Discover Italy from home

This month, we focus on Italy. Each week we will be delving deep into the world of Italian wine and you can follow along on our Instagram or Facebook feeds. Through bitesize videos, quick buying guides and info-graphics, you are sure to gain fresh knowledge, uncover our pro tips and hopefully have a greater understanding of what you’re drinking, where it’s from and how good it should be.

As the saying goes; a little bit of learning can go an awfully long way…

We kicked off our Italian month yesterday with my break down of the fundamentals of the Italian Classification system. Yes, we know it sounds boring, but within 3 minutes you will know how to read an Italian wine label and what all those letters at the end mean. Then we will be travelling the length and breadth of Italy (virtually) to uncover and learn about this wonderful wine country. Looking at the wines everyone needs to know, wines everyone should know and then the wines you will not know, but will love discovering…But where to start?

The beating heart of Italy

In the centre of Italy, with vineyards lining the rolling countryside and historic treasures to be found in every hilltop town, Tuscany is truly what makes Italy so special. We will look at what makes a good Chianti and pass along our top buying tips. Then the focus moves 30 miles south of Siena to Montalcino, where the focus will be on the richer, deeper more mature Brunello di Montalcino reds. Before finally learning about Super Tuscans and what makes them so damn SUPER!

The kings of Piedmont

An area close to the heart of all of us here at Onshore Cellars, and not just for the wine…the Alba Truffle festival is a must visit event, something we can personally attest to. Its internationally acclaimed gastronomy can only be matched by its Iconic wine villages.

Barolo and Barbaresco are true standard bearers for fine Italian wines throughout the wine world. We will give you tips on what to look out for and which producers are must haves. Then look at the more affordable side of this Northern Italian area, such as the soft fruity Barbera reds of Alba and Asti, and who can forget the crisp fresh whites of Gavi di Gavi.

So much Spumante (Sparkling)

The most popular, fashionable Italian Sparkling wine must be Prosecco. But did you know there are many different types, styles, and quality levels. We have put together a quick and easy buying guide to help make the right choices. But there is so much more to Italian bubbles…We will focus on Franciacorta, made from the same grapes as Champagne, in the same way as Champagne and taste just as good. Before showcasing a much maligned yet a personal favourite of mine; Mosacto d’Asti.

Discovering the hidden gems 

These will be my picks. Stunning wines from lesser-known regions, made from some of the other 1800 grape varieties grown in Italy and a few from the beautiful Islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Expect to be pleasantly surprised by the quality and shocked by the great value of these lesser-known Italian beauties.

So please join us, follow and like Onshore Cellars on Instagram and Facebook and discover Italy at home…