What is Leverano DOC? Leverano DOC is a small yet diverse appellation in the Salento peninsula of Puglia, known for producing a wide spectrum of wines: rich Negroamaro-based reds, delicate rosés, aromatic Malvasia whites, and even indulgent passito dessert wines. Established in 1979, this DOC is rooted in centuries of…
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Lessini Durello DOC: Veneto’s Volcanic Sparkling Wine Alternative to Prosecco
What is Lessini Durello DOC? Lessini Durello DOC is one of Italy’s best-kept sparkling secrets. Produced in the volcanic foothills between Verona and Vicenza, these wines are made primarily from the Durella grape, whose high acidity and mineral backbone make it perfect for sparkling wine. For those seeking a Prosecco…
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Lamezia DOC Wine Guide: Calabria’s Multi-Style Hidden Gem
Picture Calabria at golden hour: sea breezes rolling in from the Tyrrhenian, citrus groves perfuming the air, and a glass of something unexpectedly fresh in your hand. That’s the charm of Lamezia DOC—a small but impressively versatile appellation centered around Lamezia Terme, where Calabria’s sun meets coastal lift. Established in…
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Lago di Caldaro Wine Guide: South Tyrol’s Schiava DOC
What is Lago di Caldaro DOC? Lago di Caldaro DOC (known in German as Kalterersee) produces some of South Tyrol’s most distinctive light red wines, crafted primarily from the indigenous Schiava grape. Set among Alpine lakeside vineyards near Bolzano, this historic wine region is celebrated for wines that are fresh,…
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Lacrima di Morro / Lacrima di Morro d’Alba DOC: Italy’s Most Floral Red You’ve Probably Never Tasted
Lacrima di Morro d’Alba DOC at a Glance What it is: Marche’s signature “semi-aromatic” red—famous for rose, violet, and wild-berry perfume with a savory, food-friendly finishWhere: Around Morro d’Alba (Province of Ancona), inland from the Adriatic coastDOC established: 1985 Signature grape: Lacrima Main styles: Rosso, Superiore, Passito Signature character: Rose…
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Ischia DOC: The Volcanic Island Wines You’ll Want With Lunch That Turns Into Sunset
Ischia DOC: The Volcanic Island Wines You’ll Want With Lunch That Turns Into Sunset Ischia is the kind of place that makes you forget what day it is: thermal springs, sea air, lemon trees, and steep green slopes that look like they were built for postcards. But the most “Ischia”…
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Irpinia DOC: Campania’s Mountain-Wine Umbrella (and a cheat code for value)
Irpinia DOC at a Glance What it is: Campania’s inland “mountain DOC”—a flexible umbrella for Irpinia’s whites, reds, rosato, sparkling, sweet passito, and traditional fortified stylesWhere: Province of Avellino (Irpinia), inland Campania—hill country between Naples and the ApenninesDOC established: 2005Elevation: Commonly 400–700 meters (cool nights, serious acidity)Signature grapes: What is…
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I Terreni di Sanseverino DOC: the “secret handshake” red of Marche
Imagine stumbling on a wine so rare that even many Italian wine people have never tasted it. That’s the pull of I Terreni di Sanseverino DOC—a micro-appellation rooted around San Severino Marche, where local reds and a traditional sweet Passito survive more as culture than commerce. This isn’t a prestige…
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Gutturnio DOC: Piacenza’s Most Versatile Red (and One of Italy’s Best Food Wines)
Gutturnio DOC at a Glance What it is: Piacenza’s signature red wine—a Barbera + Croatina blend that can be joyfully frizzante (lightly sparkling), confidently Superiore, or seriously age-worthy as Riserva Where: The Colli Piacentini hills south of Piacenza, in Emilia-Romagna—four main valley systems (Val Tidone, Val Trebbia, Val Nure, Val…
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Grottino di Roccanova DOC: Basilicata’s Best-Kept Wine Secret
What if Basilicata’s most interesting wine story isn’t only volcanic Aglianico—but a tiny hill DOC almost nobody talks about? Grottino di Roccanova DOC is one of southern Italy’s most under-the-radar denominations, producing fresh, food-driven whites, rosés, and reds from inland hills in the Province of Potenza. The scale is microscopic,…