As someone deeply passionate about Italian wine, I’ve always believed that each bottle offers a unique glimpse into the soul of Italy. This holiday season, I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my favorite selections of Italian wines over $30—wines that transcend their labels, allowing us to travel through Italy’s diverse terroirs and regional flavors. For me, every glass is like “travel in a glass,” bringing forward the nuances of each region’s cuisine and culture, from Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s windswept vineyards to the sun-drenched hills of Sicily. Here are my recommended Italian wines that will add richness to any holiday gathering.
1. Valentino Butussi, Godje 2019
- Region: Friuli Colli Orientali, Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Imagine the rolling hills of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, a region shaped by mountain breezes and the Adriatic’s cooling influence. This environment creates wines with elegance and depth, and Godje is no exception. In this bottle, we find the essence of Friuli’s terroir—refined, yet full of character. - Grape Variety: 100% Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso (an indigenous grape from Friuli)
- Tasting Notes: Deep purple with violet hues, Godje opens with aromas of wild blackberry, ripe cherry, licorice, and chocolate. The palate is full-bodied and mineral, with a fresh acidity that complements many meats, especially game.
- Pairing Suggestion: Spezzatino di Manzo with Polenta [Recipe in PDF]
- Regional Spotlight: This wine offers a gateway to Friuli’s culture and traditions, connecting beautifully with this month’s Chat with Expat, where Audrey and Manlio share the heart of Friuli’s wine and culinary experiences. Discover the flavors of this unique region as you enjoy this memorable wine.
2. Valentino Butussi Rosso Riserva Santuari 2019
- Region: Colli Orientali del Friuli
Known for producing some of Italy’s most elegant wines, Colli Orientali is a place where wine expresses the balance of nature and tradition. Santuari brings this tradition to life with a Cabernet Sauvignon that embodies Friuli’s refined style. - Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Tasting Notes: Santuari has a warm ruby color with notes of black pepper, sweet tobacco, and red fruits. The tannins are smooth and refined, with a mineral backbone and lingering finish.
- Pairing Suggestion: Grilled Ribeye or Stuffed Flank Steak with Prosciutto and Provolone
3. Podere Sapaio, Volpolo Bolgheri DOC 2022
- Region: Bolgheri, Tuscany
Bolgheri is Tuscany’s coastal gem, known for its Mediterranean climate and complex wines. Here, the gentle sea breeze and unique soil composition produce wines with a structured elegance, as seen in Volpolo—a true expression of Bolgheri’s terroir. - Grape Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 15% Petit Verdot
- Tasting Notes: Intense ruby in color, Volpolo offers aromas of violet, iris root, dark cherry, and cedar. The palate is velvety, with well-integrated tannins and a refreshing acidity.
- Pairing Suggestion: Perfect with dark chocolate or ribeye, bringing a luxurious touch to holiday dinners.
4. Duca di Salaparuta, Lavico Rosso Etna DOC 2022
- Region: Etna, Sicily
Etna’s volcanic landscape creates wines of intensity and elegance, shaped by the dramatic interplay of fertile soil and mountain climate. Lavico is an embodiment of Etna’s distinct terroir, offering a taste of Sicily’s vibrant culture. - Grape Variety: 100% Nerello Mascalese
- Tasting Notes: Lavico presents with red berry aromas, balsamic undertones, and a hint of vanilla. Its fresh acidity and delicate saline quality make it ideal for grilled meats, capturing the essence of Sicily’s terroir.
- Pairing Suggestion: Grilled lamb chops or pork tenderloin, a perfect match for Lavico’s bold flavors.
5. Pasqua “Hey French, You Could Have Made This But You Didn’t” Soave
- Region: Soave, Veneto
Soave’s volcanic soil and high-altitude vineyards make it one of Italy’s most celebrated white wine regions. Pasqua’s playful “Hey French” label speaks to its innovative spirit, delivering a complex and mineral-driven wine that reflects Soave’s heritage. - Grape Blend: Primarily Garganega, with minor Pinot Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc (multi-vintage)
- Tasting Notes: Fresh citrus and floral notes with a touch of minerality. Perfect with seafood or soft cheeses, this wine brings the best of Veneto’s terroir to life.
- Pairing Suggestion: Ideal with seafood or cheeses, offering a versatile pairing for holiday gatherings. (I made Scallop Linguine).
Travel in a Glass
As we gather for the holidays, these Italian wines invite us to savor the richness of Italy’s diverse terroirs. Each wine is a journey in itself, connecting us to the traditions and landscapes that make Italy’s wine regions so unique. I hope these selections inspire you to explore the nuances of Italian wine and cuisine, sharing in the spirit of “travel in a glass.” For recipe pairings and a downloadable guide, visit our [Recipes PDF].
Special thanks to all who have enhanced our wine journey through wine tastings, offering press access to wine trade events, sending us wines to review, and winery visits.
