With so many different options, and a diverse range of aromatic profiles, choosing the right Italian wines to uncork this spring is no easy feat. Where does one begin? Luckily, we’ve got an expert to show us the way. 

Here are Francesca Kirwan’s recommended wines for Spring 2023:

ZIN – Fiano Salento IGP

From Manduria, Puglia, Zin Fiano is a lively, zesty and refreshing white wine produced from 40-year-old vines. Its brightness, marked by herbal and orchard fruit aromas intertwined with citrus flavours echoes the season’s vivacity and renewal. Interesting fact: zin means sea urchin in the Apulian dialect. Food pairing: Tagliatelle with asparagus and eggs, butter and lemon plaice fillets. Serving temp: 8°-10°C.

dfather Nicola, born in 1930, who produced Cacc’e Mmitte even before the DOC recognition. Similar to him, this wine is frank, strong in nature, and a lover of good conversations. Food pairing: Perfect with cold meats, meaty pasta or risotto and white and red meat. Serving temp: 16°-18°C.

OMBRA DE VIN – Prosecco DOC Treviso Brut

Produced in the DOC Prosecco area of San Polo di Piave (Treviso), this authentic prosecco is as rewarding as that welcoming patch of breezy shade on a sunny day. The taste is fresh, harmonious and dry, making it a great choice for seasonal celebrations or leisurely afternoons. Food pairing: Excellent for an aperitif, ideal with seafood, spaghetti with clams, and salami. Serving temp: 6°-8°C.

ALICE – Verdeca Salento IGT 

Another excellent choice from Manduria, Puglia, Alice Verdeca will satisfy anyone looking for a crisp, clean, refreshing, unoaked white wine that’s extremely drinkable. The flavour is dry, enveloping and full flavoured, with a creamy texture and a fresh, mineral finish. Food pairing: Clams, calamari, sushi, light dishes with lemon, baked pastries. Serving temp: 8°-10°C.

RITROVO – Rosé Veneto IGT

Let’s go back to San Polo di Piave (Treviso) with a rosé variety that’s 60% Merlot, 30% Raboso Piave, and 10% Manzoni Moscato. Faithful to its name (“ritrovo” translates as “a get-together with old friends”), this beautifully balanced rosé is informal, relaxed, like an open invitation. It’s your favourite occasion, your favourite location, and your favourite people, all wrapped up in a single word. Food pairing: Shellfish, seafood, vegetables, cold meats or fresh cheese. Serving temp: 8°-10°C.

NOBILE di Montepulciano D.O.C.G.

Appealing from the get-go, this organic 100% Sangiovese from Tuscany smells of cherry, plum, blackberry and strawberry. Another great choice for spring, thanks to its fruit-laden yet not heavy palate, with a lovely freshness. Food pairing: Red meats and game, first courses with meat sauces and ragù. Perfect with grilled, stewed meat, lamb, mushrooms, or savoury cheeses. It can also be appreciated with spiced desserts. Serving temp: 18°-20°C.

CAPORALE – Cacc’e Mmitte di Lucera
A true expression of Southern Italy ‘terroir’, Caporale is a blend of native Italian grapes: Nero di Troia, Montepulciano and Bombino Bianco. What’s more, it’s made organically. The winery Paglione named this wine after their grandfather Nicola, born in 1930, who produced Cacc’e Mmitte even before the DOC recognition. Similar to him, this wine is frank, strong in nature, and a lover of good conversations. Food pairing: Perfect with cold meats, meaty pasta or risotto and white and red meat. Serving temp: 16°-18°C.

To browse the JK 14’s wine catalogue, click here.