Tasting Report: Delicious Northern Italian Whites

Northeastern Italian whites have been flowing at my house this summer in Tuscany. I love the pure flavors and bright acidities of the wines, although some can be as weighted and structured as the best of Burgundy. In this report, I have reviewed a number of wines from top producers from primarily two vintages: 2010 and 2009.

I don’t want to generalize about the two years. I like them both very much. However, the 2009 seems a little rich and more powerful than the 2010; but that’s just an impression. I don’t have the facts yet from producers on the growing seasons in their respective regions.

Please be sure to look at the tasting notes for the whites from Vie di Romans. The winery is one of the best white wine producers in Italy. Gianfranco Gallo is a genius winemaker. I have visited the winery a number of times and I am always amazed by the quality of the wines he makes from his vineyards, which appear unassuming and simple. Check out the new vintage of Vintage Tunina too, which is always one of the best whites of Italy.

I am also a growing fan of the whites from Cantina Andrian, a cooperative from Alto Adige. Both Cantina Adrian and Cantina Terlano are leading winemakers in their region.