“Sip of Italy” by Wine Enthusiast: An introduction to some of Italy’s many diverse wine regions

The September 14, 2026 “Sip of Italy” event at City Winery in Chelsea marked the latest edition in the ‘Sip Event’ series from internationally-renowned wine media and commerce company Wine Enthusiast. The aim — increase public awareness and appreciation of wine through regional tastings gives wine industry professionals and consumers the opportunity to meet with and taste wines made by a diverse group of winemakers from some of the world’s leading wine producing countries.

This year’s ‘Sip of Italy’ event featured sparkling, white, rose’, and red wines as well as wine-based cocktails from producers representing a diverse range of Italian winemaking regions. Myriad interpretations of Italy’s numerous wine grapes ranging from Pinot Grigio, various Trebbiano varieties, Glera, and Vermentino, to Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Montepulciano, among others made for a dynamic and well-rounded tasting experience.

Some standouts from the many fine wineries present at the tasting included:

1. Tenuta Casteani Maremmano Vermentino Superiore 2024
2. Azienda Bruni Perlaia Vermentino 2024

These white wines, produced in Maremma along the southern coast of Tuscany, represented two very different interpretations of the Vermentino varietal. The organic Casteani Maremmano is multi-layered and structured, with fresh acidity, salinity, and minerality, and an elegant acacia, orange blossom, lemon, grapefruit, apple, herb, and honey flavor profile. It’s a Vermentino “superiore,” a designation awarded to wines made with 95+% Vermentino sourced from low-yielding coastal or hillside vineyards, and an alcohol content of at least 12.5%. Vermentino Superiore tend to age exceptionally well.

The Bruni Perlaia is a late harvest wine made from very ripe Vermentino that have been aged in a combination of stainless steel tanks and oak barriques. This round and textured wine has soft and balanced acidity, and a honeysuckle, acacia, lemon, pear, peach, dried pineapple, honey, and vanilla flavor profile.

1. Rotari Brut
2. Rotari Brut Rose’

This pair of traditional method sparkling wines from Trentino-Alto Adige, located within the Italian Alps and Dolomite Mountains, are crafted from the classic champagne grapes Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grown predominantly on hillside vineyards. The Brut is crisp, with balanced citrus fruit and acidity, and the Brut Rose’ has soft acidity, and a vibrant berry fruit character.

1. Cantine Mezzacorona Domenica Pinot Grigio
2. Cantine Mezzacorona Ventessa Pinot Grigio

These fresh and approachable Pinot Grigio from Cantine Mezzacorona are also from Trentino-Alto Adige. The sustainably-sourced Domenica has a delicate white flower, and citrus and summer fruit character. The 90-calorie, low-alcohol Ventessa (the grapes for this wine are picked early to ensure that sugar and alcohol content will remain low) has a lively honeysuckle, peach, and melon flavor profile.

Ferrari Trento, founded in 1902 by Giulio Ferrari, is the first producer of traditional sparkling wine in Trentino-Alto Adige. Giulio is also credited with being the first to plant Chardonnay extensively in Italy. His goal was to produce a ‘champagne-quality’ sparkling wine, and in 1906, his Trentodoc won top honors at the Milan International Exhibition. Ferrari has been in the very capable hands of the Lunelli family since 1952.

These ready-made Prosecco-based cocktails from Casa Vinicola Canella are produced using real fruit juices and without added sugars, artificial colors, or preservatives. The mimosa was refreshing and crisp, and the Bellini delightfully fragrant and full of fresh peach flavors.