Before there was Chianti. Before there was Brunello. There was Sangiovese. This historic red grape, native to central Italy, has been cultivated for centuries and remains the most widely planted red variety in the country. Known for its savory charm, bright acidity, and ability to express terroir like few others,…
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Colorino Grape: A Bold Tuscan Red Variety with Deep Roots
What Is Colorino Grape? Colorino is a deeply pigmented red grape native to Tuscany, best known for its role in adding color and structure to traditional Chianti blends. While once overshadowed by Sangiovese, Colorino is enjoying a quiet renaissance among producers seeking heritage varieties with bold character and expressive potential.…
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Aglianico del Taburno Wine Guide: Campania’s Volcanic “Barolo of the South”
Aglianico del Taburno DOCG is a prestigious red wine appellation from Campania’s Province of Benevento, established as a DOCG in 2011. Made from 85–100% Aglianico grapes grown on volcanic soils at 200–700m elevation, it produces structured reds (€15–25) known as the “Barolo of the South“, and elegant rosés (€12–18). The…
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Cacc’e Mmitte di Lucera DOC Wine Guide: the Pour-It-Back Red of Puglia
Discover Cacc’e Mmitte di Lucera DOC, the ultra-local Puglian red wine with a strange name, a deep soul, and just 26 hectares of production. What is Cacc’e Mmitte di Lucera DOC? Cacc’e Mmitte di Lucera (pronounced KAH-chay MEE-tay dee Loo-CHER-ah) is one of Italy’s smallest and most obscure DOC wines,…
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Breganze DOC Wine Guide: Veneto’s Volcanic Secret for Elegant Reds and Torcolato
Breganze DOC is a dynamic and diverse wine appellation located in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. It is known for producing both red and white wines that reflect the volcanic soils and rich winemaking traditions of the area. Among its highlights are the indigenous white grape Vespaiolo and international…
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Barbera d’Alba DOC Wine Guide: Piedmont’s Everyday Elegance in a Glass
Barbera d’Alba DOC is a vibrant red wine from Piedmont made from at least 85% Barbera grapes. It bridges the gap between everyday drinkability and serious complexity, offering a juicy, food-friendly profile with lively acidity, plush fruit, and a touch of earth. Compared to its cousins Barbera d’Asti and Barbera…
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Bramaterra DOC: Your Guide to Piedmont’s Best-Kept Nebbiolo Secret
Bramaterra DOC is a prestigious Italian red wine from Piedmont’s Alto Piemonte region, made primarily from Nebbiolo grapes (50–80%) blended with Croatina and Vespolina. Produced by only 19 small wineries across 31 hectares, these elegant wines age a minimum of 22 months and cost €20–35, making them an accessible introduction…
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Barbaresco DOCG Wine Guide: Piedmont’s Elegant Nebbiolo
Barbaresco is a DOCG-classified Italian wine made entirely from the Nebbiolo grape in Piedmont. It’s often viewed as Barolo’s graceful sibling, offering elegance, complexity, and earlier drinkability. What is Barbaresco DOCG? Barbaresco DOCG is one of Italy’s most prestigious red wines, crafted exclusively from the noble Nebbiolo grape in the…
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Aglianico del Vulture Superiore: The Ultimate Wine Guide
Discover Aglianico del Vulture Superiore, the legendary “Barolo of the South” from Italy’s Basilicata region – our comprehensive guide covers everything from traditional producers and investment-worthy vintages to expert food pairings and proper serving techniques for this prestigious Aglianico-based wine. What is Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG? Known as the…
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Aleatico Grape: The Aromatic Red Treasure of Central Italy
What Is the Aleatico Grape? The Aleatico grape is a rare and intensely aromatic red variety grown primarily in central and southern Italy. Best known for its sweet passito-style wines, Aleatico stands out for its floral bouquet, red berry flavors, and long history rooted in the Italian peninsula. This grape…