Many of us love Italian red wines. No exception to this, Master of Wine Tuomas Meriluoto picked his favourites from the country he loves. Any of your favourites on the list?
1) Masi Campofiorin
Valpolicella style in the glass | EUR 14.98
We love Italian reds because they are perfect with food. Coming from the Valpolicella region, Masi Campofiorin is a vivacious and nuanced red wine whose secret lies in double fermentation: first the alcoholic fermentation and then the second fermentation with dried grapes.
I crack open a bottle of Masi Campofiorin for mushroom risotto, hard cheeses or red wine pasta. Great also with simple veggie foods, such as grilled eggplant and courgette. Vegan-minded Italy-lovers will be happy to hear this wine has not been clarified with animal products.
2) Masi Bonacosta Valpolicella Classico
Fantastic flexibility at the table | EUR 12.98
Which red wine is your safe bet on the table? For me, one is definitely simply tasty Masi Bonacosta. Made of classic grape trio – Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara – of the Valpolicella region, this wine delivers cherry, raspberry, herb and floral aromas.
At the table, freshly acidic Masi Bonacosta loves porcini pasta, polenta, panzanella salad and vegetarian pasta dishes. Or try spicy Southern Italian meatballs: a hint of residual sugar in the wine tastes great with peperoncino. Outside Italian cuisine, I would opt for lamb and cabbage stew.
3) Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico
A true Tuscan classic | EUR 19.98
Tuscany has always held a place in my heart and table. This chianti of Ricasoli, perhaps the most renowned producer of the region, is made of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The result is Tuscany at its best: a mouthwatering red wine oozing with ripe fruit and fresh herbs.
Ask any Italian, and they would enjoy this Chianti Classico with a classic bistecca fiorentina or juicy rabbit ragù. In Finland, I go for hefty steak or minced meat sauce prepared with love. Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico also loves rosemary lamb and vegetarian lasagne. History fans will cherish the fact that the Ricasoli family has been making wine since the 12th century.
4) Tenuta Cocci Grifoni Merlo Pecorino Organic Natural White Wine 
Organic white from the East Coast | EUR 13.89
Pecorino is a famous, delicious cheese. But did you know Pecorino is also a grape that makes fascinating white wines? Crafting wines in the Marche region for hundred years, Guido Cocci has made a tremendous job in reviving this ancient grape. In the glass, this wine offers plenty of tangerine, peach, sorrel and other wild herb aromas.
If you are looking for a unique white wine to go with your meal, it’s here! Tenuta Cocci Grifoni Merlo Pecorino tastes delicious with saltimbocca alla romana, parmesan chicken and chili-flavoured fishballs, just to name some. Slight cloudiness in the wine implies that this wine has not been filtered since they have wanted a result as natural as possible – a natural wine, so to say.
5) Fontanafredda Ebbio Langhe Nebbiolo
The King Grape of Piedmont | EUR 16.99
A famous winery in Piedmont, Fontanafredda makes Nebbiolo wines for different purposes – not only for long cellaring. Ebbio Langhe Nebbiolo has an amazingly beautiful colour and poised character that cheer up your day.
If there is game, porcini & red wine risotto or truffle pasta on your plate, a wine does not get any better. This is also a fine wine for cheese platter. Italy fans today will also be delighted to hear that Fontanafredda is investing in sustainable farming and environmental protection.
Buon appetito! Enjoy yourself with great food and wine.
Tuomas Meriluoto, Master of Wine
