Here are the 5 best Italian white wines for beginners to buy online in 2023:
- Falanghina Molise DOC La Lana | Campi Valerio
- Monte del Cuca | Giovanni Menti
- Falerio Pecorino DOC Franco Franco | Officina del Sole
- Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC Duality | Specogna
- Colli Tortonesi Timorasso Derthona DOC | Vigneti Massa
In addition to quality, we used these criteria for the selection: freshness, aging potential, versatility in pairings.
Criterium 1: Freshness (or acidity)
In white wines, you can truly understand what freshness is, which is perceived as a cool and pleasant sensation on the sides of the tongue and also due to an increase in salivation. Lively acidity and vibrant flavors contribute to a very pleasant tasting experience, especially noticeable for whites consumed without significant aging.
Criterium 2: Aging Potential
For beginners it’s super important to get a sense of wine aging potential. Some white wines, particularly those made from certain grape varieties or produced in specific regions, can develop complexity, stronger aromas and character with aging.
Criterium 3: Versatility
Versatility refers to a wine's ability to be paired with many different foods: it is a key criterion to consider, especially for those approaching the world of wine, given the wide range of foods with which the same wine can be enjoyed, revealing its numerous facets. A versatile white wine is suitable for various occasions and table pairings. Highly versatile white wines can be enjoyed both on their own as an aperitif (the famous “aperitivo” in Italian) or paired with a variety of dishes, making them adaptable to different preferences and culinary choices.
Best Italian White Wine #1: Falanghina Molise DOC La Lana | Campi Valerio
Criterion 1: Freshness
The Falanghina Molise DOC by Campi Valerio boasts unparalleled freshness. Hailing from the Molise region, a hidden territory where incredible gems can be found, the wine captivates with its refreshing profile, appealing even to the most discerning palates.
Criterion 2: Aging Potential
Following a rigorously manual harvest at the peak of phenolic ripeness, the grapes undergo a gentle pressing to extract only the finest must. The wine then ferments in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The subsequent 6 months of maturation in steel on fine lees contribute to the wine's structural complexity, enhancing its aging potential to over 3 years.
Criterion 3: Versatility
Versatility on the table is a key characteristic of Campi Valerio's Falanghina Molise DOC. It stands out for its evident saline note and the very harmonious balance on the palate between hardness and softness. Falanghina La Lana is an extremely fresh and fruity wine that pairs well with many dishes, provided they are moderately intense. It is best enjoyed with appetizers and dishes with uncomplicated preparations, showcasing its full potential with seafood.
Territory and Winery:
Originating from the Molise region, particularly the province of Isernia, the Falanghina Molise DOC reflects the unique terroir of this super special and still relatively unknown area. Isernia boasts a rich viticultural history, carefully preserved by Campi Valerio, a family-owned winery since 1974. Their dedication to the indigenous Sannio Pentro varieties, especially the rare Pentro wine, demonstrates a commitment to preserving ancient grape varieties and terroir. As the sole producer of Pentro wine and a pioneer in the Metodo Classico (Traditional Method) production in the region, Cantina Valerio stands as a beacon of authenticity and innovation in Molise's winemaking landscape.
Best Italian White Wine #2 Monte del Cuca | Giovanni Menti
Criterion 1: Freshness
With a clear and characteristic freshness, this Garganega di Gambellara embodies the essence of vibrancy. Originating from Veneto, Italy, this wine, obtained through an extended maceration on the skins, is composed entirely of Garganega grapes.
Criterion 2: Aging Potential
As a white wine with maceration that can evolve for a decade, this wine exhibits incredible aging potential. This is attributed to the extreme care in cultivating Garganega grapes and the meticulous vinification process. Skin maceration results in a wine that deviates from the conventional golden hue, adopting a distinctive orange tone.
Criterion 3: Versatility
Beyond its freshness and aging potential, this Garganega stands out for its remarkable versatility. Offering a wide sensory tasting experience, ranging from notes of talcum powder to orange peel, this wine is a small masterpiece. A glass is meant to be enjoyed on its own, and recommended pairings extend from seafood to more robust first courses, white meats, and fresh cheeses. The wine's adaptability also extends to the realm of exotic cuisines, particularly Thai dishes, whether spicy or aromatic.
