6 Classic and Affordable Wines from Italy

If you have ever been to Italy you know that the country is all about good wine, delicious food and wonderful people. One of my friends just had the good fortune of spending some time in Umbria, in the heart of Italy's wine country. She brought back a flight of classic wines which I had the privilege of testing her favorite picks at a tasting party just last week.

Though I don't know much about wine other than the fact that I like to drink it, I am always on the lookout for the perfect bottle. To me a good bottle of red or white wine should be nice enough to serve when a guest stops by for the random pop-in, affordable enough to bring when a party or restaurant calls for BYOB and decent enough for me to enjoy when I am entertaining friends or spending an evening all to myself. So I thought I would share some of these classic wines from Italy:

Bigi Vipra Rossa Umbria IGT (2005): This deep, ruby-red colored red has the scent of blackberry and spice and a full-bodied taste that is dry and fruity, Vipra Rossa is best with roasted or grilled meats, lamb, poultry, and aged cheeses. $13-15

Falesco Vitiano Rose (2005): This sweet scented rose has scents of strawberries, plums, cranberries, and flowers. The taste is just as fruity! Vitiano Rose is delicious with salads, grilled vegetables, grilled fish such as salmon or tuna, and with mussels marinara.

Sportoletti Assisi Grechetto (2006): An Italian wine grape with Greek origins, Grechetto is used throughout central Italy, particularly in the Umbria region. This white wine comes from a family owned winery in between the towns of Spello and Assisi. It tastes of white peach and apple and is ideal with spring/summer soups as well as with baked chicken and fish dishes. $12-14

La Carraia, Orvieto, Classico (2006): One of the most famous Umbrian wines, Orvietto Classico comes from the vineyards that surround the historic hilltops of the medieval town of of Orvieto. This crisp, dry wine boasts a fresh fruit character with traces of an almond-like finish. It is best paired with seafood dishes but can go well with cured meats, pasta, omelets and even white meats. $8-10

Pieve del Vescovo Colli del Trasimeno Lucciaio (2002): A dry smoky wine with deep flavors of leather, black currant and plum which comes from the Trasimeno Lake region. Great with roasted meats, stewed and braised meats, broiled meats and barbecue as well as hard cheeses $15-17

Arnaldo Caprai, Montefalco Rosso (2003): This Italian Bordeaux blend was rich and full of intense plum flavor. It is primarily made from Sangiovese grapes and incorporates a small percent of Sagrantino, which adds depth and smoothness to the wine. Though slightly more expensive, its velvety complete taste is highly recommended with all grilled and roast pork, veal and lamb. $20-22