Move Over Cabernet. Meet Italy’s Fall-Friendly Red Wines
When the weather finally starts to cool down, there’s something about a good glass of red wine that just feels right.
And while Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot tend to get most of the attention, Italy has a few wonderful red wines that deserve a place at your fall table.
At Cinotti’s Bakery & Italian Market in Jacksonville Beach, we’ve enjoyed introducing our customers to Italian wines from regions they may not have explored before. Through our wine tastings and growing collection of Italian imports, we’ve discovered that some of the most interesting wines are the ones you might not think to pick up first.
So, if you’re looking for something a little different this season, here are four Italian reds worth getting to know.
Aglianico: Bold, Rich, and Made for Hearty Meals
If you love a full-bodied Cabernet, Aglianico (pronounced ahl-YAH-nee-koh) might become your new favorite.
Primarily grown in southern Italy, particularly Campania and Basilicata, Aglianico is known for its dark fruit flavors, firm tannins, and notes of spice, leather, and earth.
It’s a wonderful choice for roasted meats, slow-cooked dishes, and hearty fall dinners.
We’ve featured Aglianico from Teanum in Puglia at our Italian wine tastings, and it’s a great example of how much character southern Italian wines can bring to the table.
Refosco: A Little Different, in the Best Way
Refosco (pronounced reh-FOH-skoh) may not be a household name, but it’s certainly worth discovering.
Found primarily in northeastern Italy, especially Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Refosco offers dark cherry and berry flavors, lively acidity, and sometimes a slightly herbal or peppery finish.
It’s an excellent wine for mushroom dishes, roasted pork, grilled meats, and rich pasta sauces.
Our customers who’ve joined us for tastings featuring Pierpaolo Pecorari wines from Friuli may already recognize this grape. It’s one of those Italian reds that can surprise you with its balance of fruit, freshness, and structure.
Primitivo: Smooth, Generous, and Easy to Love
If you enjoy a rich, fruit-forward red, Primitivo (pronounced pree-mee-TEE-voh) is a wonderful place to start.
Grown predominantly in Puglia, Primitivo is closely related to California’s Zinfandel. Expect ripe blackberry and plum flavors, often accompanied by warm spice and a smooth, generous finish.
It’s a natural match for baked pasta, lasagna, grilled sausages, and hearty tomato-based sauces.
We’ve enjoyed sharing Primitivo from Teanum, one of the Puglian vineyards we’ve featured at Cinotti’s. It’s a particularly approachable option for customers who want to explore Italian wine without venturing too far from the styles they already enjoy.
Montepulciano: The Everyday Italian Red That Deserves More Attention
Don’t let the name intimidate you.
Montepulciano (pronounced mon-teh-pool-CHAH-noh) is a red grape most famously associated with Abruzzo, where it produces Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.
Known for its juicy cherry and plum flavors, gentle spice, and generally approachable character, it’s one of those wines that feels right at home around a dinner table.
Pair it with pizza, baked ziti, roasted chicken, grilled meats, or a good plate of pasta with red sauce.
We’ve featured wines from Collefrisio in Abruzzo, a vineyard that beautifully represents the character of this region. Montepulciano is a terrific reminder that a good Italian red doesn’t have to be reserved for special occasions.
A Little Italy for Your Fall Table
One of the things we love most about Italian wine is how naturally it fits with food.
Whether you’re preparing a Sunday pasta dinner, hosting friends for the holidays, or simply looking for something new to enjoy, there’s an Italian red for just about every occasion.
And you don’t have to know how to pronounce every grape to enjoy a great bottle.
Stop by Cinotti’s Bakery & Italian Market in Jacksonville Beach and explore our growing collection of Italian wines. We’re always happy to help you discover something new, whether it’s a bold Aglianico, a lively Refosco, a rich Primitivo, or an approachable Montepulciano.
Who knows? Your next favorite red might not be Cabernet after all.
Visit us in Jacksonville Beach and discover a little more of Italy, one bottle at a time.