Italy is one of the world's top wine producing countries, competing with France every year for first and second place in wine production. Italy, known as the "boot-shaped" country, has a long landmass from north to south, just like Japan, and each region has its own unique climate and culture, and the wine it produces also varies. There is a wide variety. Italy produces wine in all 20 regions from north to south, and there are countless wine producers.
In Italy, a wine powerhouse, there are many wineries that mass produce wine. In Japan, it is common to buy wine in bottles, but in Italian households, the wine they drink at home is sometimes purchased by weight in 5 or 10 liter packages of inexpensive wine. Some of you may have heard that wine is cheaper than water in Italy.
While Italy has the advantage of being able to easily enjoy wine at low prices, there are also quite a few wineries that produce mass-produced wines that lack individuality. However, apart from such producers, there are many unique producers who have a strong commitment to winemaking and produce high-quality wine.
This time, we will introduce attractive wines made by unique producers in Italy, a wine superpower.
GILLARDI, a winery that makes wine from the Syrah variety, which is rare in Northern Italy.
Girardi is a winery located in Piedmont, where Barolo and Barbaresco, two of Italy's most famous wines, are produced. The reason why Girardi is said to be unique is because of the grape varieties it grows. In Piedmont, where Barolo and Barbaresco are produced, black grape varieties such as Nebbiolo and Dolcetto are popularly cultivated, but Girardi also focuses on cultivating Syrah, a grape variety representative of France's Rhône region. doing. Mr. Giacomo, the grandfather of the current owner, Mr. Jacorino, was born in France and gained experience making wine in the Côtes du Rhône in France, which led him to start cultivating Syrah, which is rare in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. Currently, we are also cultivating Nebbiolo and Dolcetto, an indigenous variety from Piedmont, and produce not only Syrah but also high-quality Barolo.
Wine made by Girardi
Gillardi/ Harys Langhe Rosso [2014] 750ml/Red Gillardi/ Harys Langhe Rosso DOC
A unique full-bodied red wine made from 100% Syrah in Langhe, Piedmont. Aromas of black fruits such as blackberry, with hints of spicy pepper, which is a characteristic of Syrah. A rich red wine with complex aromas of coffee and vanilla derived from oak barrels.
Gillardi Harys Langhe Rosso [2014] 750ml/Red Gillardi Harys Langhe Rosso DOC
Rampolla: a biodynamic producer who makes wine as close to nature as possible.
Rampolla is a long-established Italian winery that has been producing wine since 1739, located in the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany. Although it is located in the center of the Chianti Classico production area, which is made mainly from Sangiovese, it is also known as a pioneer of "Super Tuscan", which dares to release wines made mainly from Cabernet Sauvignon, and is also known for its high quality. It surprised the world.
Since 1994, we have been practicing biodynamic farming and making wine without adding antioxidants, and are working to make wine as close to nature as possible. Wines made from biodynamic vineyards express a lively flavor that fully demonstrates the original strength of the grapes. We make wine with our own unique methods, such as using concrete tanks and amphora for the alcoholic fermentation of grapes.
Wine made by Rampolla
Rampolla/Sangiovese di Santa Lucia [2018] 750ml Red Wine SANGIOVESE DI S. LUCIA TOSCANA ROSSO IGT
``Sangiovese di Santa Lucia'' is a red wine made with 100% Sangiovese and no antioxidants. We carefully select the highest quality grapes and harvest them by hand. We only produce small quantities, with an average annual production of 1,500 to 5,000 bottles. It is characterized by a refined acidity, with aromas of fruits such as plum and blueberry, and hints of herbs and spices.
Rampolla Sangiovese di Santa Lucia [2018] 750ml Red SANGIOVESE DI S. LUCIA TOSCANA ROSSO IGT
Rampolla/ San Marco [2015] 750ml Red Wine D’ALCEO
``San Marco'' is a red wine made mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon in 1980 for the first time in the Chianti Classico region using French oak barriques. At the time, this innovative winemaking attracted attention from all over the world. Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with Sangiovese and Merlot. An elegant and concentrated wine with a fresh, delicate aroma and a deep, rich color.
Rampolla / Dulceo [2014] Red wine 750ml D’ALCEO
After the release of San Marco, in 1996 they released ``Dulceo'', a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, which received high praise from wine review magazines. A red wine with rich aromas of black fruits such as blackberries and plums, and sweet aromas such as chocolate. It also has a complex aroma that combines ripe red fruit aromas with delicate cigar and tobacco aromas. An elegant wine with power and warmth.
An elegant and modern wine producer with a sophisticated sense: JERMANN
Hellermann is a winery established in 1881 and is known as a ``master white wine'' representing the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of northern Italy. We own a vineyard near the Slovenian border. The Friuli Venezia Giulia region is known as one of Italy's best white wine producing regions, and Hjermann is one of the producers who has boosted its reputation to its current status.
Hjermann attracted attention for its unique and innovative winemaking at the time, such as aging international varieties of Chardonnay in barriques. While placing an emphasis on indigenous varieties of Friuli, Venice and Giulia, such as Ribolla Gialla, we produce elegant and attractive wines with a modern and innovative flair.
Wine made by Hellermann
Jermann/ Vinnae [2018] 750ml White Wine Jermann/ Vinnae
"Vinae" is a white wine made mainly from Ribolla Giarra, an indigenous variety of Friuli Venezia Giulia. It is characterized by a dry and fresh taste with a bright, pale straw color. It has a mineral feel and a tangy sour taste, and is recommended as an aperitif or to go with seafood appetizers.
Herman Vinae [2021] 750ml/White
Jermann/ Red Angel [2016] 750ml Red Wine Jermann/ Red Angel on the Moonright
Hellerman is famous for its white wine, but its red wine is also of a very high standard. ``Red Angel'' is a red wine with a delicate ruby color and an elegant taste, made mainly from Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir in Italian). A striking label was drawn by the producer. It has a pleasant balance of fruit sweetness and richness, with a light body and fresh strength. It goes well with oven-roasted fish and mushroom dishes.
Yelman Red Angel [2020] 750ml/Red
There are so many unique and attractive producers in Italy that we cannot introduce them all to you. If you drink wine while paying attention to the producer's philosophy and commitment to winemaking, you may be able to appreciate the deliciousness and charm of the wine even more. We hope you enjoy the wines made by unique Italian producers.
