Il vino Italiano regione per regione (Italian wine, region by region, from North to South) PIEMONTE A food and wine mecca! Home of some of the best and most intriguing wines of Italy. With its several wine areas, this region boasts the highest number of appellations (DOC and DOCG) in Italy. A must see when you travel to Italy. I lead wine tours to Piemonte every year in October, ask me for more information! Bianchi Gavi di Gavi DOCG 2012, Gigi Rosso Cortese $54 SoloLuna Arneis DOCG 2012, Pescaja Arneis $94 Barbera D'Alba Doc 2010, Ascheri Barbera $45 Verduno Pelaverga DOC 2011, Terre del Barolo Pelaverga $46 Dolcetto D'Alba DOC 2011, Bosco Agostino Dolcetto $49 Langhe Nebbiolo DOC 2010, Fontafredda Nebbiolo $58 Dolcetto D'alba DOC 2012,Fratelli Alessandria Dolcetto $61 Barbera d'Alba DOC 2009, Bosco Agostino Barbera $67 Nebbiolo D'Alba Rosso DOC 2011, Gigi Rosso Nebbiolo $64 Barolo DOCG 2009, Ascheri Nebbiolo $69 Grignolino di Monferrato DOC 2012,Pio Cesare Grignolino $70 Langhe Rosso DOC 2012, Pio Cesare Freisa $70 Nebbiolo di Langhe DOC 2010, Silvano Bolmida Nebbiolo $80 Verduno Pelaverga DOC 2013,Fratelli Alessandria Pelaverga $84 Pisapola Barolo DOCG 2009, Ascheri Nebbiolo $89 Neirane Barolo DOCG 2008, Bosco Agostino Nebbiolo $92 Paja Barbaresco DOCG 2007, Manual Marinacci Nebbiolo $94 Sito Moresco Langhe DOC 2008, Gaja Nebbiolo/ Cab.Sauvignon/ Merlot $130 San Lorenzo Barolo DOCG 2008, Fratelli Alessandria Nebbiolo $140 Masara Barolo Riserva DOCG 1999, Castello di Verduno Nebbiolo $300 Rossi 1 VALLE D'AOSTA A tiny region embedded in the Alps that produces small quantity of grapes and fruits all in one scenic valley surrounded by rocky walls with white caps. Main grape varieties are of French origin like Petite Rouge and Petite Arvine. Nebbiolo is also grown by a few producers and it is locally called Picutener. In the entire region there are only 500 hectares of vineyards. At DiVino Wine Studio, Antonio and team are very proud to be able to stock wines from this region, rarely seen in Canada! Rossi Grosjean Torrette Superiore DOC 2006, Grosjean Petite Rouge/ Cornalin/ Fumin N/A TRENTINO-ALTO ADIGE Bilingual region (Italian-German), alpine climate, wonderful aromatic whites and earthy, peppery reds. Try one of these young wines with many of our dishes, including all the fresh pasta and the 'formaggi' platters! Bianchi Pinot Bianco DOC 2012, Cantina Produttorio Colterenzio Pinot Bianco $54 Sudtirol DOC 2013, Elena Walch Pinot Grigio $76 Pinot Nero DOC 2012, Cantina Produttorio Colterenzio Pinot Nero $56 Sudtriol Alto Adige DOC 2011, Elena Walch Lagrein $56 Rossi FRIULI-VENEZIA GIULIA All the North-East of Italy has an amazing culture encompassing food, wine and … dialect! Dialect here is one of the most difficult to understand for people from other regions of Italy! Difficult grape names, however producing easy drinkable wines, position this part of the peninsula among some of the best value and upcoming wine regions. Bianchi Venezia Giulia IGT 2007, Bressan Verduzzo $62 Schioppettino $62 Rossi Venezia Giulia IGT 2006, Bressan DID YOU KNOW? Italy has more than 400 native grape varieties! 2 LIGURIA A narrow arch between the mountains and the sea, Liguria has been recognized as a world heritage site for its beauty and harshness of its territory where man was able to grow grapes, fruit and olive trees yielding some of the best olive oil in Italy. Pesto genovese is the top food product, while not many wines are exported and found elsewhere but locally in Liguria. Visit the enchanting Cinque Terre region and you will taste the best Vermentino grape with the local fish cuisine. We are VERY proud to be able to offer you wines from this region. Close your eyes and smell the sea…. Bianchi Colli di Luni DOC 2009, Terenzuola Vermentino $56 LOMBARDIA With Milano as its capital, Lombardy is mostly focused on keeping up with the country’s