Italian Wine Guide - Central Italy - Montpeliano Restaurant

The central regions of Italy are responsible for what is probably the best known of all Italian red wine, Chianti. This DOCG wine hails from Tuscany, probably the best known and most travelled Italian wine region, as it is home to such beautiful destinations as Florence and Pisa. Chianti is made from the Sangiovese grape, with small amounts of other grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, also permissible. The best wines are from the Chianti Classico subregion, but others are also worth trying, particularly Chianti Rufina. The very best wines are aged for longer before release, and are designated Riserva, and these are from the Classico and Rufina regions. So-called 'Super-Tuscans' - wines made outside the DOC/DOCG rules - can offer top quality, but often at a price, eg Sassicaia, Tignanello, Solaia, Cepparello.

From nearby Montalcino comes Brunello di Montalcino, another famous Italian red wine which, like Chianti, is another DOCG wine made from Sangiovese (Brunello is the local name for this grape). If aged for five years before release it may be designated Riserva. Rosso di Montalcino is another red wine made here, but is intended to be consumed in its youth. If from a good producer it can represent good value for money.

Not too far from Montalcino is Montepulciano, home to Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, another impressive Italian red wine DOCG, again made from Sangiovese - it is not to be confused with wines made from the Montepulciano grape. Vino Nobile has a reputation for being austere, but from the best producers it can be wonderful.

Outside of the three most important regions in Tuscany - Chianti, Montalcino & Montepulciano - there are a number of regions along the coast which are also home to some delicious, good value and also serious wines. The DOC Morellino di Scansano (Morellino is another regional name for Sangiovese) is the longest established and most well known. If looking for Italian red wine at a bargain price this can be a good hunting ground.

Outside of Tuscany the regions of Emilia-Romagna, Umbria and Latium produce some of the most infamous of all Italian wines. Many of us have experienced the produce of these Italian wine regions, as from the former comes Lambrusco and from Latium comes Frascati, two of the most abused names in Italian wine making. There are some good wines to be found though. From the Marches come Rosso Conero and Rosso Piceno, both red wines made from Montepulciano in combination with other grapes, and both can be good value. Verdicchio is the grape largely responsible for the regions best known white wine, Verdicchio and Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi. Both can be good drinking. From Abruzzi comes Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, a reliable red wine, also made from the Montepulciano grape.

Montpeliano Restaurant
13 Montpelier Street
London, SW7 1HQ
www.montpelianorestaurant.com
info@montpelianorestaurant.com
T. +44(0)2075890032