Territory and Winery:
This Menti white originates from the volcanic soils of Gambellara, a historic viticultural territory in Veneto known for cultivating the native white grape Garganega. The winery is located between Vicenza and Verona and follows a biodynamic approach. This family of viticulturists and producers passionately crafts volcanic wines from Garganega, including the renowned Recioto di Gambellara and Vin Santo. Embracing an environmentally conscious organic approach, the winery also produces high-quality olive oil and honey. The Garganega grape, known for its cluster and thick skin, thrives in this region, making it a resilient choice for passito wines. Cantina Menti interprets Garganega with a blend of classic and modern techniques, incorporating technology and innovation while maintaining an elegant and mineral essence. The three distinct white wines, Gambellara, Gambellara Vin Santo, and Gambellara Recioto, reflect the diverse expressions of Garganega in this terroir.
Best Italian White Wine #3: Falerio Pecorino DOC Franco Franco | Officina del Sole
Criterion 1: Freshness
Crafted from 100% Pecorino grapes, the Falerio Pecorino DOC stands out for its vibrant freshness. Originating from the Marche region, in Montegiorgio, this white wine delights the palate with an acidity that makes it pleasant and memorable.
Criterion 2: Aging Potential
The Franco Franco is a white wine with strong character, hailing from the Marche region, and it boasts an aging potential of over 5 years. The Pecorino grapes are hand-harvested from a hillside vineyard, situated 356 meters above sea level, and undergo gentle pressing and controlled-temperature alcoholic fermentation. The maturation initially takes place in stainless steel tanks, followed by a period in small toasted wooden barrels. This process contributes not only to the body of the Franco Franco but also influences its excellent aging capability.
Criterion 3: Versatility
The Falerio Pecorino DOC "Franco Franco" stands out as a well-structured wine, calling for intense and characterful pairings yet remaining versatile. With a warm and soft palate and excellent sapidity, it finishes with a subtly mineral note. It pairs perfectly with dishes featuring bold flavors, such as those with mollusks and crustaceans typical of Mediterranean cuisine. It's worth noting that its character also makes it perfect on its own, as if it were a meditative wine.
Territory and Winery:
Montegiorgio, in the province of Fermo, provides the perfect terroir for the Officina del Sole vineyard. The terroir, characterized by organic vineyards and the winery's commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, imparts a distinctive quality to the wines. The continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers, combined with clayey soils, is reflected in the quality of the Franco Franco.
Officina del Sole is truly a testament to the best winemaking tradition of the Marche. The winery cultivates both indigenous grapes like Pecorino and Passerina, and international varieties like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Pinot Nero. The 14 hectares of meticulously tended vineyards of this small estate, combined with an environmentally friendly approach, produce wines that speak to the unique winemaking tradition of the Marche. This commitment to excellence is complemented by the use of cutting-edge technology, ensuring the production of wines that are small masterpieces of quality.
Best Italian Red Wine #4 Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC Duality | Specogna
Criterion 1: Freshness
The Sauvignon Blanc "Duality" from Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC is an absolute quality wine, distinguished by its unique freshness. Originating from Friuli Venezia Giulia, which is one of the Italian regions with a strong tradition in white wines, in Italy, this wine immediately captivates with its intense yellow color, complemented by golden reflections. The eyes set the stage for a sensory journey of delightful freshness.
Criterion 2: Aging Potential
The wine gracefully evolves for over 15 years. It is made with grapes from two different vineyards: one facing south, providing high ripeness to the grapes, contributing to structure and warmth, and another cooler one, facing northeast, influenced by significant temperature fluctuations, bringing aromatic variety and heightened acidity, ensuring a fresh character to the wine. It undergoes refinement in second-passage oak barrels for 12 months, followed by further maturation in steel and glass, creating a complex profile that guarantees long-term evolution.
