Over the last 35 years, American wine consumption has increased

from 380 million gallons per year to almost 800 million. Along

with this increase in consumption, the American palate has

shifted from preferring round and oaky white wines to lean and

clean styles. By nature, many Italian white wines find their home

comfortably within this category of lean and clean. Explore Italy

and its native varieties that satisfy the American palate’s desire

for lean and clean white wines.

Naked, Native and Now!

WHITE WINE

*All key characteristics and histories derived from Jancis Robinson’s Wine Grapes

White WinesDISCOVER LEAN & CLEAN

Piemonte

Abruzzo

Sardegna

Campania

Sicilia

Veneto

M E D I T E R R A N E A N S E A

T Y R R H E N I A N S E A

A D R I AT I C S E A

I O N I A N S E A

L I G U R I A N S E A

COSTAMOLINO VERMENTINO DI SARDEGNA DOC

GRAPE: Vermentino

HISTORY: Said to have been introduced to the French island of Corsica in the 13th or 14th century but the earliest documented mention was 1658 in Alessandria in Piemonte. Whose name was derived from either, a local word used to describe a young thin and flexible shoot, or Fermento meaning ferment, probably referring to the fizzy character of the young wine.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Fragrant, Minerality, Fruity

SIMILAR TO: Less aromatic Viognier with more citrus than stone fruit

GRILLO CAVALLO DELLE FATE SICILIA DOC

GRAPE: Grillo

HISTORY: A vigorous white grape first mentioned in the mid 19th century, capable of withstanding high temperatures. Historically used in the production of Marsala and widely planted in Northwestern Sicily. The grape is also found growing around the commune of Riomaggiore in Liguria where it is known as Rossese Bianco.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Citrus Blossom, Peach, Minerality, Salinity

SIMILAR TO: Tropical, unoaked Chardonnay

RADICI FIANO DI AVELLINO DOCG

GRAPE: Fiano

HISTORY: Old variety from Campania whose presence was mentioned in 1240 in a register of purchases by Emperor Frederic II. The name is said to derive from a place named Lapio known as the Grand Cru of Fiano near Avellino where the grape supposedly had its origin. Distinct from the Fiano grown in Puglia and Basilicata.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Textured, Layered, Toasted Almond

SIMILAR TO: Aromas of Albariño with the texture of Chenin Blanc

SOUTHERN

PASSERINA TERRE DI CHIETI IGP

GRAPE: Passerina

HISTORY: A robust & vigorous old variety coming from the Adriatic coast with many synonyms. Although the origin of the name is always a matter of speculation, the most popular theory is that Passerina is named after the sparrow, Passero in Italian that is often found in vineyards stealing the farmers ripest grapes.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Fresh, Apples, Pears, Spicy or Bitter finish

SIMILAR TO: Less textural Oregon Pinot Gris

LUGANA DI SAN BENEDETTO DOC

GRAPE: Trebbiano di Lugana (Verdicchio Bianco)

HISTORY: A very old variety from the Veneto known under a great variety of synonyms. Recent DNA studies at the University of Milano have confirmed that Verdicchio Bianco is identical to Trebbiano di Lugana. In the last 10 years, growers have been favoring the ancient name Turbiana over Trebbiano di Lugana as it distinguishes it from other more high yeilding grapes in the Trebbiano family.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Bitter Almond, Lemony Acidity

SIMILAR TO: If Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay cross-pollinated

RECIT ROERO ARNEIS DOCG

GRAPE: Arneis

HISTORY: The first writings of the name Arneis appears in 1877 where the grape was described as being well established in Piedmont. Despite sharing several synonyms, Arneis has no genetic relationship to the notable Piemontese red grape Nebbiolo but the two share do share a history! For centuries, Arneis was used to soften the tannins of the Nebbiolo grape in the wines of the Barolo region, hence the common name Nebbiolo bianco.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Almonds, Apricots and Ripened Pears

SIMILAR TO: Floral Pinot Blanc

CENTRAL

NORTHERN

1970s

Mass produced, low acid Soave from the Veneto Region (blended with other international varietals) takes the US by storm and forces the borders of Soave to expand beyond their classic denomination.

Brand driven round and oaky Chardonnays flood the market from California, Australia and South America. Pinot Grigio creeps up & makes an appearance offering a drier option for the everyday consumer.

1990s

Varietal madness! An introduction to the wide array of white wine grapes grown around the world from Albariño, to Chenin Blanc, to Reisling. Consumers begin to explore what the world of white wine has to offer and invest in expanding their palate.

2010s

1980s

Chardonnays with high residual sugar and medium sweet rosés make their entrance as the American palates’ aversion to acidity continues to press on.

2000s

Pinot Grigio reaches iconic status and is produced in a variety of styles from wine producing countries around the world. Large formats (1.5L’s) adorn the refrigerators and tables of homes around the country.

TODAY

Lean, crisp and mineral driven white wines, often made from native grapes in international wine producing regions, gain popularity with the newer generations.

A Brief History of White Wine

in the UNITED STATES MARKETThe characteristics that naturally develop and evolve in many Italian white grape varietals, such as minerality, acidity and a lean palate were once considered flaws. Today consumers seek out wines like this due to their sheer drinkability and natural ability to pair well with food.

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