Italian Red Wine Guide
Italy is one of the biggest wine-producing countries in the world, boasting over 20 wine regions across the country. Most of Italy's red wines are full-bodied -- robust in flavor and "thick" in consistency -- and dry, depending on the wine's tannin level, which is the use of the skins or stalks from the grapes that gives the wine a dry and bitter taste. Even though there are many red wines in Italy, each wine is unique in its own way. Does this Spark an idea?
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Barolo
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Barolo is considered the best and most expensive wine in Italy because it's made from Nebbiolo grapes, one of the best grapes grown in Italy's Piedmont region. Barolo is a full-bodied and very dry wine that is best served at 10 to 20 years of age.
Chianti
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Another popular Italian red wine is Chianti, a very dry and medium-bodied wine produced in Tuscany. This wine is made mainly from Sangiovese grapes, giving the Chianti a tart, yet sweet, flavor. Chianti is paired well with tomato sauce based entrees, steak and other grilled meat.
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Amarone
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Produced in the Veneto region, Amarone is a dry and full-bodied wine, with a sweet, fruity taste. This wine is made from partially dried Corvina grapes and is best paired with beef, pork and flavored cheeses.
Bardolino
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A more light-bodied and fruitier version of Amarone, Bardolino is also made partially from Corvina grapes and produced in the Veneto region. This wine is best served chilled and pairs well with seafood, light meats, pasta, and pizza.
Barbaresco
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Barbaresco is made by the same grapes used for Barolo, but this wine is medium-bodied and less dry than Barolo. It's best served at 8 to15 years of age for a bolder flavor.
Barbera
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Barbera is produced mainly in the Piedmont region. This medium-bodied wine is dry with an intense berry flavor, making the wine suitable to be served with many types of food.
Brunello di Montalcino
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Brunello di Montalcino is a very dry and full-bodied, concentrated wine from Tuscany. The wine is made mainly of Sangiovese grapes with hints of blackberry, black cherry, chocolate and sweet vanilla. For a bolder taste, it's best to serve this wine when it's at least 15 years old.
Lambrusco
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Lambrusco is a sweet wine with a delicious fruit flavor. This wine is mostly sold as an Asti, or sparkling, wine and is best served chilled.
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
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Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is made with mostly red fruits and is generally a flavorful, medium-bodied wine. There is a concentrated, full-bodied version for a more intense flavor and a light-bodied version that is less bold and easy to drink.
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References
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- Photo Credit Red Wine image by Wiktor Osiecki from Fotolia.com red wine image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
