Italian Wines Tips

 1) What is a Super Tuscan?   Known mainly for its Chiantis until the 70s, Tuscany experienced a real wine revolution when Marchesi Antinori bottled his first 'Tignanello'. Composed of a blend of 80% Sangiovese 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, this wine was a real upheaval and questioned the established order.   Indeed, the rules of the DOC appellation of the Chianti zone were, at that time, extremely restrictive. The blend could only contain a maximum of 70% Sangiovese and a minimum of 10% of another white grape variety. International grape vari...
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All about the hierarchy of Italian wine appellations If you look at a bottle of quality Italian wine, you will find the following acronyms on the label: DOP, IGP, DOC, DOCG or IGT. What are the differences?In Italy, the system of Italian appellations has evolved considerably since the 1960s. Despite all the richness and diversity of the country, transcribed in an impressive number of appellations, the system became more readable, until European legislation came back to reorganize the system again not long ago. In summary: "Old" systemVino da Tavola: This designa...
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How to choose the Top 10 best Italian wines? To establish a Top 10 wines of a country or a region is often subjective since appreciations and tastes are different from one individual to another. Nevertheless, it is agreed that certain winemakers and certain vintages often come out on top. Therefore, certain factors are important and serve as a reference. The quality of the wine itself is an important factor. Let me explain: During a tasting by wine professionals (winemakers, oenologists, sommeliers,...) what is finally judged is the structure of the wine, its bala...
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Even if a ranking can sometimes seem subjective, it is certain that the national and international recognition of the wines through the vintages and their constant prices are sure values on which to base a ranking. You will find here a top 10 of the most expensive Italian wines, made in no particular order but which we believe is quite representative of what is done on the other side of the Alps. Enjoy your reading... The top 10 most expensive wines in Italy Masseto - Tenuta dell’OrnellaiaEmblematic wine of the Tenuta dell'Ornellaia. This wine born in 1986 is a...
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Like France, Italy has a vineyard with a rich history and all the regions of the peninsula produce wine. So when we talk about typical Italian wines, it is of course difficult to make generalizations because each province of the boot has its own specificities that make them all typical. It is good to first ask the question, what is a typical Italian wine?What is important to take into account is the representative aspect that the wine develops. A wine that is among the top Italian wines or the most expensive Italian wines is not necessarily a typical wine. The m...
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Before exploring the possible food and wine pairings in the Italian peninsula, it seems important to us to address a notion that, according to the philosophy of alfavin.ch, is the foundation of any tasting, whatever it is: pleasure!Without pleasure there is no tasting and even less food and wine pairing. To take pleasure in tasting a wine, a dish, or both together, you need to experience this feeling. Being an epicurean is an art of living that must be cultivated, developed, but above all shared.For a long time reserved for sommeliers, food and wine pairing is bec...
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What you need to know about Primitivo The first traces of this emblematic grape variety of Puglia wines can be found in the region of Gioia Del Colle, a province located south of Bari. After much scientific research in the United States in California, we know that Primitivo is a variety native to Croatia, known as Zinfandel in the USA and Crljenak Kastelansky (Croatia). In Italy, its name was given by a priest named Francesco Filippo Indelicati who after research noticed that this variety had an early maturity hence "Primitivo": the one that ripens first. It was ...
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Unlike countries like France and Spain, Italy is a country where wine is produced in all regions. Nicknamed Oenotria by the Greeks, the Italian peninsula is no stranger to its nickname and the richness of its vineyards is as important as its cuisine. With a favorable climate and a wide variety of soils, Italy has a lot to surprise us. Between the native grape varieties and the international ones, Italy offers us a palette of wines overflowing with quality and creativity. An unforgettable wine experience, reflecting not only the taste of the different terroirs but ...
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What is Prosecco?  Prosecco is a sparkling white wine made from Glera grapes.Where does Prosecco come from?  The appellation is produced in 9 provinces spanning the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia region. The Prosecco Superiore DOCG can only be made in the area of Vadobbiadene hill, the Prosecco DOC Treviso from the area that surrounds the hill and Prosecco DOC from elsewhere in the region.How is it produced?  Following the Charmat method, the first fermentations is still wine, the secondary fermentation is when the foam is produced in closed stainless ste...
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TASTING IN MAY 2019 TO COMPARE SUPERS-TUSCANS AND THEIRS ALTERNATIVES. WHICH SUPER-TUSCAN SHOULD YOU PUT IN YOUR WINE CELLAR? 30 CLIENTS OF ALFAVIN.CH GOT CHALLENGED.On Thursday, May 16, 2019, La Grappe d'Or restaurant hosted Alfavin.ch's latest event, an exceptional tasting! A client testimonial: "In the cozy setting of the private room on the first floor, 30 people attended this event, ready to discover and blindly taste the finest "Super Tuscans". The expectations were very high! Tasting and noting two series of four wines. In fact, ...
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On the occasion of the release of the latest addition to Leone de Castris' new top-of-the-range line, Per Lui Susumaniello, we decided to combine business with pleasure and take a trip to the Apulia region to visit some producer friends and enjoy a few magnificent bottles over an extended weekend. Located in the small town of Salice Salentino, a little less than an hour's drive from Brindisi airport, the Leone di Castris estate is hard to miss in this picturesque rural town in the province of Lecce. Topped by a medieval square tower, the building, whose facade mus...
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