How To Choose Wine

Let’s talk about how to choose wines to serve and gift as hostess presents.

Here are some of my best tips for choosing Italian reds that won't break the bank — wines I drank in my years living in Italy as a bartender, when my budget was tight and my passion for living (and drinking) was strong.

You'll also see some more expensive varietals which I certainly won't hold you back from indulging in.

Montepulciano d' Abbruzzo

Every Italian knows you can never go wrong with this staple from the central peninsula. They are always of quality. (Not to be confused with a Vino Nobile di Montepulciano from Tuscany. Also very delicious but substantially more expensive.)

San Giovese

This is the grape used to make Chianti and Chianti Classico. A San Giovese wine will be very similar to these Tuscan classics, but will not have gone through the consortium regulations to be deemed a Chianti. Though I highly recommend Chianti/Chianti Classico as moderately priced wines with excellent quality, try a San Giovese to switch it up.

Nebbiolo

Certainly, you've heard of Barolo..the king of Italian wines from Piedmont...the most costly and prestigious on an Italian wine list. Nebbiolo is the grape use to make Barolo, and it's what the Piedmontese drink themselves, selling the more expensive varietal to foreign markets. Personally, I prefer a Nebbiolo over a Barolo any day. Rich and full-bodied, drink it with roasts and stews or pasta with meat sauces.