Domestic Wines from Italian Grapes

Welcome to Vine to Wine, I’m your host Linda Moran. Last week we talked about Italian wines well suited to the summer and today I want to address some of our domestic wines made with Italian grape varieties.   

The Italian immigrants did a nice job of bringing some of their native grapes to the United States. And the American obsession with Italian foods and wines also has helped to fuel interest in growing Italian grapes domestically. One of the most popular and successful has been Sangiovese. Here in my home state of Washington there have been some real successes, such as Walla Walla Vintners Sangiovese and Willow Crest Collina Bella. Many wineries are producing lovely Rose’ from Sangiovese. I particularly enjoy them because they are so crisp and dry, but have a lovely fragrance. In addition to Sangiovese, Barbera is being grown in small amounts and is showing real promise. Rick Small of Woodward Canyon grows and produces Barbera that is very nice. California is also producing some delicious Barbera such as those made by Montevina. In general we have managed to produce these Italian grape varieties which respond to the various climates they are grown in, and interject our own styles to make them our own. It has usually turned out quite well so don’t hesitate to try one, or several.  Remember to send your wine questions to linda at vine to wine dot net and thanks for joining me on today’s Vine to Wine.