Italy is probably best known for its great northern red wines such as Chianti, Barolo, Amarone, and Valpolicella. But the south of Italy also makes some stunning wines that are well worth a try. There are five main regions of wine producing in southern Italy, Sardinia, Campania, Basilicata, Puglia, and of course Sicily.
This wine producing areas is one of the oldest in Europe and vines have been growing in southern Italy since the Greeks brought vines with them to this part of Italy over three thousand years ago. The climate of this part of Italy is most agreeable to the practice of viticulture as it is warm with plenty of sun.
The plains of Puglia produce the bulk of Italian table wines, but it is in the hillier regions that the best wines are made in southern Italy. From the stunning dry white wines around Naples and the equally dry reds of Sardinia.
Donnachiara Fiano Di Avellino
This top dry white wine from Campagnia is medium bodied. It is surprisingly fresh and full of citrus with lemongrass and mineral undertones. But this wine pulls a good punch as it is full-bodied with superb layering of tastes and flavors. A rich luscious wine that retains a vibrancy through it all.
Cantina Del Taburno Fiano
Yet another selection from Campagnia but this beautifully balanced wine is quite different to the first wine we reviewed. The overall flavor of this complex wine is very earthy, with hints of ash and smoke, but a definite peach overtone. The finish is long and remains on the palette to linger and titillate.
Argiolas Costera Cannonau
The first red on our list comes from Sicily and is a most intense wine indeed. The predominant overtones are spices and peppers with rich dark berry fruits. In a blind tasting this wine could be confused with a good Chateauneuf-du-Pape it is that fine. Look out for a hint of white chocolate also.
Dolia Cannonau Di Sardegna
This classic wine from Sardinia is made from the Cannonau grape that is often considered to be a clone of Grenache. So, you know what sort of flavors to expect. The wine has plenty of fruit packed into it, notably black berries, and it is extremely well balanced with a perfectly smooth finish on the palette.
Palmalias Vermentino
Hailing from Sardinia this intense white has a powerful bouquet with clean and crisp citrus aromas such as grapefruit. There are also background hints of crusty bread and spices. This wine would be a perfect accompaniment to fish and seafood dishes and would most probably make an ideal aperitif as well.
Dolia Vermentino Di Sardegna
Our last wine in our top list of southern Italian wines comes once again from Sardinia. For those people that like their white wines crisp with citrus overtones this wine ticks all the boxes. The aroma is very floral and the overall taste on the palette is almost creamy which makes it great for grilled prawns, lobster or broiled fish.