Aperitif wine: how and which to choose and what to pair it with

Aperitif wine is an excellent ally in what has been an established tradition for both young and old for many years. Indeed, the aperitif is a favorite time to take a well-deserved break in good company. But which aperitif wine to choose?

Among the most popular wines at aperitif time are definitely sparkling wines. Fresh, light and with effervescent bubbles, sparkling wines whet the appetite and satisfy the palate. They range from a classic Prosecco to Franciacorta to Trento DOC to satisfy all tastes. Choosing a great aperitif wine is not difficult. In fact, Italy offers a variety of alternatives even for those who do not like sparkling wine or bubbles.

Aperitif wine: what characteristics should it have

The aperitivo in Italy can take many forms and feature different types of food as appetizers, ranging from crostini, to fritti, and from pizza to finger food. Room for imagination and personal taste, then, but there are also rules to follow. If you wish, you can start with the wine-food pairing to choose the best aperitif wine for the occasion. There are no limits, but it is good to remember that this is a time before dinner and the aperitif wine chosen should therefore stimulate the appetite, not take it away.

Bubbles are almost always the right answer, but you can also look to white and red wines, as long as they are still and light. White wines are among the most popular as aperitif wines, particularly those that are aromatic, fresh and fruity. In northern Italy, the most popular are Chardonnay, Moscato Giallo, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Müller-Thurgau. In the South, on the other hand, the Greco di Tufo and Falanghina from Campania are the most popular. Here are some aperitif wines perfect for evenings with friends. There really is something for every taste and quality.

Aperitif with white wine: Bianco dei Leoni

Bianco dei Leoni is a white aperitif wine perfect for serving chilled between 11° and 16°C. Made from Garganega grapes, it is dry, but fine and fresh, with a light almond note. It has an intense, floral and fruity bouquet that goes well with aperitifs, but also with delicate first courses and fish dishes. Broad in bouquet, it is persistent in the mouth, with a clean finish and just the right amount of bitterness.

Aperitif with rosé wine: Molinara Rosato – Vino Rosè

Suitable for aperitifs, but often overlooked, are rosé wines. They are generally fresh and structured and very casually accompany aged cheeses and charcuterie boards. Molinara Rosé, for example, is a rosé made from Molinara grapes. Its beautiful rosé color comes from the fact that fermentation is done with the must, without the skins. Soft, fresh and spicy, Molinara Rosato is a summer wine, best served chilled, preferably between 11° and 16°C. Perfect as an aperitif wine, Molinara is also a good accompaniment to delicate dishes and fish.

Bubbles and taste: Spumante Brut

Spumante is definitely the king of the Italian aperitivo. Which one to choose among the many for an aperitif of the most satisfying? Spumante Brut is made from Garganega grapes, and is characterized by its typical bright straw yellow color. It presents notes of white-fleshed fruit, as well as hints of pineapple and lemon. It is smooth and refreshing on the palate, with a lingering finish. Excellent as an aperitif wine, Spumante Brut is also perfect with seafood such as mussels and clams, white meat and shellfish

And red wines?

While less popular than white wines and bubbles, red aperitif wine also has its appeal. As mentioned, better to prefer in this case, wines with little body and younger wines that end up taking away the appetite before dinner. How to choose the right wine? The ideal red aperitif wine is fresh, light and young, such as, for example, Barbera, Sangiovese, Lagrein, Bardolino and Lambrusco.

Better to avoid for aperitifs full-bodied and evolved wines such as Amarone and Barolo, which should be destined for more appropriate times of the day. In short, the variety of Italian grape varieties allows all people who appreciate wine to find the ideal one for every aperitif.