by Nelson Abreu
Today Italy ranks first in global wine exports by volume. Similar to other prominent wine producing countries, Italy’s wines were first established worldwide with a few market blazing varieties, in this case, Chianti, Barolo, Amarone and Brunello. While wines from many different countries became popular and then the interest faded, Italian wine trends continue to move upwards. The Italian classics remain popular comfort wines, but it is the wines from emerging regions such as Sicily, with obscure indigenous grape varieties, that are exciting wine fans in Ontario. With over 350 registered grape varieties, Italy has the greatest diversity of wines in the world. This is a treasure of wines that will continue to entertain wine lovers for years to come and Ontario is a great place to experience all that Italian wines have to offer.
In Ontario, you are sure to encounter a selection of Italian wines from familiar regions, and established brands, when shopping in liquor and grocery stores. Opportunities do exist for consumers to explore Italy’s more obscure and trendy regional wines when shopping at Vintages. Supply consistency is a common challenge as the vast majority of Vintages’ wines are purchased in seasonal and limited quantities. In addition, these wines are expected to sell-through quickly to be deemed successful in the market and to stand a greater chance of being repurchased. It is not uncommon to hear people lament that the wine they bought at Vintages sold out and was no longer available when they returned for more.
Restaurants are where you will experience the trendiest, cutting-edge Italian wines in Ontario. Privately imported wines are hand selected and promoted by the agents. These are the kind of wines you discover when you travel to Italy. They are also the wines that appeal to sommeliers and restaurateurs for their uniqueness, value and, more importantly, exclusivity, as consignment wines cannot be bought in the stores. These wines express their origins within their taste profiles, not just on their labels. They are often not the obvious consumer choice, but once you try them, you are sure to enjoy them immensely. You’ll find that these trending Italian wines are recommended by the dining establishment for their uniqueness and compatibility with the food on the menu. Offered in restaurants, and to the private consumer, these wines help create memorable dining experiences.
With the popularity of Italian cuisine and the plethora of Italian restaurants in Ontario, it is no surprise that Italian wines rank number one among privately imported wines by volume. You will find that the greatest selection of imported wines made from indigenous, unique grape varieties come from Italy. It is common to dine out in Ontario and discover that the Italian wine you enjoyed at your local Trattoria, or Pizzeria, is not sold in stores.
Here are a few Italian gems from our portfolio that sommeliers have been parading around to customers:
- Verduno Basadone from Castello di Verduno is made from the rare Pelaverga Piccolo variety. If Italy has an answer to light bodied Pinot Noir or perhaps Gamay this is it! Driven by white pepper and rosehip it's elegantly structured and packed with intensity.
- Langhe Freisa from 499 Vino is made from the ancient Freisa variety. Genetic sequencing reveals this variety's lineage to originate from famous Piedmont varieties Nebbiolo and Arneis. This variety has the potential to age like Nebbiolo but is much wilder in aromatic profile.
- Our Schiava is from Peter Zemmer in the Alto Adige. This is a true alpine red, light bodied with forest berries and earthy flavours, it's lip smacking and ideal for easy going food like appetizers and pizza. A great red to serve chilled during summer!
- Gavi di Gavi 'Tuffo' from Morgassi Superiore is made the Cortese variety. This high-altitude example shows real, Chablis-like elegance and power. Sea-shell mineral driven and zippy acidity make it a serious oyster shucker!
As regional and indigenous wines continue to excite sommeliers, offering interest and appeal to wine programs, you'll continue to discover more unique food-friendly and cutting-edge Italian wines when restaurant dining returns to Ontario.