Criterion 3: Versatility
This Sauvignon Blanc is characterized by a harmonious fusion of menthol balsamic notes and a broad, enveloping palate: it is truly a very gastronomic and highly versatile wine in the kitchen. The suggested pairings range from fatty fish like salmon to spiced and aromatic meats, or robust vegetarian dishes like mushroom lasagna. Its versatility allows it to be enjoyed on its own as well.
Territory and Winery:
Immersed in Corno di Rosazzo, in the Colli Orientali, the vineyards of Specogna reflect the unique terroir of Friuli. Optimal pedoclimatic conditions have favored the cultivation of both indigenous and international grape varieties. The production of Friuli Colli Orientali, characterized by manual harvests and discreet use of modern winemaking techniques, embodies an intelligent interplay of tradition and modernity. The region hosts a rich tapestry of native grape varieties such as malvasia, picolit, pignolo, refosco dal peduncolo rosso, ribolla gialla, schioppettino, tazzelenghe, tocai friulano, and verduzzo friulano.
Founded in 1963, the Specogna family estate has evolved into a small hub of oenological excellence. Located in the heart of Friuli, the vineyards span 24 hectares along the northeastern hills. The estate's commitment to tradition is coupled with modern winemaking practices, reflecting a profound connection between man, grape, and territory, showcasing the enduring spirit of Friulian winemaking.
Best Italian Red Wine #5: Colli Tortonesi Timorasso Derthona DOC | Vigneti Massa
Criterion 1: Freshness
In the captivating territory of Colli Tortonesi, the Timorasso Derthona DOC stands out as one of the most intriguing wines in Italy for those looking to explore the world of Italian wines: it's truly a must-know for white wine enthusiasts. Its excellence lies in its freshness, attributed both to the grapes (the indigenous Timorasso) and the geological composition of the soils, making it a pleasant and refreshing white wine.
Criterion 2: Aging Potential
Walter Massa's Derthona embodies the extraordinary potential of Timorasso. It is a wine perfect for immediate enjoyment or for cellaring for about 3 years from the production date. Crafted with minimal intervention, spontaneous fermentations, and aging on fine lees, it testifies to the recovery and revival of a grape saved from extinction by Walter Massa himself.
Criterion 3: Versatility
With an alcohol volume of 14%, Walter Massa's Derthona is a small masterpiece that calls for characterful pairings. It offers warm sensations on the palate, balanced by a remarkably mineral note, making it versatile. This white wine pairs perfectly with a wide range of dishes in the kitchen: from rich seafood-based first courses to robust meat dishes and even the most intense cheeses.
Territory and Winery:
Immersed in the Colli Tortonesi, a landscape adorned with cultivated fields, vineyards, and orchards, the region harmoniously extends from the Po Valley to the intricate mountain chain of Lower Piedmont. Among various white grape varieties, Timorasso stands out as a rare and exceptional indigenous variety saved from extinction by Walter Massa.
The Vigneti Massa estate embodies a legacy of traditional knowledge, allowing the grapes and terroir to express themselves at their best. Walter's visionary approach to revitalizing the Timorasso grape and his unwavering commitment to producing quality wines have elevated him to international renown. Walter Massa's story intertwines with that of the territory, where he defends the Timorasso grape as a cornerstone for creating exceptional wines.
Glossary
Aging potential:
Recommended duration for aging a wine in order to enhance flavors.
Aromas:
Scents and smells perceived when smelling the wine.
Barbera Bianca:
Barbera Bianca is a white grape variety related to the red Barbera. It is cultivated in the Piedmont region and used to produce crisp and lively white wines.
Body:
Weight, richness, and fullness on the palate.
Chardonnay:
Chardonnay is a versatile white grape variety with a global presence; it’s probably the most known white grape. It produces wines ranging from crisp and unoaked to rich and buttery, depending on winemaking choices.
Colli Orientali:
Colli Orientali refers to the eastern hills in Friuli, suggesting the geographical influence on wines produced in the region.
Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC:
Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC is a designation for wines from the eastern hills of Friuli, Italy, reflecting the unique terroir of the region.
Cortese:
Cortese is a white grape variety primarily grown in the Piedmont region. It is known for producing crisp and citrusy white wines, with Gavi being one of the well-known appellations.
