.

PTL · 发表于 2013-3-13 13:46

Super-Tuscans,

comprised of mostly Sangiovese, blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot or Syrah, typically quantify quality, and are thus on the upper end of the price spectrum (ranging from $25 - $100+). Due to unique blends and varied growing terroirs , Super-Tuscans cannot be easily pinned to one style or stereotype. Super-Tuscan producers to scout for include: Viticcio , Antinori , and Tenuta dell'Ornellaia.

PTL · 发表于 2013-3-13 13:47

Barolo and Barbaresco Wines

Good Barolo and Barbaresco wines, derived from the noble Nebbiolo grape are typicaly reserved for Sunday dinners or celebrations. These wines can range in price from $35 - $100+ depending on the vintage and producer.

PTL · 发表于 2013-3-13 13:48

Amarone Wines

The vast majority of Amarone wines come from the Valpolicella area, in Italy's northeast corner. They are typically considered one of Italy's big, bold red wines, Amarone has fruit-forward flavors of cherry, raisins, plums and spice. They are made from grapes that have been partially dried and historically have had higher alcohol contents (14-16% range). Top Amarone producers to consider are: Masi, Speri, and Allegrini.

PTL · 发表于 2013-3-13 13:50

本帖最后由 PTL 于 2013-3-13 14:53 编辑

Pinot Grigio

As for better quality Italian white wines, often Pinot Grigio comes to mind. For Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige has it going on. Deeply aromatic, vivid white wines with flavor and presence - Try one of the Top 20 Pinot Grigios from Alto Adige, the white wine for summer sipping. Consider Elena Walch, J. Hofstatter, Santa Margherita and Weingut Niklas for some stellar Pinot Grigio finds.

Whether you are looking to expand your wine horizons or just hoping to grab a good Chianti with dinner, Italian wines are a cornerstone of today's wide world of wine.

PTL · 发表于 2013-3-13 13:56

想学英文的同学们，学吧，顺带着把意大利语都学了，回头告诉我们这些酒都怎么发音呀，我一个也不会。

PTL · 发表于 2013-3-13 14:06

准备这个周末从Pinot Grigio开始试起哈。

PTL · 发表于 2013-3-13 14:20

http://0.tqn.com/d/wine/1/0/X/6/howtoreadanitalianwinelabel.jpg

The primary pieces of information that Italian wines want to communicate to you, their celebrated consumer, are the wine's:

Name,
Growing Region (There are 37 designated wine growing regions in Italy),
Grape Type (Italy has over 2,000!),
Estate and Producer Names,
Alcohol Content,
Vintage Year and
Classification (Vdt, IGT, DOC, DOCG - government appellation designations related to volume, location and quality).
" j: O3 f( ^6 n2 k

If you can grab these key pieces of information off of an Italian wine label then you are good to go.

PTL · 发表于 2013-3-13 14:47

本帖最后由 PTL 于 2013-3-13 15:57 编辑

Pinot Gris & Pinot Grigio

Pinot Gris (from France’s Alsace) and Pinot Grigio (from Italy) are the same grape, but they create very different wines.

Italian Pinots (and others modeled on them) tend to be light, simple wines with suggestions of peach and melon. These crisp, fresh whites are ideal as an aperitif or with light seafood or chicken breast dishes.

Bottlings from Alsace are richer, with strong notes of almonds, spice and sometimes honey. American versions, mainly from Oregon, often tend more toward the Alsace style, and thus are mostly labeled Pinot Gris. They go well with creamy pastas or smoked foods.

Name: Pinot Grigio

Phonetic Pronunciation: PEE-no-GREE-jo

PTL · 发表于 2013-3-13 14:50

Wine 101:
http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/wine-101

艾ye · 发表于 2013-3-13 15:17

不久的将来，酒仙问世

PTL · 发表于 2013-3-13 15:31

艾ye 发表于 2013-3-13 16:17 ! x4 e5 z3 Q" T, i! l' i3 ^8 l
不久的将来，酒仙问世

俺只是当知识学学，当汽水尝尝，知道得大概就好了。放心吧，不会成不了仙儿。

PTL · 发表于 2013-3-13 15:49

本帖最后由 PTL 于 2013-3-13 16:51 编辑

有人想去参加个COURSE的吗？

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summer_tina · 发表于 2013-3-13 17:10

PTL 发表于 2013-3-13 15:49 + D1 }) ] l8 Z, Z. F
有人想去参加个COURSE的吗？5 \/ e& }1 ^+ d) f5 E
, H Q7 t7 d, J( g, }
All courses are held at the Grant MacEwan University Robbins Health Le ...

曾经想去NAIT的品酒课。

据说NAIT品酒课，以前总有学生在课堂上喝醉

鸟语花香 · 发表于 2013-3-13 19:44

意大利的酒名不虚传，很值得品尝。
本人很喜欢。

PTL · 发表于 2013-3-14 18:00

summer_tina 发表于 2013-3-13 18:10
5 @# {# n5 h* A9 x0 w9 ^7 X T曾经想去NAIT的品酒课。
* q( X: v5 n: L+ f" ^5 [3 C- H9 h$ Z$ T8 h3 C
据说NAIT品酒课，以前总有学生在课堂上喝醉

一起去上呀?去NAIT也行

PTL · 发表于 2013-3-14 18:01

鸟语花香发表于 2013-3-13 20:44 & p; @# a+ n" o) a
意大利的酒名不虚传，很值得品尝。' p7 H1 v3 Y2 A% l) N9 m. x$ P
本人很喜欢。

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Italian Wine Guide

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