Italian wines to drink this summer: the ultimate guide

Liv Butler
Authored by Liv Butler
Posted Tuesday, July 30, 2024 - 9:35am

When it comes to wine culture, Italy is a rich tapestry woven from centuries of tradition, thanks to its diverse landscapes that yield a wide variety of grape qualities. Each region boasts its own unique viticultural identity, contributing significantly to Italy's reputation as a world-renowned wine producer.

In Italian culture, food and beverages hold great importance due to the history and heritage they carry through the ages. From the bold reds of Tuscany to the crisp whites of Veneto, and from Piemonte to Treviso, Italian wines offer a vast and captivating array of flavors to explore. These wines not only elevate culinary experiences but also enhance special moments, whether enjoyed alone or with friends and family. Their versatility allows them to pair beautifully with a wide range of dishes, extending beyond just Italian cuisine.

However, to make the perfect choice for your gatherings and truly savor the essence of Italy, it's crucial to select quality wines from reputable providers, such as Giordano Wines. In the following sections, we will provide you with suggestions, tips, and advice on the best Italian wines to enjoy this summer and how to pair them with your favorite dishes.

The best Italian white wines to make this summer special

Italy offers a wide variety of exceptional wines, perfect for enhancing your summer experience. First, we have Falanghina, a crisp and aromatic white wine from the Campania region. Celebrated for its fresh fruity notes and hints of floral and herbal undertones, Falanghina is bright and slightly acidic, making it an excellent match for seafood dishes, light salads, and fresh mozzarella.

Next, we cannot overlook Vermentino, which hails from Sardinia and Liguria. This versatile white wine is renowned for its minerality and lively acidity. Vermentino pairs wonderfully with seafood, especially shellfish and fish dishes. It also complements Mediterranean cuisine, fusion recipes, and even classic English dishes like fish and chips.

From Piemonte, we have Cortese, known for its delicate bouquet and clean, minerally taste. This elegant wine pairs beautifully with creamy pasta and light appetizers. Finally, our list of summer white wines would not be complete without mentioning Lugana, which is perfect for barbecued white meats.

The best Italian rosé wines for this summer

Among the various types of Italian wines, rosé wines stand out for their versatility and popularity with English cuisine. Bardolino Chiaretto DOC, for instance, is highly appreciated for its delicate pink hue and refreshing profile. This wine features a light body and bright acidity, making it an excellent match for salmon sandwiches, roast chicken, and summer salads.

Another notable rosé is Primitivo Rosato Pugliese, known for its rich notes of cherries, strawberries, and spices, which pair perfectly with fusion recipes and spicy dishes. Additionally, Merlot Rosato offers a juicy fruit flavor, enhancing a variety of meals with its vibrant taste.

Italian red and sparkling wines ideal for this summer

Finally, we must highlight the appeal of Prosecco and Spumante Moscato. These sparkling wines are excellent with seafood due to their acidity and also create a delightful balance with spicy dishes.

For those interested in red wines this summer, we highly recommend trying Lambrusco and Dolcetto. Both of these reds are ideal companions for meat dishes, enhancing their flavors with their distinctive profiles.

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