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

Azienda Agricola Cencig Nicola & Mauro

Merlot

Dry red wine varietal Merlot. The Colli Orientali zone in addition to white wines is also known from famous red wines, which include Merlot. It comes from a vineyard called Ronc de Schena, located in the town of Manzano. This wine is light and pleasant to drink, not aged in wood.

Color: red, ruby.
Aroma: notes of forest fruits, raspberries, blackberries, a slight hint of wild grass.
Flavor: dry, harmonious.
Food matching: ideal for charcuterie, meat sauce-based dishes. Older age wines fit well into the game and spicy meats.
Serving temperature:16°/18°C.
Alcohol content: 12,5%.

Montenidoli di Maria Elisabetta Fagiuoli

Carato Vernaccia

A dry white wine from the indigenous strain of Vernaccia. Carato is derived from the type of wooden barrels in which the white wine matures. Natural grape juice at 12 months of rest in the wood gains its aromatic notes, while keeping the smell and taste of very ripe grapes. As for white wine it is very strong, thus tastes best after a meal. Excellent also as a meditation wine after a generous meal.

Color: straw yellow.
Aroma: notes of citrus, honey.
Flavor: velvety, soft, elegant.
Food matching: very good for seasoned cheeses, fancy foods, also to enjoy after the meal
Serving temperature: It should not be cooled.
Alcohol content: 14%.

Azienda Agricola Luigi Giordano

Roero Arneis

Dry white wine of native Piedmont grape Arneis. This is one of the best white wines of Piedmont, which comes from the left bank of the river Tanaro, Roero zone. Our supplier buys grapes in the town of Castagnito and then vinifies them in its own cellars. In the Piedmontese dialect Arneis is fractious and unruly character. Similarly, this wine tastes - is expressed, strong and distinctive.

Color: straw yellow with greenish hues.
Aroma: notes of lemon, nut and pineapple.
Flavor: dry, fresh, full
Food matching: starters based on fish or cured meats, with delicate first courses, grilled white meats, pizza.
Serving temperature: 10°/12°C.
Alcohol content: 13,5%.

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.

Vinchio Vaglio Serra

Vigne Vecchie Barbera di Asti Superiore

Dry red wine from the indigenous Barbera d‘Asti of Piedmont. This version of Barbera Superiore is derived from Old Vineyards which give the best grapes thanks to the optimal location on the sunny slopes of the hills and the appropriate clayey - limy soils. The selected and careful set of grapes and then the aging process lasting two years of which a minimum of 12 months in French oak barrels makes the Vigne Vecchie a really excellent wine, very strong and elegant.

Color: intense ruby red, with shades of orange.
Aroma: notes of ripe cherries, plums, as derivatives of aging in wood noticeable notes of vanilla, spices, balsamic flavors, tobacco.
Flavor: velvety, full, long-lasting.
Food matching: very good for dishes based on meat and mushroom sauces, roast, stewed and grilled meats, venison, seasoned, blue, spicy cheeses, cheese with herbs.
Serving temperature: 18°C.
Open the bottle an hour before serving.
Alcohol content: 14%.

Cantina Castelnuovo del Garda

Garganega

Dry white wine with native Veneto grape Garganega. Originating from hilly vineyards situated in morenic soil around Verona in the Veneto region, Garganega is an example of an original native wine with a fairly strong structure and interesting aroma notes. With moderate acidity, the wine does well exactly in this part of Italy, in the provinces of Verona, Vicenza, Padua. The name „Dogana Veneta” (Venetian Border) relates to a famous building erected in the Venetian Republic times in the town of Lazise at Lake Garda, pointing border between Lombardy and Veneto.

Color: straw-yellow.
Aroma: intense, fruity, notes, notes of orange blossom, pineapple, apricot.
Flavor: full, harmonious, fresh.
Food matching: excellent with vegetable pasta sauces, fish, white meats.
Serving temperature: 12°/14°C.
Alcohol content: 12,5%

Vinchio Vaglio Serra

Il Griso Roero Arneis

Dry white wine of native Piedmont grape Arneis. It comes from the left bank of the river Tanaro, Roero zone. Sandy soils with marly layers typical for this area are favorable for growing white grapes. In the Piedmontese dialect Arneis is a person with extraordinary temperament. Similarly, this wine tastes - expressive, strong and distinctive.

Color: straw yellow, shiny.
Aroma: floral and fruity notes, apple, peach, wallnut.
Flavor: dry, slightly bitter, long-lasting.
Food matching: perfect as an aperitif, to delicate dishes based on fish, seafood and white meats.
Serving temperature: 10/12°C.
Alcohol: 13%.

Cantine Nicosia

Syrah

A dry red wine made from Syrah. It‘s a pleasant wine to drink after the meal, gentle and fruity, not aged in wood. It belongs to the range of Nicosia‘s classic wines.

Color: ruby red with purple reflections.
Aroma: rich, notes of fruit jam and black pepper.
Flavor: warm, long lasting.
Food matching: excellent with sauces like boar ragù, grilled meats, rabbit in sweet-sour sauce.
Serving temperature: 16°/18°C.
Alcohol content: 13%.

Tenuta Scuotto

Greco di Tufo

A dry white wine made of the native Campania grape Greco originating from the zone of Irpinia. Greco di Tufo is a white wine belonging to the DOCG category. Some people think that Greco di Tufo is the best wine among all southern Italian wines. The name of the grape, Greco di Tufo, suggests that it was brought along with the ancient Greeks, meanwhile the town of Tufo with its unique microclimate and soils created perfect conditions for growing this grape. The grape set is done in the mid of October, the wine after ageing for a few months in stainless steel is ready to be bottled in the spring after the harvest. Richness of structure, aromas and longevity so tastes Greco.

Color: gold.

Aroma: intensely fruity, notes of peach and dried apricot.

Flavor: dry, mineral, warm.

Food matching: excellent with sea-food and fish.

Serving temperature: 11°/12°C

Alcohol content: 13,5%.

Fattoria San Michele a Torri

I Casali Chianti Classico

A dry red wine from the native Tuscan grape Sangiovese with the addition of Canaiolo and Merlot. I Casali is the name of a vineyard from which originate the grapes used to make this wine. A high-quality, classic Chianti, characterized by all the merits of the grape – freshness, ripe fruit and gentle tannins. The grapes, collected manually, are carefully transformed into wine, which then matures for 12 months in 2500 litre oak casks. Our producer doesn’t intentionally use barriques to highlight beautiful cherry and violet notes of Sangiovese. Very drinkable.

Color: intense ruby red.

Aroma: intense, long lasting, fruity and floral notes.

Flavor: warm, soft, harmonious.

Food matching: excellent with ragout lasagna, grilled meat, Florence steak, meat roast.

Serving temperature: 18°C.

Alcohol content: 13,5%.