Wine with Leslie: Italian wine is so en-Chianti-ng

There's such diversity in Italian wine — here are some great options, ranging from €12 to €70

If I am ever feeling jaded by wine, I look to Italy. It constantly surprises me — there is so much diversity and so many grape varieties and regions that you would need a few lifetimes to get a full handle on them all

I was asked recently if I ever get bored of wine, and honestly the answer is no. Of course, I also drink beer and cider, and sometimes a cold pils is exactly what you want to drink after a long wine tasting.

However, if I am ever feeling jaded by wine, I look to Italy. It constantly surprises me — there is so much diversity and so many grape varieties and regions that you would need a few lifetimes to get a full handle on them all. I was reminded of this recently by a bottle of Ramitello Biferno Rosso DOC from Molise in Southern Italy, made with Aglianico and Montepulciano grapes. There was a joyousness in the wine, not just in its ripe fruit flavours but in its vibrancy and verve: it reminded me of the joy that Italians take in living and that I hadn’t been to Italy since 2019.