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Whites from Italy
Valle d'Aosta |
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| Valle d'Aosta is a small Alpine region between Piemonte and the French Alps in Northern Italy, hence the French sounding names of the varietals and the producers. The Cave du Vin Blanc is home to the highest vineyards in Europe, at the foot of the Mont Blanc. | |||
| Les Cretes, Chardonnay 'Cuvée Bois' | 2005 | 145 | |
Piemonte |
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| Piemonte is regarded as one of the best and most important wine producing regions in Italy, and this reputation has been earned by its red wines. However great Chardonnays are produced, and Arneis is a wonderful success story. An old grape near extinction, it was rediscovered and revived by a few producers in the Roero hills. The other whites of interest are produced with the Cortese grape. | |||
| Aldo Conterno, Chardonnay 'Bussiador' | 2005 | 95 | |
| Angelo Gaja, Langhe Chardonnay 'Gaia & Rey' | 2004 | 350 | |
| Angelo Gaja, Langhe Chardonnay 'Gaia & Rey' | 2006 | 415 | |
| Angelo Gaja, Langhe Chardonnay 'Rossj-Bass' | 2007 | 175 | |
| Angelo Gaja, Langhe Sauvignon Blanc Alteni di Brassica | 2006 | 240 | |
| Bric Cencurio, Roero Arneis Sito dei Fossili | 2005 | 50 | |
| Bruno Giacosa, Roero Arneis | 2008 | 65 | |
| La Scolca, Gavi 'Black Label' | 2007 | 84 | |
| Marchesi di Grésy, Langhe Sauvignon | 2000 | 65 | |
| Vigneti Massa, Timorasso 'Derthona' | 2007 | 50 | |
Lombardia |
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| Conti Sertoli Salis, 'Torre della Sirena' | 2005 | 65 | |
Veneto |
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| Soave Classico is produced in the Soave hills near Verona. The classic blend of Garganega and Trebbiano has recently been modified to include up to 30% Chardonnay. Additionally, young winemakers are producing wines using solely Garganega, often fermented in barrique. | |||
| Inama, Soave Classico Vigneto du Lot | 2007 | 55 | |
| Leonildo Pieropan, Soave Classico Calvarino | 2006 | 63 | |
| Leonildo Pieropan, Soave Classico La Rocca | 2006 | 85 | |
Trentino-Alto Adige |
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| This bilingual Alpine region is producing outstanding white wines that range from the noble varietals, such as Chardonnay and Riesling, to the lesser known but very interesting Muller Thurgau, Gewurztraminer, and Kerner. Chardonnay can achieve a very high level of quality more similar in style to Burgundy than California in the hands of producers like Lageder and Klaus Gasser at Cantina di Terlano. | |||
| Alois Lageder, Chardonnay 'Lowengang' | 2005 | 75 | |
| Az. Agricola Garlider, Sylvaner | 2005 | 60 | |
| Baron di Pauli, Gewurztraminer 'Exilissi' | 2004 | 120 | |
| Cantina di Terlano, Pinot Bianco, Riserva | 1996 | 240 | |
| Cantina di Terlano, Pinot Bianco 'Vorberg' Magnum | 2000 | 250 | |
| Cantina di Terlano, Pinot Bianco 'Vorberg' | 2005 | 65 | |
| Cantina di Terlano, Sauvignon 'Quarz' | 2008 | 100 | |
| Cantina Valle Isarco, Kerner 'Aristos' | 2008 | 50 | |
| Kofererhof, Sylvaner | 2008 | 55 | |
| Kuen Hof, Veltliner | 2004 | 95 | |
| Kuen Hof, Veltliner | 2007 | 80 | |
Friuli-Venezia-Giulia |
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| In this northeastern region bordering Austria and Slovenia, the hilly zones of Collio and Colli Orientali are producing some Italy's finest whites. Many varietals are produced here with great success, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Bianco, and Pinot Grigio. The more intriguing wines are Tocai (which, beginning with the 2007 vintage, will be known as Friulano), Ribolla Gialla, and the less common Malvasia and Vitovska. | |||
| Bastianich, Tocai Friulano 'Plus' | 2005 | 95 | |
| Bastianich 'Vespa Bianco' | 2007 | 65 | |
