Italian red wines are wonderfully diverse, with flavor, texture and personality shaped by their regions. From the crisp, mountain-influenced Trentino in the north, to the refined elegance of Tuscany in central Italy and the bold, sun-soaked richness of Puglia in the south, these three wines offer a snapshot of how place shapes style.
Mezzacorona Dinotte Red Blend Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT 2022 made from Teroldego, Marzemino and Merlot grapes. For over 120 years, Mezzacorona has expressed the character of Trentino through its wines and Dinotte, the winery’s red blend rooted in native Dolomite varietals, reflects that heritage. Grown in the Dolomite Mountains, where cliff erosion and glacial deposits have sculpted granite soils across the valley vineyards, this wine captures the distinctive alpine terroir of Northern Italy. The Teroldego and Marzemino grapesmare vinified in the classic red winemaking style at 73-84°C for several days with the addition of selected yeasts. Then they are matured in French oak barrels (lightly roasted, 3 years old). Teroldego provides structure, along with deep red color and dark berry flavors, while Marzemino adds juicy, velvety lift and Merlot softens the blend, contributing subtle vanilla and cocoa notes. $16
Tenuta Perano Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2022 Made from Sangiovese and Merlot. Owned by the Frescobaldi family, one of Italy’s most respected wine dynasties, Tenuta Perano is a classic estate nestled in Chianti Classico in Gaiole in Chianti where steep slopes and stony soils characterize the landscape.This Sangiovese-Merlot Chianti Classico Riserva is grown in the heart of Tuscany, where the slope and exposure of a natural amphitheater allow grapes to develop elegance and aromatic complexity. The vineyards are at 500 meters. Hand-harvested and aged 24 months in oak, the result is a beautiful red wine with a floral bouquet of violet and dog rose, red cherry fruit, hints of licorice and clove, and tertiary notes of tobacco and roasted aromas. I have always enjoyed the wines from Frescobaldi. $25
Varvaglione 12 e Mezzo Primitivo Puglia IGP Organic Wine 2023. In the sun-drenched vineyards of southern Puglia, you’ll find Varvaglione, a family-owned winery now in its fourth generation. The winery is located in Leporano on the Gulf of Taranto in the Salento region of Puglia. They have 150 hectares of vineyards and contracts with grape growers who have been with them for over 30 years. Their Primitivo thrives in warm, ventilated soils, mostly clay that produce grapes with intense color, ripe fruit and balanced acidity, shaping a naturally expressive, fruit-forward profile. Currant and blackberry notes are complemented by aromatic spices with a subtle coconut finish. “12 e mezzo,” meaning “12 and a half,” refers to the wine’s alcohol by volume — 12.5% — but it also reflects a deliberate stylistic choice. In a region known for powerful, high-alcohol Primitivo, Varvaglione crafted this wine to be fresher, more approachable, and exceptionally versatile at the table. The result is a modern expression of Puglia: vibrant, balanced, and designed for today’s drinker. I first discovered this wine on a press trip to Puglia a number of years ago $20.
A wine tour of Italy doesn’t have to be expensive. Enjoy these three well priced wines!
When I received an invitation from Noemi Mengo of Colangelo & Partners to attend a tasting of their wines at Back Barn Restaurant in NYC I was happy to accept. I looked forward to trying the current vintages.
Marzia is a charming, interesting speaker and was happy to share her information about the winery.
12 e Mezzo Chardonnay Biologico Puglia IGP 2022 made from Chardonnay and Malvasia Bianca. The grapes are hand harvest when they are fully ripe. There is a careful selection of the grapes in the winery followed by a soft pressing of the grapes. Fermentation is in stainless steel at a controlled temperature. The wine remains in stainless steel for a time before being bottled. This is a light to medium bodied white wine with hint of citrus fruit, lemon, apricot a note of lavender and good acidity. $20 Marzia said the name means “12 and a half,” for the wines’ 12.5 percent alcohol by volume and the grapes are from young vines.
12 e Mezzo Primitivo Biologico
Susumaniello Puglia IGP 2023 made fron 100% Susumaniello. There is a short maceration prior to
Papale Linea Oro Primitivo di Manduria DOP made from 100% Primitivo di Manduria. Vinification and maceration takes place at a controlled temperature. After malolactic fermentation the wine is aged in French barrels and American barriques for at least 10 months. This is a round and smooth wine