introductory italy
"Introductory" can seem a disparaging term. Instead of the truly great wines of a region or a producer, an "introductory wine" is the simple, drink-now, youthful, non-serious wine that a producer makes to bring in some ready money.
Except that is rarely the case. They're less expensive than a producer's single-vineyard wines and aren't aged for as long, but they are important representations and—yes—introductions to a producer's portfolio. If quality is low, then no one is buying the more expensive wines. They also make us familiar with the style of wine a producer generally makes and is associated with.
In Italy, many of the prestigious regions have specific classifications for wines that are aged for a shorter period of time but still have designated rules. Here are three instances of wines that are new to blackpoolmatt's wine club and show how they are representative of their region at a reasonable price.
Tre Pile "Carlin" Langhe Nebbiolo 2021
Tre Pile is a traditional Barolo producer, based in the village of Monforte d'Alba and strongly associated with the Bussia Soprano vineyard. Winemaking goes back to 1852, and the family is very proud of its traditions and history.
Langhe Nebbiolo is a designation for wines from the region that aren't classified as Barolo, but are still representative of Nebbiolo from the heart of Piemonte. This wine comes from two vineyards—Bussia and Torricella—at elevation of up to 400m, which makes it extremely fresh and lively. Barolo is one of my favorite regions of anywhere in the world, but they are tight and tannic when young. This is a brighter, more approachable introduction which still tastes like Barolo.
pair with squash and sage cannelloni
Il Colle di Caterina Carli Rosso di Montalcino 2021
Brunello di Montalcino is also one of the great wines of Italy. In the southern part of Tuscany, the regulations stipulate long ageing requirements. Which brings in Rosso di Montalcino, which can be released much earlier. The wines are still characteristic of the prestigious region, made from Sangiovese and aged for a minimum of twelve months.
Il Colle di Caterina is a winery which was established in 1972 as a hobby, but which became, on a small scale, a genuine commercial project in 1997 when Caterina took over from her father. Tasting the Rosso besides the Brunello demonstrated the consistent style of wine that Caterina makes; but it was the Rosso I wanted to drink right now as it was open, fruity, immediate, and approachable—which is what Rosso di Montalcino should be.
pair with mushroom risotto
Milziade Antano Rosso di Montefalco 2021
Montefalco is in Umbria, next to Tuscany. It's known for its highly tannic wines from the local Sagrantino variety. Rosso di Montefalco gives a different but connected side to the area. The wines are Sangiovese based so a little softer, with tannins coming from Sagrantino.
Milziade Antano established his winery in 1969, and was part of the revival of the appellation. I also tasted the Rosso alongside the 100% Sagrantino: those were wines were superb but also extremely tannic. In contrast, the Rosso was just ready to drink now.
pair with red wine braised beef
Sometimes we want to buy wines to put in the cellar, but we mostly want to drink them soon—after all, wine is there to be drunk. These three wines each represent the climate, grape varieties, and history of their regions but you don't have to wait ten years to enjoy them.