Italian White Wine

While Italy is best known for its charming, multi-layered reds, it also produces a perhaps surprisingly wide range of white wines, spanning the length and breadth of the country. And we’re not just talking quaffable Pinot Grigio… From Etna Bianco – drawn from the volcanic soils of Sicily and the racy native grape variety Carricante – to the floral, lifted tones of Colli Orientali del Friuli found in the high-altitude sites in the north, there are a host of styles to discover. Arneis, Ribolla Gialla and Trebbiano are among the wealth of indigenous grape varieties that are harnessed to wonderfully characterful effect, while the classic lip-smacking wines of Soave and Vermentino provide zesty refreshment. More familiar, international styles are also to be found, notably Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, while for those with a sweet tooth, the Vin Santos of Tuscany are the ultimate dessert wine.