Italian Wines for beginners...
 

So I am visiting a friend in Milan for a week in March. I am not the least bit a wine connosiuer, I do prefer white over red though. As I know, wine is all over the place in Italy, and Europe in general, but are reds more prominent that whites? Are there any in particular that would appeal to me?
As far as red wines go the only kind I have ever really drank are sangrias..lol
I know, its a shame, its just not my "thing" I guess. Any info would be appreciated! I'd be open to doing a tasting or two before I leave to kind of familiarize myself.

There are some very good white wines in Italy. Your friend should be able to steer you towards the good ones.

If you are not used to red wines in the States, don't worry about tasting in advance. There are so many red wine varieties in Italy. I would recommend trying a glass of the "house" red wine once you get there to see if you like it. ((b))

I think this website is helpful
http://www.chiff.com/wine/europe/italy.htm

Dear Glamgal,

asking about which wine is like asking someone to post a travel itinerary, there are so many types and opinions and sensory perception of course differs from person to person, thank god for diversity!

However a quick reply is that Italy is of course one of the world's leading wine producers (and drinkers) the tradition going back about 3000 years or so, much debate about who introduced the nectar of the gods here. And although the world has this image of chewey Italian reds in a big balloon glass, and it's true, red is the usual wine of choice for Italian food (remember in Italy wine is always drunk with food, its part of the meal), there are a number of very good whites ranging from the dry Orvieto and Trebbianos in the NE, to the delicate naturally sweet Moscato d'Asti's (cinderella sister of Asti Spumante) to the intense Marsala's of the south.

However I am sure your friend in Milan will help to introduce you to the pleasure of the Italian table, Milan is close to the world-famous Piedmont wine region, home of some of Italy's finest reds, worth a day's trip at least in the area around Asti and Alba to visit a winery or two and try one of our fabulous restaurants.

Also check out http://milioni.com/vini/ and www.made-in-italy.com/ for some background information before you come. Enjoy!

Use February to try dry, semi-dry or sweet white wines. You can then ask the waiter for your favorite. Another choice, sparkling whites! Europe is awash with wines. Prices for really good wines are as low as $2.50 for .70 liters. Our latest super find, a merlot from Moldovia at $6 for .7 liters. Good advice; try the house wines.

I am a white-only wine drinker. In Europe I always simply order "house white wine" which is served by size in glass carafes or clay pitchers. No fuss no muss and it is always decent.

Also "rose" might appeal to you. Again just order what's on offer, BTW it's not the ghastly stuff like white zinfandel in the u.s.

Hi Glam,

Italian wines are wonderful! However, they are meant to be enjoyed with food. To be blunt, if you have only had sangrias, then you haven't really tried red wine.

#1 piece of advice - go with an open mind! This applies to everything about travel, not just the wine. Try everything, you'll be surprised at what you do like!

Buon viaggio!