Recently, I’ve become utterly obsessed with everything Italian. As a lover of travel and culture, these fixations wash over me every now and then like waves. When this happens, I like to throw myself into that culture completely – read its literature, watch its films, eat its food. After having endured what has effectively been a two-year international travel ban, many of us are champing at the bit to get out there and see the world. While it’s unlikely I’ll get on a plane tomorrow, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

In the meantime, I’ve prescribed myself cultural immersion therapy – an effective antidote to the prolonged isolation our nation has endured. What exactly does this ‘therapy’ entail? I hear you ask. Anything from gorging myself on Pasta Carbonara and Tiramisu, to practising Italian on a language-learning app. Most recently, I purchased tickets to the upcoming St. Ali Italian film festival after binge-watching some Italian cinema classics. I’m also currently engrossed in a novel penned by renowned Italian author Elena Farente. 

Dipping into fantasies where I’m sipping espresso in Portofino also helps. 

Of course, no course of cultural immersion therapy could ever be complete without sampling a few Italian wines. Italy has a rich history of viticulture and winemaking. Equal to the French in flavour and quality, yet without the pretentiousness and staunch traditionalism. Italian varieties thrive in warmer climes, meaning many are being planted more widely in Australia. So even if you can’t spot an Italian wine at your local bottle shop, you could start by trying an Australian wine made from Italian grape varietals. 
Without further ado, let’s break down some of my favourites. First, the whites…

1. Vermentino. Hailing from Sardinia, this light, fresh white is my go-to for summer sipping. Notes of sweet citrus, white florals, and crisp green apple combine to form a perfectly balanced and moreish palate. The perfect aperitivo!

2. Fiano. This southern Italian beauty is a fuller-bodied, multi-layered white widely planted in Campania and Sicily. In youth, Fiano is crisp and fresh – with notes of pineapple, jasmine, and pear. However, a modestly aged Fiano can develop magnificent tertiary notes – think roasted nuts, honey, and creamy marzipan.

Now for the reds… 
3. Sangiovese. Italy’s most prolific grape, Sangiovese, is synonymous with Italian wine. Famous for its use in Tuscan Chianti blends, this grape is highly versatile and can be used to make both fruit-forward and easy-drinking reds as well as full-bodied, savoury, tannic wines with serious ageing potential.

4: Negroamaro. Abundant throughout the Puglia region of Southern Italy, Negroamaro literally translates to “black bitter.” This is a wine for those of us who love bold, punchy, grippy reds. It’s decadent, it’s veracious, and pairs exquisitely with hearty, savoury dishes. 

5: Barbera. A personal favourite, Barbera hails from the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. Medium-bodied with a plummy purple colour, soft tannins, and a plush, jammy, fruit-driven palate – this easy-drinking red is perfect for every day of the week.

Cheers,
Alexandra Douglas and the Witches Falls Winery Team