Denomination:
A classification indicating the geographic origin and winemaking regulations for a wine.
Falanghina:
Falanghina is a Southern Italian white grape variety, producing wines with crisp acidity, citrus notes, and occasional herbal or mineral characteristics.
Favorita:
Favorita is a white grape variety found in Piedmont, Italy. It is known for its fresh and floral characteristics, often used to produce aromatic white wines.
Freshness:
The acidity of a wine, evaluated through the sensation perceived mainly on the outer part of the tongue and recognized by increased salivation, is particularly pronounced in white wines.
Gambellara:
Gambellara is a Veneto white wine often made with Garganega grapes, known for its fresh and fruity character, including still and sparkling styles.
Garganega:
White grape grown in the Veneto region.
Malvasia:
Malvasia is a white grape variety widely grown in Italy, known for producing aromatic wines with floral and fruity notes. It is used in both dry and sweet wine production.
Pairing:
These are suggestions for pairing wine with foods that enhance its characteristics to the fullest and create a unique tasting experience, precisely due to the encounter between food and wine.
Palate:
Flavors, textures, and overall sensations experienced.
Passerina:
Passerina is an Italian white grape, mainly grown in Central Italy, producing crisp and refreshing wines with citrus and floral notes.
Picolit:
It's a rare and highly prized white grape variety, mainly cultivated in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy. It is used to produce sweet wines with rich flavors and highly complex aromas because its challenging cultivation results in few clusters that are very intense.
Pignolo:
Pignolo is a red grape variety native to the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. It is known for producing robust red wines with deep color, firm tannins, and a range of complex flavors.
Riesling Italico:
Riesling Italico, also known as Welschriesling, is a white grape variety found in northern Italy. It produces aromatic wines with floral and fruity notes.
Riesling Renano:
Riesling Renano, or simply Riesling, is a classic white grape variety known for its high acidity and aromatic profile. It is grown in various wine regions worldwide.
Sapidity:
The salty sensation of a wine, which depends on the grape, the terroir – including the proximity to the sea – and the specific winemaking techniques.
Sauvignon Blanc:
Sauvignon Blanc is a white-skinned grape variety known for vibrant acidity and aromas of green apple, lime, and herbaceous qualities.
Softness:
It refers to the tactile sensation of roundness perceived in the mouth during tasting. This characteristic is primarily associated with the texture of the wine and its ability to gently coat the palate, providing a silky, velvety, and round sensation.
Tannin:
Presence of tannins (natural compounds) contributing to the structure of the wine and a pleasant bitter sensation, characteristic of wines that undergo skin maceration, primarily reds, but also noticeable in orange wines.
Terroir:
Terroir encompasses the unique factors in a geographic area, including soil, climate, and topography, influencing the character of wine grapes.
Timorasso Derthona DOC:
White wine made from Timorasso grapes in the Colli Tortonesi territory, in the Piedmont region.
Trebbiano:
Trebbiano is a widely planted white grape in Italy, recognized for its high acidity and neutral flavor profile, suitable for still and sparkling wines.
Variety:
The type of grape used to make the wine.
Vin Santo:
Vin Santo is an Italian dessert wine from Tuscany, made from dried grapes and aged to develop rich, sweet flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and honey.
Sylvaner Verde:
Sylvaner Verde, or Grüner Sylvaner, is a white grape variety found in northern Italy. It is known for producing wines with a fresh and crisp character, often featuring herbal and green fruit notes.
Verduzzo Friulano:
Verduzzo Friulano is a white grape variety in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, often used to produce sweet wines. The wines exhibit honeyed notes, along with a balance of acidity and richness.
Conclusions
The world of Italian white wines offers a diverse experience, and if you know what to choose, it's of absolute quality, both for beginners and enthusiasts. From the Falanghina of Southern Italy to the Garganega of Veneto, from the Pecorino of Marche to the outstanding whites of Colli Orientali, not forgetting the indispensable Timorasso... there are some white wines, true hidden gems, that white wine lovers must absolutely explore.
