There's more to Italian Whites than Pinot Grigio

Most people think of hearty, acidic reds or Pinot Grigio when they think of Italian wines. But with over 1,000 grape varietals, Italy has a much wider variety of wines to offer - especially in whites.

I've talked about Italian Soave before - a crisp, citrusy, dry white that goes well with just about anything you want to eat on a warm summer day (o.k., think picnic, not BBQ). You can generally find a good one in your local store for around $15 - $20. For those who live near a Moore Bros., look for Cantina del Castello.

Yet Soave is not the only Italian white alternative to Pinot Grigio. There are hundreds of varietals so it's no surprise to discover a completely new grape. Last summer I had the pleasure of trying an Italian Pinot Nero (white wine made from the Pinot Noir grape) and last week I was introduced to Taburno Serra Docile Coda Di Volpe. Coda Di Volpe is a white grape I'd never tried (and until recently, the wine instructor who introduced me had never heard of it either). What a revelation! Fruit forward, yet dry, acidic wine with tropical notes and a great body that lightly coats the tongue. This past weekend I brought a bottle to a gathering featuring Asian food and three of us easily kicked the bottle in about 30 minutes! I knew it was a hit when my friend, Laurie D., who has a discerning palate where whites are concerned, was asking me where I picked it up and how much it was (Amanti Vino, $24.99).

So get out there and discover a grape you haven't tried and please be sure to share your finding with the rest of us!

Until the next sniff, sip or quaff,

Cheers,

Alli M.