World of Wine - Part 3: Italy

July 7, 2022

There are few things in life as satisfying as fine wine from Italy. The Italians have been making wine for centuries, and they have perfected the art. There are many different wine-producing regions in Italy, but two of the most famous are Tuscany and Piedmont

In this blog post, we will explore these two regions in depth and take a look at some of their most famous wines. We will also discuss the investment potential of Italian wines and look at what the critics are saying about them.

The evolution of Italian wine

The history of Italian wine can be traced back to the Middle Ages. At this time, monasteries were some of the only places that had the knowledge and resources to produce wine. Over time, winemaking became more widespread, and by the 19th century, Italy was one of the largest producers of wine in the world.

Today, Italy is still one of the top producers of wine, and its wines are highly sought-after by collectors and investors. The country has a diverse range of climates and soils, which means that it is able to produce a wide variety of wines.

Some of the most famous Italian wines come from Tuscany. This region is located in central Italy and is known for its rolling hills and picturesque villages. The climate here is ideal for growing grapevines, and the soils are rich in minerals. The most famous wine-producing area in Tuscany is the Chianti region, which is home to some of the world’s most prestigious wineries.

The wines of Piedmont are also highly sought-after by collectors and investors. This region is located in northwestern Italy and is known for its mountains and forests. The climate here is cooler than in other parts of Italy, which makes it ideal for growing Nebbiolo, the grape variety used to make Barolo and Barbaresco, two of the world’s most famous wines.

These wines are often described as being “intensely aromatic and tannic,” and they can age for decades.

When it comes to examples of the finest wines Italy has to offer, you can’t go wrong with wines from Tuscany and Piedmont!

Excellent examples of Italian wine

There are many excellent examples of Italian wine, but some of the most highly sought-after and expensive wines come from Tuscany and Piedmont.

Some of the most famous Tuscan wines include Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Masseto, and Tignanello. These wines are made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese grapes, and they are known for their intense flavour and complex aromas.

Good example bottles of these wines include:

Sassicaia 2010

Rated 98 points by Wine Advocate

Ornellaia 2015

Rated 97 points by Wine Spectator

Masseto 2014

Rated 96 points by Wine Advocate

Tignanello 2015

Rated 95 points by Jeb Dunnuck

Piedmont is home to two of Italy’s most iconic wines: Barolo and Barbaresco. These red wines are made from Nebbiolo grapes and are characterized by their high acidity and tannin levels.

Barolo is often described as one of the world’s greatest wines, and it is not uncommon for bottles to sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

While most Italian wines are enjoyed young, Barolo and Barbaresco are meant to be aged for several years before they reach their peak flavour.

Good example bottles of these wines include:

Gaja Barbaresco 2012

Rated 96 points by Wine Spectator

Giacosa Barolo Riserva Falletto di Bruno Giacosa 2009

Rated 95 points by Decanter

Investment potential of wines produced in Italy

Investment-wise, Italian fine wines have become increasingly popular in recent years. According to Liv-Ex, a leading global fine wine marketplace, the value of traded Italian wine has grown by nearly 60% since 2013.

The top three performing Italian wines on the Liv-Ex Fine Wine 50 Index (which tracks the prices of the world’s most sought-after wines) are all from Tuscany: Sassicaia, Ornellaia, and Massetoilst

The above three wines have performed exceptionally well, it’s worth noting that the Italian wine market as a whole is much more diverse than just Tuscany.

Piedmont, for example, is home to some of Italy’s most collectable and age-worthy red wines. The region’s Nebbiolo grape is responsible for producing some of the most famous and sought-after wines in the world.

The best that Italy has to offer!

Whether you’re a collector or an investor, Italian fine wine is a great way to add value to your portfolio. With so many excellent wines to choose from, there’s sure to be something that suits your taste. Contact one of our experts today to learn more about investing in Italian fine wine.

Cheers!