Off the Beaten Path in Northern Italy
Forget Barolo and prosecco for the day and try out these lesser-known options from Northern Italy, all adored by our staff.
“Sapori della Vigna” Bianco, Zucchi – NV $12.96
This cuvée stands out as a unique yet affordable sparkler. Made of 100% Trebbiano, this bianco frizzante is dry with a delicate bouquet of white lily and dandelion floral aromas. Flavors of green apples and lemon zest backed by vivacious acidity and light pétillance makes this an excellent aperitivo or a suitable alternative for prosecco. – Jose Banegas, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Gavi, Orsola – 2021 $17.96
The historic Spinola family make this refreshing Cortese with methods that are organic and dynamic from all estate-owned vineyards. The label on this wine is one of two portraits by Andy Warhol of another Spinola family member, Orsola, for whom the wine is named. It is incredibly bright and refreshing with engaging aromatics, honied flowers, orange citrus, and a touch of almond. Finishing bone dry, this is made for summer fare! – Hannah Weiss, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Pinot Grigio, Borghi Ad Est – 2020 $17.96
Borghi Ad Est focuses on the production of Pinot Grigio. Their vineyards benefit from vicinity to the sea and sea’s summer breeze. In winter, the Julian Alps protect them from the harsh winter. The result is a wine with aromas of tropical fruit and flavors of lemon and passion fruit. The minerality is well balanced with the acidity. A long finish completes the experience. This Pinot Grigio is excellent and affordable at the same time. – Andrea Fraccari, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Pétillant Naturel “Indigeno” Ancarini – 2020 $21.96
Trebbiano is ubiquitous in Italian winemaking, but due to the variety’s commonality it often falls short of the credit it deserves. As a sparkler, this dry wine strikes a great balance between citrus and savory flavors. The cloudiness just means the wine wasn’t filtered. Enjoy a bottle with great friends and a gorgeous sunset! – Bambi Ray, Sales Manager
Kerner, Abbazia Novacella – 2021 $23.96
Bright, fresh aromatics are a highlight of this Kerner (a cross between Riesling and the light red grape Schiava) from the cool alpine climate of the Alto Adige. Layers of ripe apple, white peach intermingle with honeysuckle, and almonds. It’s rich, yet invigorating, and incredibly versatile at the table. – Amy Miller, Sales Manager
Collio Bianco Borgo del Tiglio – 2018 $35.99
Here’s a substantial white from one of Friuli’s pioneer winemakers. Slick in texture with flavors of ripe apples and died herbs, the wine’s unique blend of Friulano, Sauvignon, and Riesling make it uniquely Collio and uniquely scrumptious. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Barbera d’Asti Superiore “La Bogliona”, Scarpa – 2010 $134.96
This is what I dream about when I dream about wine and the perfect example of why a great producer is so important. Generally, young wines show strong, primary flavors and old wines show tertiary, but here you have something kind of in the middle. You get some wonderful almost umami notes where it’s all the flavors at once. La Bogliona translates to “the daughter of sand,” letting us know that the vineyard’s soils have a high percentage of sand, which lends an aromatic elegance to this structured wine. – Josh Mizrahi, Sales Manager