Tag: Nerello Mascalese

Our top 5 Italian grapes to try

Italy has over 800 indigenous grapes. Escape a Pinot Grigio rut with one of these lesser-known varieties Vermentino You might know Vermentino, but it’s worth keeping an eye out for it under its pseudonyms, Favorita and Pigato. The aromatic white grape’s origins are much debated. Some believe its name derives from vermene, a Piedmontese word […]

Pass notes: the most important Italian grapes (part two)

Following on from last week’s feature covering everything from Aglianico to Sangiovese, this week Chris Pollington gives you the low-down on Italy’s most important white grapes (which go far beyond Prosecco and Pinot Grigio), as well as a few extra reds for those eager to know more. Carricante: an indigenous Sicilian variety making distinctive wines, […]