7 Best Italian Wines for Easter
Can’t make it to Italy for an Easter getaway? Well, it’s time to bring Italy to the table with one of the 7 best Italian wines for Easter. The country offers a wide range of fabulous wines that can complement traditional Easter dishes beautifully, whether you’re doing brunch, lunch, dinner, or all of the above.
Explore the 7 Best Italian Wines for Easter
Pinot Grigio
There’s nothing like basking in the sunshine of Spring with a glass of crisp Pinot Grigio in your hand. This popular white wine grape variety is known for its refreshing characteristics, with a gorgeous array of flavors and aromas, especially citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, and grapefruit. Sometimes, you can find more floral notes and essences of orchard fruit like green apples and pears. Either way, Pinot Grigio is adored for a clean and fresh taste, that will go excellently with any special Easter appetizers filled with greens.
Pinot Grigio is loved worldwide and even thrives in Northern California. Savor Domenico Winery’s 2023 Lodi Pinot Grigio to kick off a special Easter brunch.
Vermentino
Seafood lovers rejoice – we have just the Easter wine for you. Vermentino is a crisp and refreshing white wine grown mainly in coastal areas of Italy, that just sings of vibrance and the sea. The grape is primarily grown in the Mediterranean region, particularly in Italy and France. But, like Pinot Grigio, it has gained attention worldwide and is found even in California.
Vermentino produces wines with vibrant acidity, refreshing minerality, and distinct aromatic qualities. It can have notes of citrus, herbs, and sometimes even some subtle tropical undertones. It will go excellently with soft cheeses or fish appetizers and main courses.
Rosato (Rosé)
Who said it’s too early for rosé? Rosato (rosé in Italian) is the answer to all your Easter brunch prayers. Since rosato comes from red wine, it tends to have a little more body than white wine. This makes it quite adaptable to your Easter spread, especially since there are many kinds of rosato, all with their flavor profiles. Plus, the wine’s soft pink color goes right along with all the Easter decor.
Check out this 2022 Cal-Italia-style Rosato from Domenico Winery.
Sagrantino
Talk about a holy wine – this special red wine hails from Umbria and has ancient roots connected to Easter. During the Middle Ages, this wine was used as the Church wine but in a sweeter version. Today, with modern winemaking techniques, we can enjoy this fascinating and bold red wine, one of the most tannic wines in Italy. But, don’t be scared – Sagrantino is one of the most elegant wines out there. Plus, all those tannins make it one of the healthiest wines around!
Try out something different – a California Sagrantino, from Domenico Winery.
Montepulciano
The Montepulciano grape is one of Italy’s most widely planted grape varieties, particularly in central and southern Italy. It is primarily associated with the Abruzzo region, where it produces rich, deeply colored red wines with moderate acidity and smooth tannins. Montepulciano is also grown in other parts of Italy, including Marche, Molise, and Puglia. Wines made from Montepulciano grapes are typically full-bodied and flavorful, with notes of dark fruits such as black cherry, plum, and blackberry, along with hints of spice and sometimes a touch of earthiness. They can range from easy-drinking, everyday wines to more complex and age-worthy examples.
Had Montepulciano from Italy before? Why not try something a little different? We have an idea – Domenico Winery’s Montepulciano, from northern California!
For those who want something classically Italian this Easter…
Chianti Classico
Let’s travel to Tuscany, particularly to the region of Chianti. Now, before you think of fava beans – we are going to go a step further – to the historic area of Chianti Classico. Here is where you find one of the most special wines made from Sangiovese – Chianti Classico, following strict rules to create very elegant red wines. Because of Sangiovese’s bright acidity, it’s very versatile. Of course, it all depends on the winemaker and the style of winemaking – some are more robust than others. Regardless, Chianti Classico pairs well with roasted lamb, ham, and other hearty dishes commonly served at Easter lunches or dinners.
Amarone della Valpolicella
There’s no way this wine couldn’t make the best Italian wines for Easter, with its regalness and rich ancient history. Amarone della Valpolicella is a rich and full-bodied red wine from the Veneto region made using a unique drying process for the grapes, resulting in concentrated flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and spice. It’s an excellent choice for pairing with roasted or grilled meats at Easter dinners.
Out of the best Italian wines for Easter, did you find one that will fit your celebration? We hope so. Italian wines are so versatile, and there’s something to please every guest.
