Yeasty, fruity, Mediterranean, rosy, smoky, earthy – just a scant sampling of the myriad fragrance descriptors out there for wine. Here's a look at some of the most particularly aromatic Italian selections so you can choose the bottle that beckons you for Valentine's Day.
Moscato d’Asti Primo Bacio 2019 Scagliola (ph credit Guido Barbagelata)
Isn't It Sweet?
The bottle: Moscato d’Asti Primo Bacio 2019 Scagliola.
The bouquet: Sage and rosemary are joined by wisteria, linden and orange blossoms, ripe white fruits, and citrus, including bittersweet lemon.
The occasion: An elegant finishing touch to Sunday dinner.
The pairings: Pastries, desserts with fruit or custard or cream. Dare to pair it with spicy ethnic food.
Look like a pro: This sweet, sparkling wine is typical of Piedmont. To produce it, the must is fermented to 5% ABV and then bottled.
Vermentino di Gallura Superiore Monteoro 2018 Sella&Mosca (ph credit Guido Barbagelata)
A Taste of the Sea
The bottle: Vermentino di Gallura Superiore Monteoro 2018 Sella&Mosca.
The bouquet: Aromatic herbs, berries, flowers, Mediterranean shrubs, and marine notes: the scents of this Vermentino are a tribute to Sardinia.
The occasion: From aperitivo to dinner on the beach (even) in winter.
The pairings: A fine companion for seafood. Try it with seafood risotto, shellfish, and baked fish. Superb with spaghetti alla bottarga.
Look like a pro: After a soft pressing, it matures sur lie in stainless steel for four months.
Trento Brut Perlé 2014 Ferrari (ph credit Guido Barbagelata)
An Ode to Joy
The bottle: Trento Brut Perlé 2014 Ferrari.
The bouquet: The first aromas are those of grapefruit and fresh pineapple, but then come honey, salted butter, and a finish of toast-like notes reminiscent of coffee. Delicate, balanced and elegant, you’ll be captivated by its creamy perlage.
The occasion: Anytime you feel like making a toast.
The pairings: A scrumptious dinner or hearty aperitivo complete with culatello, vitello tonnato, canapés with salmon, caviar, and anchovies.
Look like a pro: This mountain Chardonnay matures sur lie for five years.
Valdadige Pinot Grigio 2018 Santa Margherita (ph credit Guido Barbagelata)
The American Dream
The bottle: Valdadige Pinot Grigio 2018 Santa Margherita.
The bouquet: The clear aromas of Golden Delicious apples, pears, and grapefruit are joined by that of jasmine. With the finish comes a touch of ginger and salt.
The occasion: Informal dinners and parties.
The pairings: First courses featuring seafood, freshwater fish, frittatas, fried vegetables, and delicate white meats.
Look like a pro: One of the most famous Italian wines in the United States, fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve its delightful freshness.
Franciacorta Brut Rosé ’61 Berlucchi (ph credit Guido Barbagelata)
Unwind
The bottle: Franciacorta Brut Rosé ’61 Berlucchi.
The bouquet: Intense aromas of berries dance with subtler notes of red apple and bread crust.
The occasion: A versatile wine for everything from an aperitivo to dinner. Choose it for a toast with friends.
The pairings: Serve it for an aperitivo with quiche or with grissini and prosciutto crudo, or for a romantic dinner with shrimp cocktail and baked salmon.
Look like a pro: It’s a mix of pinot noir (60%) and chardonnay (40%) that matures sur lie for two years.
Brunello di Montalcino Castel Giocondo 2014 Frescobaldi (ph credit Guido Barbagelata)
By the Fireplace
The bottle: Brunello di Montalcino Castel Giocondo 2014 Frescobaldi.
The bouquet: Raspberries, blackcurrants, and blueberries combine with scents of violets
to then move on to spices like cinnamon and pepper. With age, leather also emerges.
The occasion: A fine dinner with friends, perhaps in a mountain chalet.
The pairings: It’s a wine with great structure that needs dishes with the same qualities: game, red meats, aged cheeses.
Look like a pro: After fermentation in stainless steel vats, the Sangiovese rests for five years in wood.
Photography Guido Barbagelata
Styling Bettina Casanova