Supermarket wines: Two great Italian wines to try

Wines for the Weekend: A white Sicilian to try with shellfish and a classic smooth Chianti Riserva

Inzolia is an Italian variety grown almost exclusively on the island of Sicily; Chianti Classico is one of the oldest and best-known wine regions of Italy
Inzolia is an Italian variety grown almost exclusively on the island of Sicily; Chianti Classico is one of the oldest and best-known wine regions of Italy

We have an Italian theme this week with two wines from Tesco. Inzolia is an Italian variety grown almost exclusively on the island of Sicily (with a little bit in Tuscany too). It was traditionally used to make the fortified wine Marsala, but in recent years has been increasingly used to make table wines. It is generally picked early to preserve acidity and retain freshness.

Chianti Classico is one of the oldest and best-known wine regions of Italy. Made from the Sangiovese grape, this has been matured for two years in oak barrels, hence the Riserva designation. This ageing process softens the rough tannins sometimes found in Chianti Classico.

Ca del Lago Inzolia, Terre Siciliane
Ca del Lago Inzolia, Terre Siciliane

Ca del Lago Inzolia, Terre Siciliane

€7.50, 11%

Light zippy grapefruit and apple fruits with a crisp dry finish. This would go nicely with lighter fish and shellfish. Try it with clams or mussels with pasta from Tesco.

Tesco Finest Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Tesco Finest Chianti Classico Riserva 2019

Tesco Finest Chianti Classico Riserva 2019

€12, 13.5%

Medium-bodied with soft plum and red cherry fruits and light tannins on the finish. Enjoy with roast or grilled red meats, or tomato-based herby bean casseroles.