Five Italian Whites Beyond Pinot Grigio

“A bottle of red, a bottle of white. Whatever kind of mood you're in tonight.” While plenty of red options abound, from Barolo to Chianti Classico to Amarone della Valpolicella , you might imagine that if Billy Joel was in the mood for a bottle of white, he may be forced to stick to Pinot Grigio at his Italian Restaurant. While red wines may steal the spotlight in the Italian aisle or in many collectors’ cellars, Pinot Grigio isn’t the only white export worth considering. True, the best Pinot Grigios are a far cry from the innocuous stuff that fills supermarket shelves, but Italy is home to one of the world’s most exciting and diverse white wine cultures – and one that often gives rise to stunning values. Break out of the Pinot Grigio rut and see what the rest of Italy has to offer with these five white wines. Arneis Piedmont is home to two of Italy’s most iconic red wines, Barolo and Barbaresco. Moscato d’Asti also hails from this northern region, but have you tried Arneis? Antonio Galloni calls Arneis, “a fragrant, aromatic white with no pretensions of profoundness that is, however, absolutely delicious if enjoyed a year or two after bottling.” The grape is most commonly found in Roero, although winemakers from California to Australia have begun cultivating Arneis. Orvieto With its iconic cathedral and ancient Etruscan ruins, the walled, hilltop town of Orvieto is one of Italy’s most idyllic attractions. It’s also the name of “one of Italy’s most historic wines and wine-production zones,” says Ian D’Agata. Orvieto is made primarily from Grechetto and Trebbiano, grown in the vineyards surrounding the Umbrian city. While “usually uncomplicated,” D’Agata admits “the best examples are also surprisingly age-worthy.” Soave When you think of wine from the Veneto, Prosecco or Amarone might quickly come to mind. Yet one of Italy’s most popular white wines, Soave, is made just west of Verona from, mostly, the Garganega grape. The wine is aptly named, recalling the soft, suave texture on the palate. Ian D’Agata writes, “Soave’s generally light, floral personality is readily understood by novices and experts alike.” While plenty of simple, fruity examples of basic Soave can be found on the market, look for bottles labeled “Soave Classico,” the historic heart of the region where the best wines are grown. Verdicchio Native to the Marche, the central Italian region bordering the Adriatic Sea, Verdicchio gets its name from the word “verde,” or “green.” “Even with age, Verdicchio wines never lose their green tinge,” says Ian D’Agata. The Marche is home to two famous appellations for the grape, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi and Verdicchio di Matelica. According to D’Agata, “The wines of Matelica are recognizably higher in acidity and more minerally than the more floral and fruity wines of the Castelli di Jesi.” Fiano Ian D’Agata writes, “Most experts agree that Fiano is probably Italy’s single greatest native white grape variety.” The grape is grown primarily in Avellino, about thirty miles northeast of Naples. We’re lucky to still have Fiano around today – the variety nearly went extinct before the 1950s. Fiano thrives in high altitudes, where, according to D’Agata, “the wines are steely, lean and loaded with nectarine and green apple.” Do you have a go-to Italian white wine? We’d love to see what’s in your glass. Scan the bottle and add your tasting notes on Delectable!