Italy: North to South

Without question, Italy produces and contributes a remarkable percentage of the world's most distinctive and interesting wines across numerous regions. In addition to this incredible diversity, the sheer breadth and range of wine styles produced throughout the country is equally and remarkably impressive. From the steely, minerally-textured white wines of Tre Venezie and Val d'Aosta to the dark, powerful red wines of Sicily and Campania, Italy stands as a formidable and influential force in global winemaking, offering distinctive styles and flavors for every taste preference and palate.

However, understanding where to look and which regions to explore is essential for appreciating Italian wine. In this comprehensive class, we will explore the celebrated wines of Piedmont and Tuscany alongside other distinctive wines from Italy's northern regions. Equally important, we will give substantial and equal attention to the wines of the south; while less celebrated in popular discourse, southern Italian wines deserve careful study and appreciation. We will taste the volcanic and distinctive wines of Mt. Etna, the elegant Aglianico from Campania, or exceptional selections from Basilicata, and compare and evaluate how these wines stack up in quality against their more famous and renowned counterparts from northern Italy.

We will comprehensively explore the indigenous grape varieties native to Italy, understand its complex geography and soil conditions, and learn about distinctive winemaking traditions. We will discuss the rich history and cultural context of Italian wine, but above all, we will teach you what makes this amazing country special in the world of wine and help you identify and select which Italian wines work best for your personal taste preferences and palate.

As always, a selection of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie from Murray's will be graciously served alongside our tastings, accompanied by fresh breads and complementary accompaniments.