Introduction
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe quote is naming this blog article “The life is too short to drink bad wine!”.
The wine culture is a must in this happy island of Italy, from south to north we produce a lot of wine from ancient times to the modern and elegant flavors of bobbles based on French classic or Charmant method Etruscan wine, Nuraghi wine to the Marines wines – The wine safaris that preserves the ancient native grapes.
The Etruscans made the wine mashing with their feet the grapes in large stone containers; as Castello di Potentino preserve this technique today they continue to produce wine as 3000 years before. The Etruscan wine is a really special wine and if you want to visit the castle you can see the 8 Etruscan containers that remind us the roots of this area of Tuscany. You can include a good label from Potentino Castle in your wedding menu to honor the ancient civilization as a conscious consumer.
Not less on ancient wines are the marines wines of Elba Isald of Arrighi’s vineyard as mentioned in the National Geographic article. But it was with the ancient Romans that the wine would never miss from the everyday life and it took a distinctive and imperial symbol becoming a spiritual drink in that period.
Through the times, wine has always had an important role in medieval times (drinking together and spending good time together in the upper classes of society) and liturgical significance in the Christian communities (it was chosen to celebrate the miracle together with the bread). Thus, wine, made from grapes, has evolved over the centuries from an elite product to a glass for everyone. Today, a good glass of wine cannot be missing at your wedding reception to celebrate the body, mind and soul of the bride and groom. Cheers.
Toward Modernity
Tuscany has dozens of appellations, mainly reds produced from Sangiovese grapes; in the last 10 years has been introduced other grapes such as Ciliegiolo, Syrah and other small autochthonous vineyards.
Here the most famous world wine, a glass of which must accompany the main course of your wedding dinner.
- Chianti: perhaps the most famous Tuscan wine, Chianti is typically made primarily from Sangiovese grapes blended with other local varieties. Chianti Classico is a sub-region within Chianti known for producing higher quality wines.
- Brunello di Montalcino: made exclusively from Sangiovese grapes grown around the town of Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino is known for its rich, complex flavors and ability to age gracefully.
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: produced in the town of Montepulciano, this wine is made primarily from Sangiovese grapes, locally known as Prugnolo Gentile. It offers a balance of fruit and structure.
- Super Tuscans: these wines became famous in the late 20th century for their innovative blending of traditional Tuscan grape varieties like Sangiovese with international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Super Tuscans often offer intense flavors and excellent aging potential.
- Vernaccia di San Gimignano: Tuscany’s most famous white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano is made from the Vernaccia grape in the hilltop town of San Gimignano. It is known for its crisp acidity and citrus flavors.
- Carmignano: a historic Tuscan wine, Carmignano is produced in the area surrounding the town of Carmignano. It is a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon with a history dating back to the Renaissance.
Many small farmers produce Metodo Classico from Sangiovese, Peteglia farm is one of those Marco and Emanuele will come out with their first label on 2025.
Join the harvest, there are many wine farms that can welcome you and instead of the work of harvesting the grapes that can pay you in bottles of wine 😊.
How to choose drinks based on culture Not only wine!
Immediately after the ceremony or just before, it is recommended to offer a glass of Franciacorta or an Italian cocktail if you have chosen Italy as the destination for your wedding. Sometimes we can simply use a nice glass of aromatic water (mint, herbs, strawberries, lime, lemon, etc.) to refresh the guests.
Aperitif, the Italian way Fresh white wine here we can move from the local one Vermentino (remember its not only in Tuscany you can find Vermentino in Liguria and Sardinia too) to the classic Chardony, Franciacorta from Northern Italy or a simpler bobble a good Prosecco (Banfi has a “Worth on Money” label Called Tener, The Bio Perlage is another Prosecco a little more sweet or as thee experts could correctly say less brut). Grillo, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can be good combinations if you serve fish canapés.
It’s a good moment to insert your signature cocktails at this point of the celebration, you can choose an Aperol Spritz, Negroni, Hugo, Bellini or Rossini 😊.
At the table, the first courses are usually paired with one of the white wines mentioned above! Not to forget the rose – many producers in Tuscany, from Biondi Santi at Castello di Montepò to small producers such as Poggio Stenti, Ribusieri or Parmoleto, work really well on this Tuscan rose made from Sangiovese grapes – moving the skins really fast during the wine making just to give the color to the wine. Even if you’re not in the South of France, don’t be afraid to pair a Rosato with a good plate of pasta.
The king of the table The Sangiovese in all its forms, fresh, only in stainless still, aged a little, aged a lot – he must be there and will give the sign at your Italian wedding dinner. Some couples ask to bring their own wine feel free to do it, in some venues there is corkage fee, so if it is champagne or red wines from the north Barbera or Nero D’Avola from the south feel free to ask your coordinator we can try to make you happy and find the suppliers and delivery solutions.
Don’t be afraid of blends too or if you have a good budget on wine, even the Super Tuscans can be a good option. The meal as good Italians need to end with sweet bobble or a sweet liqueur wine. (Moscato D’asti is one of the musts that accompany the cake). Someone wants a glass of limoncello from Sorrento to finish the meal – feel free to express your wishes, we will be happy to guide and recommend correctly.
Planning a wedding in Italy and wondering how to create the perfect menu? Look no further!
In our latest article, Create Your Perfect Italian Wedding Menu we explore the culinary delights Italy has to offer for your special day. Immerse yourself in the world of Italian gastronomy and discover how to create a wedding menu that will delight your guests and create unforgettable memories.