economy and fashion. Wines are secondary, however, lately, as wines become a ‘fashion’, this region is not waiting around. Wonderful DOCG’s such as Franciacorta (home of the best Italian Champagne, here must be called ‘Metodo Classico’) and Valtellina (the only other area where the Nebbiolo grape is grown). DID YOU KNOW? Lombardia is the only other Italian region grownig and using Nebbiolo grapes. Rossi Rosso Di Valtellina DOC 2009, Vini Plozza Nebbiolo $56 Sassella, Valtellina Riserva DOCG 2007, Vini Plozza Nebbiolo $80 Grumello, Valtellina Riserva DOCG 2008, Vini Plozza Nebbiolo $80 Inferno, Valtellina Riserva DOCG 2008, Vini Plozza Nebbiolo $80 Valtellina Vin Ca` Sfurzat DOCG 2009, Vini Plozza Nebbiolo $103 EMILIA-ROMAGNA Home of the Ferrari and Lamborghini factories, Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano and home-made pasta, Emilia-Romagna is the ‘food-region’, known in the history of Italy for its delicacies. Skilled mammas make ravioli, tortellini and lasagna like nnowhere else in the world. This reputation is so strong that it is said that the a man finding a girlfriend in this region ‘has won the lottery’ Bianchi Albana di Romagna DOCG 2012, Tre Monti Albana $52 SONO, Sangiovese diRomagna DOC 2011, Tre Monti (500ml) Sangiovese (Sulfie Free) $49 Mamante Ravenna Rosso IGT 2008, Ancarani Cabernet $56 Petrignone, Sangiovese di Romagna Riserva DOC 2011, Tre Monti Sangiovese $80 Bron & Ruseval Forli IGT 2008, Celli Sangiovese $90 Rossi DID YOU KNOW? Lambrusco is the most consumed wine in the region. It pairs well with all the 'salumi' platters (prosciutto, salame, capocollo, sausages e pancetta) 3 VENETO This region houses the romantic cities of Venice and Verona, the sexy bubbly Prosecco wine, and the largest scenic lake in Italy, Lago di Garda, which provides a unique micro-climate to the happy winemakers focused in making one of the best wines of Italy: Amarone. This wine area, named Valpolicella -the valley of the many cellars-, was awarded with DOCG status in 2009. The Pinot Grigio grape grows in all northeastern Italian regions and it is the most exported white grape, mostly targeting the North American market. Believe it or not, Pinot Grigio is not commonly drank by Italians in Italy!! It is a clone of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris (the popular French varieties). Bianchi Soave Classico DOC 2013, Pra Garganaga $51 VENETO - Valpolicella wine county and the AMARONE romance! DID YOU KNOW? Most of the red wines produced in this region are a blend of the red grapes: CORVINA (usually the main variety in the blend), MOLINARA, and RONDINELLA. Other red grapes can be used in small percentages. feo…and…. what is an AMARONE and why it is so pricey? Ask our Sommelier! We will be happy to answer your questions. Valpolicella Classico DOC 2011, Lovatti $45 Bardolino Classico DOC 2009, Lovatti $47 Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore DOC 2012, Zardini $54 Rabosso IGT 2003, Maranaci $89 Corpore Veneto IGT 2010, Villa Sandi $91 Amarone delle Valpolicella DOC 2009, Bolla $96 Vejo Amarone delle Valpolicella DOC 2006, Salvalai $126 4 TOSCANA Ask anyone who has been to Italy what was the area visited and you will get the same answer: Tuscany. Overrated? Overpriced? Over populated by North Americans? Yes, for sure, however you can still find the best of everything Italian, vineyards, food and people! I go every year driving tourists and I cannot get tired of it. Visit the magic towns of Montalcino, Montepulciano or San Gimignano, sit for an espresso in the piazza or for a glass of the ever-present Sangiovese, and you will remain bewitched. Astonished. Guaranteed! Rossi Castiglioni, Chianti DOCG 2011, Frescobaldi Sangiovese $49 Morelino Di Scansano DOCG 2012, Iperazzi Sangiovese/ Merlot $56 Consillium Toscana IGT 2010, Tassi Sangiovese/ Cab.Sauvignon/ Petit Verdot $56 Di