Italian white wine is making a comeback and the timing is perfect. After a decade of big impact whites such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, many folks are interested in stepping down to something more reserved. Wines with social skills ““ fitting in well, as opposed to screaming for attention. And something that can be comfortably be enjoyed all evening.
Italy is ready to fit this bill for two reasons. Their whites have always had an appealing simplicity ““ think Pinot Grigio. But now producers have upped the quality so the wines are interesting as well as friendly. In a recent LCBO Vintages review I told you about four Italian whites that rewrote the book on white wine. Expressions that felt pure, natural and different. Wines with some intrigue and which invited you to explore.
Enough of the ramble ““ the hard news is that Ruffino’s 08 Orvieto is one lovely bottle of wine. Not super exciting but it will give you a taste of what Italy is offering in everyday whites. In case you just started with the Wolf Blass era, Orvieto used to be one of the top sellers at the LCBO.
RUFFINO 08 ORVIETO, Umbria, Italy 31062 $11.75
Fresh, fruity and dishing out the charm. Orvieto ruled Italian whites pre Pinot Grigio and it looks like Ruffino is out to regain some territory with this delicious wine. Super nice, super good and a lot of fun to drink.~ The Orvieto region is situated between Rome and Florence and the wines are not oak aged.
P.S. Today I had Colio 06 “˜CEV’ Sauvignon Blanc. Not typical, but what delicious, honeyed flavours. The charm of a Viognier. Available at Colio stores ($16.95). It’s truly amazing what can happen to white wines after a few years. Magic, or death!
