The Other Italian White Wines

Spring is in the air and our palates crave lighter food and lighter wines. Lighter does not, however, mean no flavor. As the 2nd largest wine producing country, Italy has an enormous amount of distinctive, quality white wines that go well beyond Pinot Grigio. Let's take a trip through the region and learn about the other fascinating, classy whites from Italy.

Starting in the north in the Piedmont region we have Gavi which is made from the Cortese grape. It produces dry, crisp, mineral-ly wines with pleasant aromas and flavors of citrus, apple, pear, flowers, and honey. Gavi is named after the town of Gavi. Many high quality Gavi's are compared to white Burgundy. Here is an excellent example: Stefano Massone Gavi Vigneto Masera 2008.

Staying in the Piedmont region is little known Arneis which literally means "rascal" as it is a difficult grape to grow. It is commonly found in the hills of Roero and produces a medium bodied rich and viscous wine with peach, pear, flowers and almond flavors. A superb bottle to try: Fratelli Giacosa Roero Arneis 2008.

Moving to the Veneto region in northeastern Italy is Soave made from the Garganega grape with some Trebbiano and Chardonnay added. The wines from the oldest zone on hillside vineyards are referred to as Soave Classico and tend to be the most interesting. They are characterized by gentle acidity and a floral fragrance. Soave in Italian means "smooth". A beautiful choice is: Suavia Soave Classico Superiore 2008.

Heading south to central Italy is the famous wine of the Popes, Orvieto made from Trebbiano, Malvasia and Grechetto grapes. The slightly warmer climate and the chalky limestone soils produce interesting wines that are crisp, vibrant and fruity with excellent style and concentration. Orvieto is named after the village near where it is produced and is nicknamed "sun of Italy in a bottle". A classic consistent value: Antinori Orvieto Classico Campogrande 2008.

As we take a journey further down the coast to the Campania region that includes Naples we come across full-bodied, full-flavored and complex Falanghina, a very interesting historic grape with real personality. The fresh citrus fruits and tropical flavors abound with mineral notes and a clean, savory finish. A notable one from the region: Terredora di Paolo Falanghina Irpinia 2008.

Traveling to the warm, tropical climate of southern Italy is the ancient Sicilian white wine Grillo, the wine of Julius Caesar. It is an important grape used to make Marsala, yet produces golden colored, crisp, zesty, wines with an almond sweetness. A lovely representation is: Terre del Grillo 2007.