Castiglioni Rosso Toscana IGT 2011, Frescobaldi Cab.Sauvignon/Merlot/ Cab. Franc/Sangiovese $56 Chianti Classico DOCG 2003, Monti Verdi Sangiovese $70 Rosso di Montalcino DOC 2011, Il Valentiano Sangiovese Grosso $72 Nobile di Montepulciano DOC 2008, Il Macchione Prugnolo $80 Balaxus Toscana entIGT 2008, Potentino Alicante $87 Nobile di Montepulciano DOC 2007, Il Macchione Prugnolo $90 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2009, Frescobaldi Sangiovese Grosso $98 Brunello Di Montalcino DOC 2008, Scopone Sangiovese Grosso $101 BAC Sant' Antimo DOC 2007, Tassi Sangiovese/ Cab.Sauvignon/ Petit Verdot $110 Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva DOC 2007, Il Macchione Prugnolo $125 What is a Super-Tuscan anyway? The term is applied to Tuscan wines that are made in a 'New World' style, with new oak and blending of international with the indigenous grape varieties. Due to their use of international grape varieties these wines were not allowed to be classified under any traditional DOC, so with nowhere to draw their name from, they were dubbed Super-Tuscans. Maremma Toscana IGT 2010, Rocca di Fassinello Sangiovese/merlot/Cab.sauv $90 Bolgheri Superiore DOC , 2004 Tenuta Agentiera Cab.Sauv/Merlot/Cab.Fra $180 5 MARCHE Did you know that embedded between the regions of Marche and Emilia-Romagna there is an autonomous state/republic like the Vatican City in Rome? It is called San Marino and it is among the smallest countries in Europe. Countries within countries like Vatican City, Andorra, Liechtenstein. Marche is well known for its seafood, therefore white wines and light to medium bodied reds. The Adriatic Sea is a good resource of clams, shrimps, scallops and fish in general. Our classic Olive all’Ascolana recipe is originally from this region! Bianchi Le Torri Falerio DOC 2011, Tenuta Cocci Grifoni Pecorino/ Passerina $46 Verdicchio Dei Castelli Di Jesi DOC 2011, Garfoli Verdicchio $56 Lacrima Di Morro D'Alba Superiore DOC 2009,Velenosi Lacrima $56 Piancarda Rosso Conero DOC 2010, Garofoli Montepulciano $56 Le Torri Rosso Piceno Superiore DOC 2009,Tenuta Cocci Grifoni Montepulciano/ Sangiovese $57 Vigna Messieri Rosso Piceno Superiore DOC 2006, Cocci Grifoni Montepulciano/ Sangiovese $69 Il Grifoni Offida Rosso DOC 2006, Cocci Grifoni Montepulciano/ Cabernet Sauvignon $91 Rossi UMBRIA The last region, travelling south, which is not touched by seawater. Umbria is a popular tourist destination, luckily located near Tuscany while still enjoying more affordable prices. Sagrantino and Sangiovese are the two main red grape varietals to pair with local goodies such as Porcini mushrooms and white and black truffles -tartufi- commonly found in Umbria. Bianchi Grechetto IGT 2012 Umbria, Arnaldo-Caprai Grechetto $56 Todi sangiovese DOC 2011, Roccafiore Sangiovese $70 Collepiano, Sangrantino di Montefalco DOCG 2009, Arnaldo Caprai Sangrantino $132 San Giorgio IGT 1995, Lungarotti Sangiovese/ Canaiolo/ Cab.Sauvignon $120 Sangrantino di Montefalco DOCG 2009, Bellefonte Sangrantino $160 Rossi 6 ABRUZZI Do not confuse the grape Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, originating in this region, with the town of Montepulciano, in the region of Tuscany, producing the grape Sangiovese. The most common confusion that us sommeliers hear all the time! Montepulciano is a fantastic grape, which transforms into wines loaded with fruity and jammy characters. In Abruzzo is also found truffle and porcini mushrooms, so many wines takes flavours from this type of soil. We like to define them ‘earthy and spicy’! Bianchi Abruzzo Pecorino DOC 2012, Marramiero Pecorino $56 Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC 2010, Marramiero Trebbiano N/A DaMa, Montepulciano D'Abruzzo DOC 2010, Marramiero Montepulciano $45 Inferi, Montepulciano D'Abruzzo DOC 2009, Marramiero Montepulciano N/A Rossi MOLISE One of the