White Italian Wines: Exploring Lesser-Known Varieties with Chris Keel

In this exciting episode of Somm Women Talk Wine, we are honored to have Chris Keel, the owner of Put A Cork In It, a favorite Fort Worth wine shop, and a Vinitaly Ambassador, as our guest. Join us as we deep dive the world of lesser-known white Italian wines, revealing the hidden gems that make Italy the "go to" location for wine enthusiasts.

While Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc often steal the spotlight, Italy's diverse wine regions offer a plethora of unique white wines that deserve way more attention than they receive. Chris Keel, with his deep expertise in Italian wines, takes us through a curated selection from regions from the north in Piedmont,  Alto Adige, and Venezia Giulia, south to  La Marche and Campagnia.

Chris kicks off our exploration with Gavi from Piedmont made with the Cortese grape, and we deep dive into the aromatic Soave from Veneto crafted from Garganega.  While we don't specifically cover it, we highly recommend your  wine exploration can continue into Venezia Giulia, discovering the unique characteristics of grapes that thrive in this picturesque region.

Our journey continues in the northern region of Alto Adige, known for its crisp, citrusy wines. Here, wines include the vibrant flavors of Trebbiano and the fresh, light notes of local Pinot Bianco wines. 

We travel a bit south to explore the versatility of Vermentino from Liguria and Sardinia, and the rich, complex flavors of wines from Campania such as Greco, Fiano, and Falanghina.

Moving further south to Lazio, near Rome, Chris educates on how the region's unique terroir influences its distinctive white wines including Grechetto and Trebbiano. This region is increasing its focus on natural wine, a growing movement that emphasizes organic and sustainable winemaking practices, offering wine lovers an authentic and unadulterated tasting experience.

While we don't touch on them, we cannot forget the classic red wines like Chianti (Sangiovese), Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, as well as the effervescent joy of sparkling wine. But stop in and visit Chris. He'll provide valuable tips on selecting great wines at an affordable price, making the world of Italian wines accessible to everyone.

Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious novice, this episode is packed with recommendations to enhance your wine journey. 

So, pour yourself a glass of your favorite Italian white wine, sit back, and join us on Somm Women Talk Wine as we uncover the rich tapestry of Italy's lesser-known white wines. Let Chris Keel's passion and expertise guide you through this delightful exploration, and get ready to discover new favorites that will elevate your wine-tasting experience. Cheers to the vibrant world of Italian white wines!

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Tune in now and read on for a deep dive into the captivating stories and flavors that make Italy's white wines truly exceptional.