| Damijan 'Bianco Kaplja' | 2004 | 115 | |
| Edi Kante, Chardonnay Riserva | 2001 | 125 | |
| Edi Kante, Malvasia | 2006 | 80 | |
| Edi Kante, Vitovska | 2006 | 80 | |
| Eugenio Collavini 'Broy' | 2005 | 80 | |
| Josko Gravner 'Breg' | 2003 | 195 | |
| Josko Gravner, Ribolla Gialla | 2003 | 195 | |
| Lis Neris, Pinot Grigio | 2007 | 50 | |
| Lis Neris, Pinot Grigio 'Gris' | 2007 | 60 | |
| Livio Felluga, Friulano | 2008 | 55 | |
| Renzo Sgubin '3, 4, 3' | 2006 | 55 | |
| Schiopetto, Friulano | 2007 | 60 | |
| Silvio Jermann 'Capo Martino' | 2004 | 155 | |
| Silvio Jermann, Chardonnay 'Were dreams......' | 2005 | 115 | |
| Silvio Jermann 'Vintage Tunina' | 2006 | 133 | |
| Vodopivec, Vitovska 'Classica' | 2005 | 140 | |
| Zuani 'Zuani Bianco' | 2006 | 75 | |
Emilia e Romagna |
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| One would expect wines of a higher standard from one of Italy's wealthiest regions, but the production is predominately controlled by large cooperatives producing massive quantities of wine. The future is bright, though, as more producers all over the region are focusing on quality with very good results. Albana, the first white wine to be awarded DOCG status, and Malvasia are the grapes to watch. | |||
| Castello di Luzzano, Malvasia di Candia 'Tasto di Seta' | 2006 | 45 | |
| La Stoppa 'Ageno' | 2005 | 78 | |
Toscana |
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| As in Piemonte, the focus is on the red wines in Tuscany, however good results have been achieved from Chardonnay in this very dynamic region. Vernaccia, grown in the hills near San Gimignano, has a long and vibrant history, and recent changes allow the addition of up to 10% Chardonnay. Vermentino has blossomed into a very promising varietal that showcases wild herbs and almonds, and is generally fermented in stainless steel tanks. | |||
| Giacomelli, Vermentino Colli di Luni 'Boboli' | 2007 | 80 | |
| Massa Vecchia, Vermentino 'Ariento' | 1998 | 50 | |
| Querciabella 'Batar' | 2006 | 145 | |
| Tenuta dell'Ornellaia, Poggio alle Gazze, Sauvignon Blanc | 2008 | 88 | |
| Terenzuola, Vermentino Colli di Luni 'Fosso di Corsano' | 2007 | 55 | |
Marche |
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| Verdicchios from the hills near the Adriatic and from the small Apennine town of Matelica have achieved a great level of quality, and can be found in two different styles: Light and fresh, and a perfect accompaniment to the local fish dishes, or aged to reveal depth and complexity, as is the case with Bucci. The Pecorino varietal is usually blended with other local grapes to produce other wines of interest. | |||
| Mancini, Blanc de Pinot Noir 'Impero' | 2007 | 90 | |
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi |
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| Fattoria Laila 'Eklektikos' | 2005 | 45 | |
| Bucci 'Villa Bucci,' Riserva | 2003 | 100 | |
| Bucci 'Villa Bucci,' Riserva | 2005 | 95 | |
Lazio |
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| Fiorano, Semillon 'Botte 47' | 1988 | 200 | |
| Monastero Suore Cistercensi 'Coenobium Rusticum' | 2007 | 65 | |
Umbria |
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| Orvieto was traditionally produced in a lightly sweet style, but is now usually a dry wine. Many changes have taken place in this region and Marco Caprai is the man responsible for the area's overall increase in wine quality. His Grecante gets better every year, while conserving the tipicity and the respect for the terroir. Antinori owns Castello della Sala, a property in Orvieto that makes an outstanding proprietary wine, Cervaro della Sala. Noted wine consultant Riccardo Cotarella, at his La Carraia estate, and Paolo Nodari, at Castello delle Regine in the Southern town of Amelia, are both producing quality whites. | |||
| Arnaldo Caprai, Grechetto 'Grecante' | 2007 | 45 | |
