The Italian Sommelier Association

Associazione Italiana Sommelier - AIS - The Italian Sommelier Association was founded on July 7th 1965 in Italia. Approved by the decree of the President of the Republic in 1976, AIS gained the status of a public non-profit organization, being the founder and member of the Worldwide Sommelier Organization.

AIS is the largest and most prestigious organization that unites experts and enthusiasts of the wine culture in the broad sense. The headquarters of AIS are in Milano, and the regional seats are located in the capitals of all 20 regions of Italy. The local units called delegazioni are set up in many cities of various regions. Currently, the association unites more than 35 000 members.

The activity of the Italian Sommelier Association is aimed at the popularization of wine knowledge through the course and consists in active participation in the enogastronomic sector that is one of the most evolving branches of Italian economy. The didactic courses, enjoying big popularity, are led by professionals in the field of wine and oenology. The course is divided into three levels: level I consists of the rules of running the vineyard, wine production, techniques of wine tasting and serving, use of AIS terminology for describing wines. Level II is an introduction to Italian and international wines, all Italian wine producing regions and the most important vine-growing zones in the world are presented, and are also advanced the rules of tasting and describing wines. Level III includes matching food and wine, participants by means of a graph learn the proper rules for food and wine pairing. The participant of each level becomes the professional literature in the form of textbook with illustrations. The complete course ends with an oral and written examination, granting the title of sommelier.

The participation of AIS in the enogastronomic sector lies in organizing thematic tastings, wine seminars, visiting wine producers, redacting guides to Italian wines, cooperating with the local authorities in organizing initiatives promoting their oenological wealth. This cooperation has an institutional character. As part of the popularization of wine culture is redacted a twice-monthly Bibenda. The Sommeliers of AIS are present at the wine fair Vinitaly held every year in Verona, where besides representing their own Association, take part in organizing this wine event, the biggest in Europe and in the world.

The association authorities:
- Assembly represented by AIS members appointing the Chairman and Secretary
- Local Council represented by the regional Chairmen and 12 members of the National committee

The current Chairman of AIS for Italy is Antonello Maietta.

Featured Italian Wines

Colonnara Viticultori in Cupramontana

Anfora Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico

A dry white wine of native Marche grape Verdichio. Its classic zone of origin is Castelli di Jesi - more than ten towns located near Jesi, among which Cupramontana, the town our producer is based. The vineyards are situated 360m above sea level on the area which once was the sea. This Verdicchio version called Anfora, harvested manually, is top of the range. The characteristic bottle is closely linked with this great white wine. It was introduced in the 1950-s as the result of a competition that took place in the whole country to highlight the originality of Verdicchio.

Color: straw yellow with greenish reflections, shimmering.
Aroma: quite intense, floral and fruity, notes of acacia, mimosa, kiwi, green apple and grapefruit.
Flavor: dry, fresh, mineral, balanced.
Food matching: perfect for fish and seafood-based starters, fish-based pasta sauces, vegetables, seafood, boiled and fried fish flavored with rosemary, delicate white meats, raw ham, soft sheep cheese.
Serving temperature: 12°C.
Alcohol content: 12,5%.

Montenidoli di Maria Elisabetta Fagiuoli

Il Templare

Dry white wine from the indigenous Tuscan grapes of Vernaccia, Trebbiano and Malvasia. The name Il Templar is the Italian for the Templar, the legend says that it was their favorite wine. An interesting combination of three varieties of Tuscan whites, matured for 12 months in small French oak barrels, results in a typical wine of the region, very pleasant to the taste and smell, to drink every day.

Color: straw-yellow, lustrous.
Aroma: complex, rich.
Flavor: spicy, long felt in the mouth.
Food matching: very good for seafood, tuna and other marine fish, also with the fungi .
Serving temperature: 12°C.
Alcohol content: 13%.

Muri-Gries Cantina Convento

Gewürztraminer

Dry white wine from the indigenous Gewürztraminer grape. This is called Aromatic Traminer, and its name comes from the village, from which it derives - Tramin, in Italian called Termeno. From the German Gewürze means spicy, aromatic.This belongs to a small group of wines made from aromatic grape varieties, with a strong scent, characterized by a lychee fruit aftertaste and a high alcohol content.

Color: golden-yellow.
Aroma: intense, notes of rose petals, cloves, lychee fruit, notes of smoked meats such as Shpek.
Flavor: full, fresh, elegant.
Food matching: highly seasoned dishes, especially roast chicken with spices, stewed beef, Asian cuisine.
Serving temperature: 13°/15°C.
Alcohol content: 14.5%.

Vinchio Vaglio Serra

Monferrato Rosso Tutti per Uno

Dry red wine made from a combination of Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The native Piedmontese grape in the company of international Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends harmoniously into the wine of the name Tutti per Uno - All for one. Fruit notes come from Barbera, Cabernet and Merlot adds structure, color and softness. The wine aged in wood is powerful and gently tannic.

Color: ruby red with violet hues.
Aroma: complex notes of ripe fruit, vanilla and spice.
Flavor: dry, soft, long felt in my mouth.
Food matching: ideal for dishes based on roast and stewed red meats, for dishes based on mushrooms and venison; seasoned, soft and spicy cheeses.
Serving temperature: 18°C.
Alcohol content: 14%.

