Saturday Wine Explorer: Italy

Veneto and North East Italy

We'll start with a glass of Prosecco, and learn what to look for on the label to find a higher quality Prosecco. The fertile plains of Italy's Veneto region are the source of much of the light, easy-drinking Pinot Grigio that has proved so popular over recent years… we'll taste a good one! We'll also explore the different wines of Valpolicella and taste a big and bold Amarone.

Piedmont and North West Italy

We'll explore this region's climate and geography and therefore the grapes grown here and the resulting wine styles. We'll taste a crisp and mineral white Gavi di Gavi and either a Barolo or Barbaresco red made from the Nebbiolo grape. We'll discuss why Italian wines are great with food, and explore some of the best pairings.

Lunch

We'll take a break for lunch, with a selection of sharing starters and then a choice of burgers, fish and chips, Caesar salad or bangers and mash, with veggie options available. We'll have some Italian rosé with lunch, as rosé is a great food-friendly option!

Tuscany and Central Italy

Moving to Central Italy, we'll again explore the climate, geography, main grape varieties and wine styles. We'll taste a crisp white Verdecchio to start with, then move on to Chianti - Italy's most famous wine region, with a delicious Chianti Classico.

Southern Italy and Islands

Mount Etna provides unique growing conditions for some of southern Italy's most interesting wines. We'll explore the wines of Sicily and taste an Etna Bianco DOC. Moving back to the mainland, we'll explore the wines of Campania and Puglia, and taste a rich Primitivo.