| Castello della Sala 'Cervaro della Sala' | 2007 | 90 | |
| Paolo Bea, Trebbiano Spolentino 'Arboreus' | 2004 | 140 | |
Abruzzo |
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| Trebbiano d'Abruzzo is the grape of importance in this region, and the releases from Edoardo Valentini have often been described as Italy's greatest dry white wine. Overproduction has been a big problem for this varietal, hence the varied levels of quality. | |||
| Ciavolich, Pecorino 'Aries' | 2006 | 45 | |
| Edoardo Valentini, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo | 1999 | 170 | |
| Edoardo Valentini, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo | 2000 | 180 | |
| Edoardo Valentini, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo | 2001 | 200 | |
| Edoardo Valentini, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo | 2002 | 220 | |
| Emidio Pepe, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo | 2005 | 140 | |
Campania |
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| All the principal white varietals from this region, including Falanghina, Greco di Tufo, and Fiano di Avellino, have been successfully revived in recent years and are achieving unprecedented levels of quality. Falanghina shows an aromatic character, while Greco di Tufo displays minerality, and Fiano di Avellino offers an attractive scent of hazelnuts, pears, and honey. Mastroberardino is primarily responsible for resurrecting this variety, and other producers, in particular Feudi di San Gregorio, are leading the move toward quality. | |||
| A Casa, Falanghina | 2007 | 52 | |
| Colli di Lapio, Fiano di Avellino | 2008 | 50 | |
| Feudi di San Gregorio, Greco di Tufo | 2007 | 45 | |
| Marisa Cuomo 'Fiorduva' | 2005 | 80 | |
| Pietracupa, Greco di Tufo | 2008 | 53 | |
| Villa Raiano, Greco di Tufo | 2006 | 54 | |
Puglia |
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| Rosé wines are difficult to market because of their inevitable association with white Zinfandel. The Calo' house makes this type of wine their specialty. The Negroamaro grape (translated black bitter) gives this wine its imposing character while its crisp acidity mantains the wine's balance. | |||
| Alberto Longo, Falanghina 'Le Fossette' | 2007 | 50 | |
Sicilia |
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| Changes in this region have taken place more rapidly than elsewhere in the country, and Sicilia has emerged with a renewed spirit and attitude, as well as a new found respect for its indigenous varietals. After successful efforts with Chardonnay, Sicily's native white grapes, Catarratto, Inzolia, Grillo, and Zibibbo, are now receiving the producers' attention. The relocation of vineyards from the very hot valley floor to cooler, higher elevation sites have allowed the grapes to achieve a more desirable level of acidity, thus ensuring better definition and more character. | |||
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Barone di Villagrande, Carricante |
2006 | 40 | |
| Benanti, Carricante 'Pietramarina' | 2004 | 75 | |
| Firriato 'Santagostino Baglio Soria' | 2004 | 50 | |
| I Vignieri di Salvo Foti, Etna Bianco 'Vinujancu' | 2008 | 88 | |
| Il Cantante, Etna Bianco | 2004 | 155 | |
| Marco De Bartoli, Zibibbo 'Pietranera' | 2007 | 73 | |
| Tenuta della Terre Nere, Etna Bianco 'Cuvée delle Vigne Niche' | 2008 | 65 | |
Sardegna |
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| The northern part of the island favors white varietals, in particular Vermentino and Vernaccia, due to its cooler climate, while the southern and eastern regions are better suited for the red varietals. Sardegna is perhaps the largest producer of Vermentino but not very much is exported. | |||
| Capichera, Vermentino | 2006 | 95 | |
| Dettori Badde Nigolosu, Vermentino 'Dettori Bianco' | 2006 | 55 | |