Cantina della Vernaccia Oristano

Benas Vermentino di Sardegna

Dry white wine made from native Sardinia grape Vermentino.

There are perfect growing conditions on the isle for the grape that prefers a sea climate. It originated in the western coast of the Bay of Oristano. The name Benas is the Sardinian dialect for veins, as for wine indicating rather subterranean springs, from which bursts crystal clear water.

The Vermentino of Oristano is a well-structured wine of beautiful shimmering colour with a subtle aroma note.

Color: straw yellow.
Aroma: delicate, notes of citrus and white flowers.
Flavor: fresh, full, long lingering aftertaste.
Food matching: goes best with sea food spaghetti, shrimps and crustaceans, asparagus risotto, fish-based dishes.
Serving temperature: 8°/10°C.
Alcohol content: 13,5%.

Cantina Castelnuovo del Garda

Amarone della Valpolicella

Dry red wine of the autochthonous grapes of Veneto, Corvina Veronese, Corvinone i Rondinella. Amarone is a noble variety of Valpolicella, the most famous wine of the region. The strength and aromas of Amarone result from a special production technique of this wine. Ripe grapes are subjected to the process of drying in special air-conditioned rooms. In January or February following the harvest they undergo the process of fermentation and ageing in wood for over a year. This is a demanding wine, which goes well with rich-texture dishes based on meat and sauces.

Color: deep garnet, shimmering.
Aroma: intense, complex, ethereal, notes of cherry in alcohol and sweet spices.
Flavor: warm, velvety, harmonious.
Food matching: ideal for meat-based dishes, mainly beef, roast and braised meats, also in its own gravy, with game.
Serving temperature: 20°C.
The bottle should be opened a few hours before serving.
Alcohol content: 14,5%

Casa Vinicola Dreolino

Vino Rosso Raffaello

Dry red wine made from native Tuscany grapes Sangiovese and Canaiolo. Apart from high quality wines in the range of Dreolino there are also table wines, ideal with lunch or supper. A fresh aroma and a delicate fruity note make it a pleasant wine to enjoy with food.

Color: ruby red.
Aroma: fruity, delicate.
Flavor: fresh, gently dry.
Food Matching: goes well with every meal.
Serving temperature: 16°C.
Alcohol content: 12%.

Azienda Vitivinicola Ornella Bellia

Pinot Grigio

A dry white wine of the Pinot Grigio grape variety. The Pinot grape family of French origin is well naturalized in the mild climate of Estern Veneto. The local Pinot Grigio wine with slightly fruity and floral notes is distinguished by a good structure. As other wines from our producer Pinot Grigio was fermenting in contact with noble remains of grapes for several months.

Color: brilliant straw yellow.
Aroma: pear and apple notes, slightly pepper note.
Flavor: dry, firm, mineral, harmonious.
Food matching: best with aperitifs, hors d’oeuvres, soups, white meats and fish.
Serving temperature: 10°/12°C.
Alcohol content: 12,5%.

Fattoria San Michele a Torri

Tenuta La Gabbiola Chianti Classico Riserva

A dry red wine from Tuscan indigenous grape Sangiovese. A splendid Riserva vintage 2011 from special selection of Sangiovese grapes originating from a single vineyard called Tenuta La Gabbiola. It’s a classic Chianti, made with care, with organic wine certificate. The 2011 vintage was very good in Tuscany, some say it was a classic year, therefore it was possible to produce Riserva. Aged for 20 months in 2500 litre oak casks. The wine reflects the power and finesse of great Tuscan grape. Soft structure, power of alcohol and depth of aromas combine into the one whole. The lovers of classic Tuscan wines surely will be satisfied.

Color: deep, intense ruby red
Aroma: intense, long lasting, notes of cherry, blackberry, violet, iris with accents of spices and tobacco.
Flavor: warm, soft, harmonious.
Food matching: excellent with ragout lasagna, grilled meats, Florence steak, roast meat with sauce, all kinds of pork (also roast piglet).
Serving temperature: 20°C.
Alcohol content: 14,5%.

Cantine Sant’Agata

Barbera di Asti Superiore "Cavalé"

A dry red wine of Piedmonte‘s native grape, Barbera. It‘s a Barbera in the Superiore version or with higher alcohol levels obtained from a special selection of grapes. Barbera labelled ‘Cavalé’ is made only in good vintages, 2011 for Piedmonte was classified as very good. Cavalé in dialect means Cavallero, therefore this wine is unique, because is the flagship wine of the estate and proof of quality. Hand set and careful selection of grapes from best exposed vineyards and long ageing in wood result in a sensational Barbera. 70% of wine aged in new small French oak barrels, 30% in barrels used for second or third time. Shimmering ruby red, uncommon deepness and velvety structure will convince every fan of strong and elegant wines from the heart of Monferrato. A wine for special occasions.

Color: ruby red with burgundy reflections.
Aroma: rich, complex, notes of vanilla and cherry.
Flavor: warm, full, harmonious.
Food matching: excellent with meat roasts, braised and grilled meats, meat stuffed ravioli – agnolotti.
Serving temperature: 18°C.
Alcohol content: 14%.