The world of sparkling wines always paints a picture of grand French houses and Spanish Labels. But what if I told you that Italy – the land of vines and wines, is the secret treasure of these lavishing Italian sparkling wines?
Yes, you heard it right, wine enthusiasts! Overshadowed by art, history, and delicious foods, this side of Italy prevails as an underrated gem. On the other hand, Italian wines never disappoint us, providing a kaleidoscope of styles and flavors ranging from the crisp taste of Lambrusco to the mineral-rich Franciacorta.
Let’s unlock the mysteries of these sparkling culinaries! Join me as I take you through the paths of the winery world of Itay to witness the true magic of la dolce vita in your glasses.
Exploring the Wine Bottles from Italy By Regions
Italian sparkling wines are produced throughout several regions from northern to central parts of Italy and exported worldwide. Each of them competes with the other in taste and has quite a distinct characteristic and flavours.
Here is the list of the popular sparkling wines and the regions where you will get them.
Prosecco
Prosecco is one of the famous Italian sparkling wines you have probably heard of. The brand exports about 200 million wine bottles worldwide, and its demand is increasing daily. And why not? Its tangy flavor and energetic drink work wonderfully to refresh your day.
The Glera grapes from the foothill of the Veneto region are the main ingredient of this champagne of Italy. Along with it, with the versatile notes of apples, pear, and citrus, Prosecco is fermented twice in a steel tank for 20 days (and sometimes even more) in the Charmat method to give its light-bodied, vibrant, and aromatic savor.
Region: Veneto region of Northern Italy.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta is more suited for Italian champagne than sparkling wines because of its classic and strict method of fermentation – Metedo Classico – used for champagne production. Its sophisticated processing includes Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, and Pinot Bianco grapes of Lombardy.
The making of this Italian sparkling wine gives an insight into its taste. Yeah, you guessed right! It’s not like light-bodied drinks.
Instead, it has a sheer, intense flavor with a finer texture. Usually, having brut-dry style and the yeasty characteristic of champagne, this wine will give you a mix of sweet and sour aromas and fruity-nutty flavor.
Region: Lombardy of Northern Italy, east of Milan.
Lambacruso
Unique in its color and texture, Lambacruso is one of the most elegant and best red Italian sparkling wines. From rose to deep red, the wine is made with the grape of Lambacruso, from which it has got its name.
Though formally, it was famous for its sweet flavor, its dry and frizzy ones are now also available on the market. With red berries, cherries, and violet, Lambracuso has an elegant sweet and sour taste. Hearing sweety essence, don’t make the mistake of drinking it on an empty stomach.
Bonus Tip: Pair it with mouthwatering meat in family outings and relaxing picnics for the most chilling culinary experience.
Region: Emily-Romagna region of Central Italy.
Moscato d’Asti and Asti Spumante
If you are looking for semi-sweet to sweet wines, these Piedmont charms can be your actual culinary companions. Fermented and made with purest and 100% Moscato grapes, it has the ability to give you thrills with a fruity taste.
Blended with fruits and flowers, Asti Spumante has a refreshing taste that goes exceptionally well with desserts and sweet delights. As the name suggests, you will get the spumante taste underlying all others.
However, Moscato is much sweeter, with a complete nibble of aromatic and citrus plants. Having a more sugary texture, Moscato is a real vino frizzante.
Region: Piedmont region of the north of Italy.
What Is The Difference Between Italian Champagne And Italian Sparkling Wine?
Don’t get me wrong, but many people are still confused about the champagne and sparkling wine. Aren’t both the same? No, dear! I get this question a lot, and let me be honest: I used to think the same way.
There is quite a difference between Italian champagne and Italian sparkling wines. And the sheer difference lies in their fermentation and the ingredient. While champagne uses only limited types of grapes and classic fermentation practices, sparkling wine has an array of ingredients with less strict processing.
Still confused? Let me get into details for you.
Ingredients
The Italian champagne recipes are pretty classic, like any other region. The mixture of three grapes, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, is all used.
On the flip side, sparkling wines have no rule or fixed recipe. From grape varieties, fruits, apples, and citrus to flowers and nuts, everything can give you a bubbly experience.
Process
Champagne processing strictly relies on the classic method of Metedo Classico to give it the ultimate taste, with the yeasty-sugary taste giving it the signature flavor.
However, sparkling wines are fermented mainly using the Charmat method, with some exceptions. Still, the taste is quite light-bodied, and the process has few rules.
Three Best Red Wine Offerings in Italy
Along with these Italian sparkling wines, the red wines of Italy have the most pleasant and nourishing delights to offer. When paired with the perfect food and gatherings, these red wines can surely make your day better.
Amarone
Being one of the famous Veneto wines, Amarone is known for its unique dry taste, which can take you to seventh heaven. It has one of the best thrills and chills when drunk with fine cuisine.
Gattinara
If you are looking for a Piedmont wine and Nebiola-based, Gattinara is the red wine Italy you should add to your cart. Try it with braises and stew to get the ultimate experience of milestone events.
Chianti Classico
As the name suggests, Chianti Classico is a classic Italian wine with traditional and historical background. Even if you are not interested in that, its boozy essence would be perfect for combinations of meals you can try.
Italian Christmas Wines to Try This Holiday
If you are looking forward to celebrating this holiday of Christmas Eve with a mix and match of Italian Christmas wines, hop below to the curated list along with the best Italian dishes that are the perfect match for each other.
- Prosecco: This fresh wine of apples, pears, and flowers goes well with appetizers of fried mixed vegetables, salmon canapes, or shrimp.
- Valpolicella: The delicate meat sliced, roast pigeon meat, broth, or pasta goes well with this bubbly combination.
- Amarone: Best suited for the second-course meal of the Christmas lunch.
- Pinot Grigio: Pairs well with spaghetti with salmon and shellfish and a vegetable lasagna.
- Moscato d’Asti: Taste this frizzante with sweet desserts, fruits, and overloaded creams.
Cheap Italian Sparkling Wine You Can Try
Even though Italy’s sparkling wines have a history of expensive and sophisticated culture, numerous cheap Italian sparkling wines are now widely available. Curated from several market analyses, critics’ reviews, and my experience, I present you with sparkling wines within your budget.
Gancia Grand Reale Dessert Spumante
Only for $4, you have this mineralistic drink with frizzy effervescence. This white spumante can be best matched with fruity desserts for its aromatic and energizing taste.
Cinzano Prosecco
One of the fresh and youthful Prosecco, within $7, can be another chilly drink for your lunch. Missing this is the ultimate loss.
Medici Ermete i Quercioli Lambrusco Reggiano Rosato Dolce
This is another type of Lambacruso that you can try with any Italian cuisine you want. And the best part is this affordable drink has a rating above 85 out of 100.
Gancia Pinot di Pinot Brut
From the regions of Piedmont, this Pinot Noir is one of the cheap Italian sparkling wines with crisp, fresh, and sweet-sour savor. Obviously, it’s worth a shot!
Cantina Due Palme ‘Amaluna’ Spumante Extra Dry
This extra dry wine from Puglia is another hidden gem of Italian wines. Not only will you get it below $10, but it is also one of the best-rated Italian sparkling wines you will ever hear of.
Final Thoughts
Did you ever wonder if the land of delicious food and art had a hidden weapon of sparkling wines? With a combination of flavors waiting to be explored, the Italian sparkling wines can entice your sensations and take you to the country’s vineyards.
Think beyond the labels and the price tag and explore the world of Italian frizz. Uncork the bottles and find your best culinary companion. Cheers.