smallest and youngest regions of Italy, at one point was part of Abruzzo. My favorite local grapes are Greco, Falanghina and Aglianico, best suited for local cheeses and fresh fish from the coast or meat from the mountain livestock. Rossi Rumen DOC 2007, Cantine Cipressi Montepulciano/ Merlot N/A LAZIO The region hosting the best capital city of the world: Rome. Said by who? Me, of course! It is the city where I was born and spent 30 years of my life! Wines from Lazio were always known for quantity grape production to satisfy the big tourist crowd and … the ‘church empire’. Currently, Lazio wines are enjoying a time of modernity and re-vamping. Upcoming and trendy grapes like Syrah, Merlot or Cesanese are produced around the hills of Rome and then paired with local meat products, like porchetta (roasted pig) or pasta dishes like Carbonara or Amatriciana (the pasta for ‘amanti’ = lovers) Bianchi Oppidum, Moscato di Terracina Secco DOC 2007, Sant`Andrea Moscato $52 Cesanese N/A Rossi La Faiola, IGT 2009, Le Rose 7 CAMPANIA The smoky Vesuvio volcano, destroying Pompei 2,000 years ago, is the favoured calcareous soil for the best production of white grapes, like Falanghina, Greco and Fiano. Have a sip of this in one of the towns along the Amalfi coast such as Positano (or at DiVino, by closing your eyes…) and you will be immersed in flavours and long lasting memories. Bianchi Lacryma christi del Vesuvio DOC 2012 Lacryma $50 Taburno DOP 2012, Masseria Frattasi Falanghina $56 DonnaLaura, Taburno DOP 2012, Masseria Frattasi Falanghina $80 Taurasi DOCG 2008, Feudi di San Gregorio Aglianico $94 Serpico Irpinia DOC 2007, Feudi di San Gregorio Aglianico $160 Rossi PUGLIA The sunny heel of Italy and a huge producer of olive oil and wine. Like some other Italian wine regions, Puglia was always known for its quantity grape production. Today, a consortium of wine makers and young entrepreneurs are getting together to push the quality. Their tremendous work in marketing is bringing Puglia on the front pages of international press and up in the world scale of quality and trendy branding. Historic world known producers such as the Tuscan Antinori family of Marquees are investing in this region, foreseeing quality and potential. Grapes such as Negroamaro, Nero di Troia, Greco and Primitivo are among the top ones, providing balance and structure and nowadays exported all over the world. Go Puglia go! Bianchi Ruah Salento IGT 2011, Santi Dimitri Fiano $51 Primitivo, Salento IGT 2010, Santi Dimitri Primitivo $53 Aruca, Salento IGT 2010, Santi Dimitri Negroamaro $53 Il Guerro, Daunia IGT 2008, Paolo Petrilli Nero di Troia $75 Boemondoi, Salento IGT 2008, Duca Carlo Guarini Primitivo $79 Rossi 8 BASILICATA Kissed by two seas: Mar Ionio and Mar Tirreno. Volcanic soils, home of one of the best southern native grape: Aglianico. Earthy, peppery when young, with nuances of fresh mushrooms and musty wood when older. Lamb or game meat is one of the best food match, enjoyed by locals in this not too widely populated mountainous areas Bianchi Sagaris Aglianico del Vulture DOC 2013, Cantine Madonna delle Grazie Aglianico N/A Aglianico $50 Dragone Aglianico del Vulture DOC 2007, Cantine Madonna delle Aglianico Grazie $105 Bauccio Aglianico del Vulture DOC 2004, Cantine Madonna delle Aglianico Grazie $110 Dragone Reserva Aglianico del Vulture DOC 2004, Cantine Madonna delle Grazie $150 Rossi Aglianico del Vulture DOC 2011, Cantine del Venosa Aglianico CALABRIA If you live in a big city in Canada, chances are you know at least one Calabrese family! Warm and friendly, hard workers with an interesting dialect! Make them your friends and you will be happily invited over to taste their wine and food! Calabria’s wines keep improving in quality by using local productions of international grape varieties such Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, blended