This is a very simplistic brief description on how to assess the various Italian grape varieties. An ideal reference for any blind tasting.
BARBERA
Its flavours range from vanilla, raspberry, nutmeg and cherry to intense liquorice.
DOLCETTO
Deep colour but with soft tannins. Is a soft, fruity assessable red with plush black fruit flavours.
FRAPPATO
Ruby colour with violet hues with intense aromas of violets, spices and red cherry. A medium body light refreshing wine with a distinct grapey aroma and notable acidity.
NEBBIOLO
Translucent colour like pinot and is delicate on the nose. But when you taste you are greeted with robust tannin and high acidity showing dried fruit, flowers, spices, sweets and delicate herbaceous aromas. It is Italy’s most perfumed and powerful red. Its skins are surprisingly thin for a grape known for its biting tannins.
MONTEPULCIANO
Medium bodied with plum, and coffee flavourswith subtle hints of crushed black pepper. It can finish a little fruity but with unmistakablable flavours of black cheery.
NERELLO MASCALESE
A spicy deep coloured black grape used as a base for reds of Eastern Sicily. Tough one to call as it has a complex variety of scents from red fruit to subtle spice and tobacco tones.
NERO D’AVOLA
A bolder red wine with plum, raspberry and licorice over tones and a somewhat smoky spiced finish.. Many people compare its character to Syrah.
SANGIOVESE
High in acid with dry, dusty tannins. Raspberry, toasted tomato and cherry flavours enhanced by subtle spice.
Putting the above descriptions to the test the following wines were tasted and identified.
All are readily available and represent great drinking and value. Your introduction to Italian wine varieties can start right here! The standout was the Coriole Barbera 2014. RUSH and BUY!
CORIOLE BARBERA 2014
95 points
$24 – $26 Widely available
BENEVELLI PIERO LANGHE ROSSO NUMERO 3 2015 (Nebbiolo)
88 points
$25 Google Winestar
Il PASSO NERELLO MASCALESE NERO D’AVOLA 2015
89 points
$20 Boccaccio cellars or widely available
ALTA MORA ETNA ROSSO DOC 2014 (100% Nerello Mascalese)
86 points
$36 – $45 Google availability
AMARANTA MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO 2014
90 points
$30 – $35 search
