Italian culture is world-famous for its food and wine. Perhaps you think of wine as just a traditional beverage that complements a meal. Italian wine does have the ability to bring out the taste of certain foods, but there are many reasons to drink it. Here are several of them:
1. Health
Drinking this wine regularly has several health benefits. It can be lower heart disease. It can also improve lung function, lower the risk of cataracts and cancer too.
2. Quality
The wine industry has labels regarding quality. DOC designates the origin of a wine. IGT indicates a wine is made from local grapes and meant to be drunk young.
3. Variety
Italian varieties offer a challenge to your palate. Some wine lovers even claim that experience with Sangiovese, Vermentino, Cortese, Nerello Mascalese, Schioppettino, and Zibibbo makes you sexier.
4. Uniqueness
Rather than drink the wines the “Wine Spectator” and Robert Parker tells you to, why not decide for yourself? Try something different such as Freisa, Lagrein, Petite Arvine or Teroldego?
5. Flavor
These wines naturally complement Italian food. For example, a Vermentino of Liguria works with a mixed fried fish dish. Nebbiolo of the Langhe complements Italian braised beef.
6. Connection
This wine is not a luxury or a commodity. It is rooted in the culture, the tradition, the history, the food and conviviality of the country.
7. Affordability
Enjoying wine is something that is affordable. The finest bottle of wine might be expensive, but you can enjoy a wonderful bottle of this wine for $20.00 or less.
8. Terroir
The word “terroir” is French for the idea that real wine is joined to the winemakers and the country from whence it comes. Drink this wine and you will understand.
9. Nature
Industrial agricultural operations damage the soil. Wineries that grow grapes without using herbicides, chemical fertilizers, or other chemical treatments strengthen the life of the soil land thus the planet.
10. Knowledge
Drinking this wine provides one with the knowledge of winemaking, geography, and a specialized vocabulary used only by those who know about wine-tasting.
These are all characterstics of a quality wine.