with native grapes (Nerello, Greco and others). Rossi Ciro Rosso Classico Superiore DOC 2011, Liber Pater Gaglioppo N/A Mutro Melissa Rosso Superiore DOC 2007, Val di Neto Gaglioppo/ Greco Nero N/A 9 SICILIA DID YOU KNOW? Sicily is one of the most productive wine regions in Italy. The western part of the island is one of the most densely cultivated areas in all Europe! The Island of desire!!! Capturing your soul and all your five senses (and more, if you have more…) from the first moment you step in it. Surrounded by blue, deep sea waters loaded with tuna, swordfish and sardines. Watched by his majesty Etna volcano, the highest volcano in Europe, providing the best calcareous soil for beauties like Catarratto and Nerello grapes. Loaded with centenary olive trees, almond trees, prickly cactus pear trees, the second largest producer in the world after Mexico. Gifted by the Gods, featuring Greek and Roman temples, beautiful art and architecture, from Baroque to Byzantine, to Arabic. Populated by energetic and young generation, not wanting to leave the island, who want to put behind a tumultuous past and look forward, proudly. I was only give a few lines to write about this….how could I, ever….? Bianchi Anthilia , Sicilia IGT 2011, Donnafugata Carricante $54 Santagostino, Sicilia IGT 2011, Firriato Catterato/Chardonnay $65 Purato IGT 2012, Santa Tresa Nero D'Avola $45 Chiramonte IGT 2011, Firriato Nero D'Avola $57 Santagostino IGT 2011, Firriato Nero D'Avola/Syrah $67 Ribeca IGT 2011, Firriato Perricone $120 Rossi SARDEGNA Last, but not least, Sardegna has been isolated for centuries. In a less strategic position than Sicily, this big island suffers at times with drought and in the past with poverty. Beautiful coastlines, amazing production of Pecorino Sardo (the world sought-after sheep milk cheese) and flavourful wines such as Vermentino di Gallura and Monica di Sardegna, always with a ‘sprinkle of sea salt’ in it! Bianci Costamolino, Vermentino di Sardegnia DOC 2012, Argiolas Vermentino $49 Giba , Vermentino di Sardegnia DOC 2011, 6 Mura Vermentino $61 Ammostus, Monica di Sardegna DOC 2009, Villa Di Quartu Monica $80 Korem, Isola Dei Nuraghi IGT 2009, Argiolas Cannonau/ Carignano/ Bovale Sardo $92 Turriga, Isola Dei Nuraghi IGT 2008, Argiolas Cannonau $160 Rossi 10 The sweet and sultry: Dessert and "meditation" wines Moscato D'Asti DOCG 2013, Bosc Region: Piemonte Grapes: Moscato $50 Vinsanto Del Chianti DOC 2003, Sangervasio Region: Toscana Grapes: Trebbiano, Malvasia Region: Toscana $150 Vinsanto Del Chianti DOC 2005, Fanti $160 11 Non solo vino… Mineral waters sparkling - large sparkling mineral water $6 $6 Beers Italian beer: Moretti - bottle Italian Micro-Brew: Theresianer Premium Lager or Vienna Amber Lager Italian Micro-Brew: Birra Bruton 750ml Biannca / Lillith Italian Micro-Brew: Collesi750ml bionda/ ambrata $6 $8 $21 $24 Soft drinks Can San Pellegrino Aranciata (orange) or Limonata (lemonade) $2 $3 Coffees Espresso (not 'eXpresso'!) Corretto (espresso with a shot of Sambuca or Grappa) Macchiato (espresso 'stained' with foamy milk:a mini cappuccino!) Cappuccino (espresso with steamed foamy milk) Caffe latte (hot milk with a shot of espresso) Americano (the Italian version of 'regular' coffee) Tea, Hot Chocolate $2.50 $4.50 $3 $3.50 $3.50 $2.50 $2.50 Liquors - Aperitif 3oz Campari Sambuca Martini Bianco Martini Rosso Cinzano Rosso $7 $8 $6 $6 $7 Liquors - Digestif 2oz Amaretto Lazzaroni Autentico Grappa al Cioccolato, Gianduia Limoncello (from Calabria's Bergamotto DOP fruits) Amaro Averna Frangelico Berta Amaro d`Erbe $8 $8 $9 $6 $6 $8 Grappe - 1oz Grappa Camomilla DeNegri, di Acacia DeNegri, grappa di prosecco Bosso, Moscato Refosco Grappa riserva Montanaro Grappa Barolo Masseria Frattisi, Riserva Montanaro Grappa Barolo, Riserva $9 $10 $11 $12 $11 $11 $15 $25 Single Malt Selection ASK for our SCOTCH Selection!! 12