Our Chief Wine Officer Julien Miquel is always embarking on different journeys to explore what’s best and finest in different French wine regions.
From Bordeaux to Burgundy to Champagne to Italy to others, he gifts us with videos and articles about what makes the wines from these areas so unique and perfect not only for tasting, but for investing too.
Here you have the twelve-part Italy series by Julien, in videos. This series will surely help you understand more about the culture, the terroirs and the traditions that make this country unique in producing not only some of the finest red wines in the world, which are also fantastic investment-grade, but great whites and sparklings.
Salute!
1.
Quick overview of Italian red, white and sparkling wines
An introduction of the best that Italy – the biggest wine producing country in the world – has to offer in wine. It’s a lot, we assure.
2.
The fine Italian sparkling wines, part 1 | Prosecco & Lambrusco
Time to know your Italian sparkling wines. Starting this quest by digging into best-sellers Prosecco and Lambrusco.
3.
The fine Italian sparkling wines, part 2 | Franciacorta, Moscato & more
Julien goes beyond the classic mass-produced global stars and digs into gems such as Moscato, Franciacorta and other lesser known but wonderful bubblies.
4.
Italy’s best white wines, part 1 | North
Italy has many underrated and delicious white wines. Julien explores them starting from what the Northern part of the Boot has to offer — from Pinot Grigio to Soave to Gavi to Trentino and more…
5.
Italy’s best white wines, part 2 | South and Central Italy
Going southward, Italian whites become even more varied. From Tuscany to other Central regions to Southern Italy, from Vernaccia to Frascati to other gems, see how Italy’s winemaking excellence goes way beyond the reds.
6.
Tuscany, part 1 | Super Tuscans
Moving beyond the traditional rules for the Chianti area from the 1970s onward (in the midst of an era of bulk production that nearly destroyed the appellation’s reputation), the wines that defied the longstanding traditions are famous for their ability to merge wonderful terroir, the unique sangiovese leading touch and the advent of Bordeaux-style blends.
Julien kicks it off with his personal story to introduce this touch of modernity, guiding you through the most celebrated Super Tuscans, their history and their producers.
7.
Tuscany, part 2 | The classics Chianti, Brunello, Nobile
The classic red wines of Tuscany are deservedly celebrated worldwide for their excellence.
What makes Chianti so well-known worldwide? Why you should never mistake the town of Montepulciano for the grape (…d’Abruzzo!)? Why is Brunello such a world-class powerful superstar? What’s the big thing about sangiovese and its local variants? What are the determinant terroirs at stake?
Julien sorts out the pressing matters and shows you what’s essential about each of these famous classic and historic wines!
8.
The Central reds from Abruzzo, Marche & Umbria
An overview of delicious red wines some perhaps lesser known Central regions compared to Tuscany — names than are less famous than Chianti, for example —, but areas and appellations certainly worth having in mind to enjoy the full variety in Italian wine.
9.
The Piedmont triad: Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto
Piedmont, in the North, harbours winemaking treasures – and some sublime grapes. Julien presents the Piedmont triad: from the opulent Dolcetto to the bursting Barbera to the mighty Nebbiolo.
10.
Barolo x Barbaresco
Two of the best and most celebrated Italian wines are made in Piedmont, from delicious Nebbiolo: Barolo and Barbaresco. What are their main characteristics and differences?
11.
The reds of the South and Sardinia
In the South, lesser known but delicious red wines will surprise you. From Puglia to Campania, Basilicata, Calabria and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, these reds are sure to please.
12.
The sweet, dessert wines of Italy
Last but never least! Julien wraps up his Italian series with a video on delicious sweet/dessert wines. From Passito to Vin Santo to Marsala to Vermouth, Julien explains origins, styles and their importance to the country’s wine culture.
More:
(Watch and read about the finest and rarest Bordeaux wines)
(Watch and read about the finest and rarest Burgundy wines)
(Watch and read about the finest and rarest Champagne wines)
ALSO:
Follow Julien’s accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Check out also his award-winning blog, Social Vignerons.
You can find his wine reviews in video here.