Italy enjoys a wide range of regional wines and gastronomic specialities: we're in the land of good wine and good food. The wines of southern Italy have special characteristics, thanks to their unique terroir provided by the varied soils, the sunshine and the Mediterranean climate. Italian wines are products which are closely linked to their territory; tasting them is always a pleasure, but when they're combined with the culinary traditions of their region of origin, they absolutely sparkle.
Tasting the wines of the islands: Sicily and Sardinia
Sicily and Sardinia will take your breath away, not only because of their beautiful landscapes but also because of the great quantity and variety of typical wines and local food. With its volcanic soils, Sicily offers wines with a thousand nuances and delights the tastebuds with a wide range of organic wines and sweet dessert wines, like the famous Passito di Pantelleria DOC, perfect for accompanying desserts and spicy dishes.
Famous Sicilian red wines include Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG, to be enjoyed with meat dishes, elaborate fish dishes or pizza, and Nero d'Avola Sicilia DOC, which excels with aubergine dishes like parmigiana and pasta alla norma.
Within the Etna DOC appellation, there are several mineral wines, both white and red, to be enjoyed with caponata or braciole, delicious dishes from the region.
In Sardinia, the most noteworthy wines are undoubtedly the Cannonau di Sardegna DOC, fresh and moderately tannic red wines which pair well with gnocchi with sausage sauce or with Pecorino cheese. Among the Sardinian white wines, an important role is played by Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, which develops its best aromas and typical almondy aftertaste in this region, and should be enjoyed with fried fish.
Wines of the south: Apulia and Campania
Apulia and Campania are always a delight for the palate: these regions produce great red, white and rosé wines which are known and appreciated all over the world. Among the warm and soft Apulian reds, the most renowned are Primitivo di Manduria DOC, Negroamaro DOC, and Aglianico DOC. The last one, in Campania, has been awarded the highest classification of wines in a particular production area: Aglianico del Taburno DOCG is a wine you absolutely have to try! It goes best with all meat and tomato sauce dishes, like ragù or meatballs in sauce, but it's also impressive in combination with oriental dishes.
These two regions, however, also produce excellent white wines, both fragrant and mineral, like Fiano di Avellino DOCG, Falanghina dei Campi Flegrei DOC and Greco di Tufo DOCG, to be enjoyed with dishes based on fish, buffalo mozzarella and mature cheeses. Finally, Apulia is renowned for an excellent production of orange and rosé wines.
Wine excellence in other southern regions
The regions which make up southern Italy also include Abruzzo, Calabria, Basilicata and Molise, and they all offer special gastronomic specialities and typical wines.
In Abruzzo, for example, special wines are produced such as Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC, a wine with a very intense rosé colour, which is ideal for fish soups and pumpkin dishes. The renowned red wine Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC, dry and harmonious, goes particularly well with kid and lamb. The white wines from Abruzzo include Pecorino d'Abruzzo DOC, Passerina DOC and Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC, wines characterised by a pleasant drinkability which go well with fish, white meat and pasta with white sauces.
In Calabria, the Cirò DOC appellation covers the production of white, red and rosé wines, characterised by being generally tannic and full-bodied, designed to accompany game or fish menus in the case of Cirò bianco DOC. To conclude, Basilicata offers us the very good Aglianico del Vulture DOC, a warm and elegant red, which should be enjoyed with red meat and mature cheeses.
Now that you know the best wines of southern Italy, put your faith in Svinando! Our experts have selected prized labels from the south for you, and in each sheet you'll find additional pairings and tips for an unparalleled tasting experience!