Italian wines are as diverse as wine lovers are. From the bubbly and floral Prosecco to the mighty Amarone, the Mediterranean country really has something for everyone and thanks to O’Briens Italian Wine Sale, all Italian wines are up to 40% off so it’s a great moment to stock up on your favourites or try a few new ones.
With all that choice, we are going to share some of vinos featured on the sale that we like the most, each representing one of the many styles of wines to enjoy la dolce vita with.
Prosecco Spumante Guerrieri Rizzardi
Available at O’Briens – €20.95
11% ABV – 100% Glera
Poor soils disciplined the grapes as they grew to become a well behaved Prosecco.
Despite being lively and with very energetic bubbles, it stays elegant with a mix of white flower and peach aromas.
It is a versatile Prosecco, and it works as a fun choice to welcome guests or taken more seriously and poured through the evening.
Available at O’Briens – €18.95
11% ABV – Blend of Corvina, Verduzzo and Pinot Blanc
A refreshing sparkling rosé from the Veneto.
Juicy berries are the main attraction here, especially strawberries and raspberries.
It’s on the dry side, but not very far towards the extreme. Fruity and cheerful, it is a flirty wine that will work well shared between two.
Available at O’Briens – €16.95
12% ABV – 75% Molinara, 25% Merlot
A ballerina-pink rosé made from grapes grown in calcareous-clay soils on hillside vineyards above Lake Garda.
Raspberry sherbet aromas reign, with a small bit of bubblegum in the background.
Easy to drink and friendly on the palate, this is a lovely summer wine.
Il Padrino Grillo Terre Siciliane IGT 2014
Available at O’Briens – €10.95
12.5% ABV – 100% Grillo
This Sicilian treat is refreshing and sharp, those who like lots of citrus fruits in their white wines will do well by welcome it to the family.
Warm weather and lots of sun are to thank for the mouth watering ripe lemon flavours and voluptuous body of this boss that will be a good one to try if you like Pinot Grigio but would like to discover something else.
Available at O’Briens – €13.45
12.5% ABV – Mainly Sangiovese with a small percentage of Cannaiolo
See through auburn shades might make you think this will be a weak one but despite its shyness, the Chianti has something to say.
The tannins are quiet and the acidity does most of the talking (and what they say is “bolognese now, per favore”). A mix of your usual berries with an unexpected nuttines and earthy aromas keep things interesting.
Rinforzo Primitivo Salento IGT 2014
Available at O’Briens – €20.95
15% ABV – 100% Primitivo
The name “Rinforzo” (reinforce) references the winemaking method in which grapes are partially dried. Less water on the fruit equals more sugar and this explains its high ABV.
Intense ruby coloured and with aromas of cook dark fruits and plum jam, it’s a strong wine meant to be drunk with food. Slow cooked meats or rich stews will do.
Gabriela’s passion for writing is only matched by her love for food and wine. Journalist, confectioner and sommelier, she fell in love with Ireland years ago and moved from Venezuela to Dublin in 2014.
Since then, she has written about and worked in the local food scene, and she’s determined to discover and share the different traditions, flavours and places that have led Irish food and drink to fascinate her.
Gabriela Guédez Gabriela Guédez