Autumn Wines To Try From Five Regions Of Italy

Pull on sweaters. Switch on the heat. The sky is grayer, rainfall more frequent and mist rolls in more often during recent mornings. Summer—brief, as always—has gone and it is time to adjust clothing and lifestyle patterns. That will include which foods we eat and which wines we pair them with.

The following wines from five administrative regions throughout Italy match well for autumn meals: crisp appetizer whites and rosés from Sardinia and Lake Garda, hearty and full bodied reds that from Tuscany, punchy and fruity reds from Piedmont and a glorious sweet dessert wine from the island of Pantelleria offshore of Sicily.

Sella & Mosca. Cala Reale. Vermentino di Sardegna. 2023. 90-91 points.

A light 12.5% alcohol wine made from Vermentino grapes on the island of Sardinia. Aromas of eucalyptus and lime. Firm, round, bulbous flavors that make for easy drinking with white pear and mandarin flavors mid palate and a slightly menthol finish. Pair with sushi or sashimi.

Vignamaggio. Monna Lisa. Gran Selezione. Chianti Classico. DOCG. 2017. 95 points.

A 95/5 blend of Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 20 months partially in French oak barrels and also in bottles for at least six months. Meaty and also creamy aromas of leather, gorse, blackberries and prunes. A balanced and delightful mouthful of full and rich flavors—red and dark plums, roasted chestnuts, minestrone and some black licorice on the finish. Full, balanced, with gripping tannins and sleek acidity. Pair with dark poultry seasoned with black pepper and herbs.

Tenuta La Massa. Toscana. IGT. 2019. 95 points

A Sangiovese/Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Aromas of smoke, walnuts, forest floor and mocha, as well as a hit of German chocolate cake in this Tuscan wine with 13.5% alcohol. Bright acidty, chewy tannins, sleek fruit that includes cherries and dark plumbs and also a slab of chocolate as well as black pepper. Layered, complex, generous and oozing with a dynamic matrix of slathering subtle and also bold flavors. Pair with a hearty Tuscan dish such as Bistecca alla Fiorentina.

Marchesi Alfieri. Costa Quaglia. Nebbiolo. DOCG. 2020. 93-94 points.

From an estate that has been operating for more than 300 years. Made exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes and aged two years both in large barrels and 500 liter French oak from the Allier and Troncais forests. Translucent colored liquid—aiming toward no color at all. Punchy, creamy and fruity first aromas—surprising for a Nebbiolo—that include mandarin slices. A light and luscious wine reminiscent of French Beaujolais with crackling acidity and bright red cherry flavors. Light, approachable, easy to drink but well balanced, structured and crafted—indicating conscientious winemaking. Pair with a plate of roasted beef slices or even salmon and fresh chopped vegetables. Only 5,000 bottle produced.

Marchesi Alfieri. La Tota. Barbera d'Asti. DOCG. 2022. 93+ points

From Barbera grapes aged for a year in both 225 and 500 liter French oak barrels, followed by bottle aging for up to six months. Young, light, fruity aromas. A delightfully creamy mouthful of red cherries, red plums, slight anise and menthol on the finish from a fantastic vintage. A beautiful wine that should unite those at a dinner table with a round of heartfelt cheers. Succulent acidity, quiet tannins, bright finish. Consider pairing with sashimi or a blueberry tart dessert.

Costaripa. Molmenti Valtenesi Rosé. Riviera de Garda Classico DOC. 2019. 92 points.

The Vezzola family produces wines from the Valtanesi on the west side of Lake Garda. This 60/20/10/10 blend of Groppello Gentile/Marzemino/Sangiovese/Barbera rosé is produced from 45 year old vines; aging takes place in 440-liter white oak tonneaux for two years followed by three years in bottles. Aromas of strawberries, menthol, lemon, lilacs, honey and toast. Soft and elegant with tart, juicy acidity. Best served not too chilled in order to showcase flavors. Their preferred chef Sergio Mio recommends pairing this with ravioli with burrato and chopped raw tomatoes and basil.

Donnafugata. Ben Ryé. Passito di Pantelleria. DOC. Sicily. 2022. 95-96 points.

Dark golden color for this sweet wine made from Zibibbo grapes grown on an island to the southwest of the mainland of Sicily. Lively and lovely aromas of candied oranges, white pears, honey and marmalade. A beautifully textured sweet wine that is soft, mesmerizing and well balanced between fruit and acidity. Delicious. Pair with an apple tart or a banoffee pie laden with caramel.

Donnafugata. Sul Vulcano. Etna Bianco DOC. Sicily. 2021. 93 points.