a good glass of wine

A Good Glass of Wine February 2009

Relish Wine Romantic Picks from Italy

Few wines bottle up romance quite like those from Italy. But this year, rather than reaching for Chianti or Pinot Grigio, why not raise a glass with one of these lesser-known Italian wines—after all, your Valentine is one-of-a-kind; shouldn’t the wine you share be that way, too? —Wini Moranville

Cusumano Nero d’Avola IGT 2007 (Sicily; $14). This lightly spicy, freshly fruity wine is a most enjoyable way to get to know Nero d’Avola—the most widely planted red grape in sun-splashed Sicily.

Tuttobene Toscana Rosso IGT 2006 (Tuscany; $12): Merlot and Sangiovese anchor this Tuscan blend—consider it a Merlot that speaks fluent Italian. It’s dense and fruity, with a hint of nimble food-friendly acidity.

Villa Giada Barbera d’Asti “Suri” 2007 (Piedmont; $16). With its bright red-fruit flavors and a sprightly zip characteristic of Barbera wines, this easy-drinking bottle will practically sing “That’s Amore” with a simple dish of pasta or pizza.

Caldora Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2007 (Abruzzo; $13): This smooth bottle makes it easy to fall in love with Montepulciano wines, known for their rich color, generous fruit and dashing peppery-spice appeal.

Principessa Gavia Gavi 2007 (Gavi; $14): The legend behind Gavi—a crisp and refreshing white from Northwestern Italy—involves a princess, a soldier and a clandestine marriage that ends happily ever after. How perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Salviano Orvieto 2007 (Orvieto; $15): No need to wear perfume—instead, revel in the lively bouquet of citrus and floral fragrances in this voluptuous white.

Banfi Rosa Regale 2007 (Piedmont; $22): Forego the flowers this year, and enjoy hints of rose-petals, along with luscious cherry-berry fruit flavors, in this lightly sweet, softly sparkling—but fully sophisticated—deep-pink wine.

Ruffino Serelle Vin Santo 2003 ($22/375 ml): Who needs jewelry when this lavish dessert wine shimmers like liquid amber in a glass? Enjoy its dried fruit, spice and caramel appeal with classic Italian desserts, such as tiramisu, cheesecake or biscotti.