Discover the Best Italian Wines at Rossini
More than 23 billion litres of wine are consumed worldwide every year. In fact, one of the places with the highest wine consumption is Vatican City, with 74 litres per capita, surpassing even countries like France and Italy. Still, there’s no great dinner without a great wine to accompany it. That’s why today we’re explaining everything you need to know about the Italian wines you can find on Rossini’s menu.
Differences Between DOC, DOCG, and IGT
If you’ve visited Rossini or held an Italian wine in your hands, you might have noticed the acronyms DOC, DOCG, and IGT. These letters refer to the origin and quality of the wine you’re drinking. Here’s what they mean:
- DOCG: When you see this acronym on a bottle, it means you’re about to drink a wine of the highest possible quality. This certification strictly controls the grape production process, overseen by a quality committee. The rigorous standards mean these wines are of limited production.
- DOC: DOC wines are produced in specific regions of Italy, and their origin, production, and quality are regulated. However, the quality controls are less stringent than DOCG and vary by region.
- IGT: This designation was created to include wines that didn’t fully meet the requirements to be classified as DOCG or DOC but still produced excellent quality wine.
Italian Red Wines
Red wine, or “black wine,” is primarily distinguished by its reddish colour. This hue comes from the grape skins, which are left to macerate with the must. The duration of maceration determines the wine’s intensity in colour and flavour. For instance, a short maceration results in a fruity, purple wine. A longer maceration produces a robust garnet-coloured wine, ideal for ageing and improving its quality.
- Brunello di Montalcino: Its name means “brown,” referring to its place of origin, Montalcino (DOCG). It is an elegant and dry wine with notes of red fruits, vanilla, and coffee.
- Nero d’Avola: One of the most internationally renowned wines (DOC). It has an intense red colour but a smooth flavour reminiscent of cherries. It’s not acidic, making it a great pairing for almost any dish.
- Rosso Veneto: With an intense red colour, this wine from the Veneto region (IGT) offers a flavour profile of red fruits, vanilla, and cocoa.
- Chianti: An exceptional wine produced in Tuscany (DOCG). It has an intense ruby red colour, achieved with sangiovese grapes. Its smooth and velvety taste is reminiscent of fruit.
- Montepulciano D’Abruzzo: A ruby-coloured wine with violet reflections. Its flavour is fruity with a dry finish. Produced in the Abruzzo region in central Italy.
- Puglia: The Puglia region is the largest wine-producing area in Italy. This wine has an intense aroma and a ruby-purple colour. On the palate, it is smooth and fruity.
Italian White Wines
Unlike red wines, white wines are not macerated with grape skins and retain a golden, almost transparent colour. Additionally, white wines typically don’t undergo lengthy ageing, as they are best consumed within a year. Here are some of the best white wines you’ll find on Rossini’s menu:
- Triveneto: Wines from the Veneto region (DOC) are very special due to their proximity to the Alps. They are fresh and fruity, perfect for pairing with appetisers.
- Sicilia: Made with grillo grapes, these wines are fresh, fruity, and have citrus notes. They are very smooth and elegant on the palate.
Italian Rosé Wines
Rosé wines are made using two methods: bleeding and short must maceration. These wines are refined, fresh, and highly versatile, making them ideal for pairing with meats, fish, appetisers, and more. They originate from the Provence region of France, though rosé wines are now made worldwide.
- Lambrusco: This world-famous wine originates from Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. It has a characteristic sweet and fruity flavour that pairs excellently with pizzas and pasta. It also has a moderate alcohol content compared to other Italian wines.
- Triveneto: With a beautiful pink colour, this wine from the Veneto region (DOC) captivates with notes of red fruits and citrus that add freshness and balance. It has a persistent finish on the palate.
- Prosecco: Prosecco is a highly popular sparkling Italian wine worldwide. It comes from the Veneto region in northern Italy and is made from the Glera grape variety. Its flavour is fruity and fresh, and its bubbly texture makes it perfect for celebrations and toasts.
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