Author Archives: Sommelier

The Trentino Alto Adige is a unique place: is a land of strong contrasts. The variety of climatic conditions and soil give rise to wines of excellent quality, characterised by remarkable personality.

“My wines are what we are. To talk about my wine is to talk about each emotion I would like to find with the same intensity in every glass, every sip and every glance,” says Claudio Cipressi, an enthusiastic producer based in San Felice del Molise, between the mountains and the sea in the small Italian region of Molise.

Valle d’Aosta (or Aosta Valley) is the smallest region in Italy. The narrow valleys stretching into the Alps are the most beautiful views in Italy, and the few but passionate winemakers in the region are making wine of world-class quality.

Along with Tuscany, Piedmont (or Piemonte), carry Italy’s top-shelf wine scene over its shoulders. We’re talking contemplative wines from legendary plots of land and Piedmont not only has a prestigious terroir; it has its own set of prime-quality grapes to craft true masterpieces.

Sardinia is a secluded Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea; its hilly landscape rises sharply to mountainous heights inland offering gorgeous views of the blue sea. This place has centuries of troubled history: before being an Italian region, it was part of the Spanish empire, and both cultures show in Sardinian food and wine.

Life in Abruzzo is marked by both land and sea, and you can see it in its food — Delectable seafood and hearty lamb from the Apennine foothills. Wine is also dominated by these geographic features, as the region is famous for its rustic, concentrated reds and crisp and refreshing whites.

Milano, Italy’s economic and fashion capital, crowns the vast northern region of Lombardia. The region makes excellent red and white wines and world-class sparkling wines, even if it’s not nearly as influential as the region’s western neighbour Piedmont. It’s in eighth place in the list of Italian wine-producing regions.

We should all thank the region of Campania and its capital city, Naples. They invented pizza. Of course, the region has much more to offer than a freshly baked Margherita. The Mediterranean coastline, the awe-inspiring volcanoes, and the folklore make Campania a popular tourist destination, and the region’s wines are the cherry on top.

Liguria is drop-dead gorgeous, the thin strip of land overlooking the Mediterranean Sea has lots to offer for food and wine lovers, the region is immensely attractive, yet, it’s relatively unknown.

Friuli Venezia Giulia is the gateway to central Europe. It’s also home to some of the most prestigious, crystal clear, and layered white wines in Italy. With a fabulous view of the Mediterranean Sea, Friuli’s plains are perfect for viticulture, and both native and international varieties feel right at home.