Italian Wines Tips

What is a Super Tuscan? Known mainly for its Chiantis until the 70s, Tuscany experienced a real wine revolution when Marchesi Antinori bottled his first 'Tignanello'. Composed of a blend of 80% Sangiovese 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, this wine was a real upheaval and questioned the established order. Indeed, the rules of the DOC...

All about the hierarchy of Italian wine appellations If you look at a bottle of quality Italian wine, you will find the following acronyms on the label: DOP, IGP, DOC, DOCG or IGT. What are the differences?In Italy, the system of Italian appellations has evolved considerably since the 1960s. Despite all the richness and diversity of the country,...

How to choose the Top 10 best Italian wines? To establish a Top 10 wines of a country or a region is often subjective since appreciations and tastes are different from one individual to another. Nevertheless, it is agreed that certain winemakers and certain vintages often come out on top. Therefore, certain factors are important and serve as a...

Even if a ranking can sometimes seem subjective, it is certain that the national and international recognition of the wines through the vintages and their constant prices are sure values on which to base a ranking. You will find here a top 10 of the most expensive Italian wines, made in no particular order but which we believe is quite...

Like France, Italy has a vineyard with a rich history and all the regions of the peninsula produce wine. So when we talk about typical Italian wines, it is of course difficult to make generalizations because each province of the boot has its own specificities that make them all typical. It is good to first ask the question, what is a typical...

Before exploring the possible food and wine pairings in the Italian peninsula, it seems important to us to address a notion that, according to the philosophy of alfavin.ch, is the foundation of any tasting, whatever it is: pleasure!Without pleasure there is no tasting and even less food and wine pairing. To take pleasure in tasting a wine, a dish,...

What you need to know about Primitivo The first traces of this emblematic grape variety of Puglia wines can be found in the region of Gioia Del Colle, a province located south of Bari. After much scientific research in the United States in California, we know that Primitivo is a variety native to Croatia, known as Zinfandel in the USA and Crljenak...

Unlike countries like France and Spain, Italy is a country where wine is produced in all regions. Nicknamed Oenotria by the Greeks, the Italian peninsula is no stranger to its nickname and the richness of its vineyards is as important as its cuisine. With a favorable climate and a wide variety of soils, Italy has a lot to surprise us. Between the...

What is Prosecco? Prosecco is a sparkling white wine made from Glera grapes. Where does Prosecco come from? The appellation is produced in 9 provinces spanning the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia region. The Prosecco Superiore DOCG can only be made in the area of Vadobbiadene hill, the Prosecco DOC Treviso from the area that surrounds the hill...

TASTING IN MAY 2019 TO COMPARE SUPERS-TUSCANS AND THEIRS ALTERNATIVES. WHICH SUPER-TUSCAN SHOULD YOU PUT IN YOUR WINE CELLAR? 30 CLIENTS OF ALFAVIN.CH GOT CHALLENGED. On Thursday, May 16, 2019, La Grappe d'Or restaurant hosted Alfavin.ch's latest event, an exceptional tasting!  A client testimonial: "In the cozy setting of the private room on...

On the occasion of the release of the latest addition to Leone de Castris' new top-of-the-range line, Per Lui Susumaniello, we decided to combine business with pleasure and take a trip to the Apulia region to visit some producer friends and enjoy a few magnificent bottles over an extended weekend. Located in the small town of Salice Salentino, a...