Obscure Italians

Everyone with an interest in Italian wine is well aware of the celebrated Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello and Super Tuscans. Today I wish to focus on the lesser-known wines of Central Italy. Those of Lazio, Molise, Abruzzo, Marche, Tuscany and Umbria.

You may be surprised to learn that these regions also have IGT (indicazione geografica tipica) wines, along with the DOCG and DOC classifications, as determined/established by the European Union. The IGT category was devised in order to accommodate wines blended with non-DOC varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Before listing my five favorites, here is the breakdown of classifications to regions.

IGT; Tuscany 6, Lazio 5, Molise 2, Abruzzo 9, Marche 1, Umbria 6.

DOCG; Tuscany 6, Abruzzo 1, Marche 2, Abruzzo 1, Umbria 2.

DOC; Tuscany 36, Lazio 26, Molise 3, Abruzzo 3, Marche 13, Umbria 11.

What does it all mean?

It means one does not need to buy labels to find quality. Italian wine laws are as stringent as those of Bordeaux and Burgundy.

Here are five I love.

From Abruzzo; Colline Teramane(R) DOCG Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.

From Marche; Vernaccia Serrapetrona (R) DOCG Conero

From Umbria; Sagrantino di Montefalco (R) DOCG. Torgiano Rosso Riserva(R) DOCG

From Tuscany; Vernaccia di San Gimignano(W) DOCG.

You may have noticed that we have a white Vernaccia and a red Vernaccia. How so?! The Conero is the Vernaccia Nera grape.

Search these lesser-known gems. You will be well rewarded, and maybe somewhat surprised.

Until next time. Imbibe well.

Salute'