Italy on my kitchen table - a few good wines

I said that I was going to write about good Italian wines that I try but I never really wound up elaborating. Anyway, I've been keeping notes and I've tried several so I would like to share with everyone. Also, I am starting an "Introduction to Wine" course tonight with a famous Sommelier so I will use the blog to share my experiences. I am going to focus on wines which I find the best value for the money. For most of us, spending 20 euro on a bottle is not an everyday option, so I feel it is important to focus on moderately priced wines that, when you finish them, make you say, "Wow, that was good, and it only costs...". Strangely, many people think that you can't get a decent wine for under 20 euros. I don't agree, especially since most of my current favorites cost under 15.

Colli Ripani, Linea Pharus (Brezzolino and Rugaro)

The Marche region, especially the area bordering the Abruzzo region, is known for its Verdicchio grapes and Rosso Picenos (typically Sangiovese and Montepulciano) and unfortunatley not a lot of attention is given to the lesser-known varietals. I highly recommend the Brezzolino, a smooth quartet of native Italian white wine grapes, and the Rugaro, a DOC wine derived from the not-so-well-known Pecorino grape. Plus, both bottles, when bought together, will cost you about 11 euro. Start off with the Brezzolino for your light aperitif, and then move on to the Rugaro with your zucchini and smoked salmon pasta, that is, if you like zucchini and smoked salmon.

Cantina Rinascita

I tend to be biased when it comes to Sicilian wines. I am almost certain that I am going to like them even before I try them, therefore, I tend to give them the benefit of the doubt over wines from other regions. Don't be put off by the tacky label, the Nero d'Avola Cabernet bi-varietal is an excellent, plummy, juicy thick wine with barely an acidic aftertaste. Drink to cut down on your heartiest greasiest dish.

Cusumano

Definitely one of the more popular wine producers in Sicily at the moment. Camelot (Cabernet, Merlot blend) and Sagana' (Nero d'Avola) are two excellent wines. Cusumano also makes an inexpensive red, Sant'Agostino, which differs from its pricier counterparts only by the fact that it is vinified in the big barrel. Harmonium got a "3 glasses" from Gambero Rosso (the highest classification from Italy's most trusted wine guide). Being that these wines are very tasty, I would try them with heavy dishes should as roasted meats and hearty pasta dishes. Or, on their own.

Sallier de la Tour Winery

Sempre Siciliano. The Cabernet was everything one could want, spicy, fruity and smooth (but not too smooth where something is lost) on its way down. I bought their higher end wine to do a comparison, but since I was so satisfied with the Cabernet, I am saving the good one for a special occasion. The "Sallier de la Tour" is made from Cabernet, Merlot, Nero d'Avola, and Syrah.

Casale del Giglio

These folks are probably the best known producers in Lazio (the region where Rome is). They have about 10 different wines which do not cost much and are all pretty good. I've surely drunk them all, but the Syrah particular stuck out in my mind. Bold, spicy, and not too sweet. If you can afford it, get the Mater Matuta, Petit Verdot and Syrah blend. It is very interesting being that the Petit Verdot is not typically grown out of France.