Italy is known for its wine and nothing can beat the incredible diversity and range of its reds. From fruity Bardolinos to fragrant Chiantis, there is a little something for everything when it comes to Italian reds. Throughout the course of this brief guide, you will learn about some of the most important Italian red wines that you must absolutely sample before you die.

Bardolinos

Bardolinos take their namesake from the identically named region in Italy. This wine is quite fruity, and contains just a hint of a smoky cherry combined with just a bit of spiciness. Throughout Bardolino wine's history, it has mainly been constructed from Corvina grapes. Bardolino isn't as thick or rich as many dessert wines, but it is often times served chilled. It is meant to pair quite well with seafood, especially a light, seasoned fish meal, as well as other light entrees, including pasta that is dressed with vinegar rather than a marinara sauce.

Chianti

Believe it or not, Chiantis were once considered a wine fit only for peasants, due to the fact that it was often hastily constructed. These days, Chianti is considered among the cream of the crop of Western European wines, which puts it in the ranking for the best in the world. Chianti is mainly produced from Sangiovese grapes and sometimes considered a composite wine, due to the fact that it is often combined with Merlot, Carbernet Franc, or Cabernet Sauvignon. Chianti has a high acidity factor and smoky hints of cherry and wild plums. Classically, it is served with pasta with a heavy marinara sauce, but also goes well with grilled meats.

Amarone

Since it is made from air dried Corvina grapes that are aged three to four months after being picked, Amarone tends to have a dry flavor itself. The grapes that are used in its production are usually the most sun baked and ripe. The process of air-drying the grapes causes their flavor concentration to be intensified, which ultimately makes for a wine that has a high alcohol content. The wine itself must be aged for at least two years being bottled and sent to market. To say that Amarone has a complex flavor is an understatement and it is generally served with heavy meats, such as roast beef, and cheeses.

Hopefully, this brief guide has given you some idea of the Italian reds that you absolutely must try. Click here for more information about wine tours.