Ah, Italia! Imagine you are with your love motoring along colorful seaside towns dripping with lemon trees. Then you travel over gently rolling hills full of grapevines laden with purplish fruit. You then find yourself snuggled up in a cozy Alpine hideaway with the perfect bottle of red. Everything about Italy sings amore!
This holiday season, why not bring a taste of Italy to your entertaining, with a little help from .
Wine not?
Benvenuto to some of the best red wines on the planet! To help you experience some of the wonderful varieties of Italian reds for your Italiano-themed spread, consult the recommendations below.
CHIANTI CLASSICO
In Italy, Sangiovese grapes are prevalent and highly prized for their acid structure, tannins and aromas of dark cherries. A Chianti Classico must include at least 80% Sangiovese. Look for the iconic black rooster (Gallo Nero) on the label to find a true Chianti Classico. This wine pairs well with tomato-based dishes and Pecorino cheese.
Toscolo Chianti Classico (2018) is medium bodied with a full ruby color and aromas of blueberry and blackberry, cassis, chocolate, mocha and incense.
Another lovely choice is Isole e Olena Chianti Classico (2019). This medium-bodied red is perfumed with berries, forest floor and baking spice, and its juicy palate features ripe Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and star anise.
And don’t miss the ripe and juicy Cavaliere D’Oro Chianti Classico (2017) with black cherry, walnut and slight mushroom character.
BRUNELLO
Brunello di Montalcino, sometimes called the king of wines, contains 100% Brunello-Sangiovese grapes. The Brunello grape has a thicker skin and darker color than Sangiovese, with more complexity. This sophisticated wine pairs well with food, especially grilled meats.
One very special wine to try is Il Poggione Brunello Di Montalcino (2017). With notes of cherries, potpourri, dark tobacco, licorice, shrubs and intense smoky hints, it has just the right freshness and finish.
SUPER TUSCAN
Super Tuscans are an unofficial category of Tuscan wines, which came about when producers, aiming for a unique quality, deviated from Chianti regulations by adding other grapes, such as Merlot. The result is a high-quality wine with a cult following.
Podere Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso (2020) is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and 10% Sangiovese. Silky, layered and light, you’ll taste hints of blueberry, menthol, licorice, pine and cinnamon.
AMARONE
Amarone is a rich red wine made from Valpolicella grapes grown in the Veneto region. The grapes are dried before being pressed, which concentrates the sugar and typically results in a higher alcohol content. Amarone ages well and can be truly spectacular — a favorite of Dierbergs’ wine connoisseur, Greg Dierberg.
Zenato Amarone (2017) is an Amarone della Valpolicella Classico. It is silky with a bit of cinnamon, cacao, black raspberry and balsam herbs.
Antipasti, per favoreÌý
For the perfect aperitivo time, pair your wines with a platter or board of bite-sized antipasti. Here are just a few recommendations.
MEATS
Handcrafted, artisan-cured meats by family-owned and -operated Volpi MeatsÌýare sure to delight your guests. Try a mix of salami, mortadella and prosciutto, for starters.
CHEESES
Dierbergs is especially proud of their selection of cheeses from Wisconsin. Recommendations: The nutty flavored Marieke Gouda, aged 9-12 months, and from Carr Valley Cheese, the mixed-milk Menage, the subtle chocolate flavor in Cocoa Cardona, soft Fontina, sharp Cheddar and Swiss-style Gruyere.
GARNISHES
For a scrumptious snack, serve aÌýmix of red, black and green olives, such as the meaty but mild Castelvetrano of Sicily. Add small bowls of Italian hazelnuts and almonds. For more color and sweetness, sprinkle in some fresh berries, dried apricots and dates.
BREAD AND OIL
Serve slicesÌýof crusty Italian bread with a tasty olive oil for dipping, and crispy Patti Grissini Italian Breadsticks, which are easy to eat and fun to crunch.
Entertain with ease
If you need any help selecting the perfect items for your Italian Christmas festa, please visit or hop on your motorbike and visit your friendly neighborhood store. Salute! And Buon Natale!
