Vino Italiano!

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Sean Millar of Pruno Wines with six Italian wines to enjoy this autumn.

 

 

AS THE CRISP AUTUMNAL WEATHER SETS IN, it’s the perfect time to wrap up warm and enjoy a relaxing glass of wine by the fire. While a full-bodied red may seem like the obvious choice for a cosy fireside tipple, there are also some excellent whites to appreciate this time of year, particularly when it comes to Italian wines.

I have always been a big fan of old world wines and my favourite Italian winemaking regions are Abruzzo and Veneto, which I often visit while staying at my second home in Liguria.

Abruzzo is known for the red Montepulciano grape and the white Pecorino grape, which are both native to the area. This beautiful region, nestled in the centre of Italy, boasts the highest peaks of the Apennine Mountains and its quaint medieval villages and beautiful landscapes are well worth exploring.

On a recent trip, I discovered the delightful Mezzadro vineyard in the province of Chieti, which is perfectly located in the heart of Abruzzo, between the Maiella National Park and the Adriatic Sea. The winery produces a wonderful Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and an excellent Pecorino, as well as a fantastic Merlot and an impressive Chardonnay,
which can all be a real treat during the autumn months.

The Veneto region is home to two of Italy’s most romantic cities, Venice and Verona, although as a winemaking region, it is best known for Valpolicella and Soave. Valpolicella, which is just north of Verona, is surrounded by natural beauty with the Lessini mountains to the north and east and Lake Garda to the west.

It’s interesting to note that Valpolicella winemakers each have their own different styles, which can often influence the flavour just as much as the grapes themselves.

Duca del Frassino is an impressive winery, which produces an incredible Valpolicella Superiore. The wine’s intense aromas of red berries and cherries make it an excellent choice for a cosy evening at home. Duca del Frassino also makes a remarkable Soave.

The charming town of the same name is well worth a visit with its impressive medieval castle and vineyards spanning the hills east of Verona.

Here are my top Italian recommendations to celebrate the autumn:

MEZZADRO MONTEPULCIANO

Ruby red colour with a generous aroma of red fruit and delicate spicy notes. Made from 90% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and 10% Sangiovese grapes.

MEZZADRO MERLOT

This medium bodied wine has wonderful aromas of mature fruit with herbal hints. The perfect match with a good Italian cheese.

MEZZADRO CHARDONNAY

Straw yellow colour with light green hints. This wine has lovely aromas of exotic fruit, banana, with delicate notes of yellow flowers.

MEZZADRO PECORINO

                

 

Pecorino is a lesser-known indigenous Italian grape variety with plenty of style and character. Fresh tropical fruit notes with a delicate floral flavour and an enticing minerality to finish.

DUCA DEL FRASSINO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE

                  

 

Aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 12 months, this superior Valpolicella has a bright red colour with intense aromas of red berries and cherries. A wine with a great structure and elegant tannins.

DUCA DEL FRASSINO SOAVE CLASSICO

                  

 

An elegant classic Soave made between the medieval village of Soave and Monteforte d’Alpone. This wine features delicate fruity aromas, particularly apple with a pleasant harmonious flavour.

ALL WINES AVAILABLE AT PRUNO-WINES.CO.UK | INSTAGRAM @PRUNOWINES | FACEBOOK.COM/PRUNOWINES