By Ray Spaziani
Wine Talk
Ray Spaziani
Summer is a great time to have some white wines. The first significant difference between red and white wine is the acidity of the whites. White grapes are picked earlier than those for red wine. This causes the acid to come through to a greater degree and gives the wine a more refreshing character.
Most Italian whites have a tropical fruit characteristic. Many contain an apple, orange or lemon flavor and contain a general citrusy quality that makes summer fun.
Italy has over 500 red wines that they produce, so the white wines get overshadowed. But Italian whites are wonderful, varied and flavorful. So tell grandma to put away that bottle of Pino Grigio and try some of the wines I’m going to list.
One of my favorite wines is made in Marche, Italy. It is called Verdicchio. It has almond, lemon and peach flavors running through the wine and the alcohol content usually runs from 11.5 percent to about 13.5 percent. It is refreshing.
Sardinia is known for making Vermentino. This wine has characteristics of lime, grapefruit and green apple flavors with a touch of almond. The alcohol content runs about the same as Verdicchio.
Viognier is produced in the Piedmont region of Italy. The alcohol packs a little more punch and goes up to 15 percent. The flavors include honeysuckle, tangerine and mango. This wine will help any summer afternoon.
Arneis is produced in Piedmont also and contains up to 13.5 percent alcohol. The flavor characteristics include peach, yellow apple, some almond and honey.
Gewürztraminer is made in Trentino. Its alcohol content can be as high as 15 percent and the flavors include lychee, ginger, tangerine and lots of grapefruit.
Campania is known for making Falanghina. This wine has lemon and honey flavors and lots of peach. It also has up to 13.5 percent alcohol.
Verona is known for producing Soave, which generally contains 12.5 percent alcohol and is on most Italian restaurant wine lists. It is light and easy drinking. It contains a little orange zest and some honeydew melon flavors.
In Sicily, they are known for the production of Inzolia and Catarratto wines. Inzoliahas a lot of citrus with some apricot. Catarratto is loaded with lemon, peach, apple, honey and dried flowers. Both run up to about 13.5 percent alcohol.
These wines are just some of my favorite whites from a country most widely known for its red wines. There are some wonderful surprises among them. Summer is a great time for white wines. Take a shot and give them a try.
Ray Spaziani is the chapter director of the New Haven chapter of the American Wine Society. He is on the tasting panels of Winemaker Magazine and Amate del Vino and is a certified wine educator and award-winning home winemaker. Email Ray with your wine questions or activities at realestatepro1000@gmail.com.