Insider tip: Winemakers have the skill set to make a light body version of certain grape varietals. I’ve had medium body versions wines that would normally be thought of as full bodied wines. The reason is because the winemaker’s intention was to make an easy-drinking wine. Full-bodied wines are not considered easy drinking. At least, that’s what the Italians believe. It’s very common for Italians to describe a wine as “facile da bere,” or “easy to drink.” This could be any type of wine.

In fact, it is very common when you order house wine in Italy, or “vino della casa,” it’s almost always very easy to drink and made with Italian grape varietals that many would consider full bodied wines. But the house version usually is very soft and easy on the palate, similar what you are looking for in a Pinot Noir.

If you are looking for other Italian wine types that are similar to Pinot Noir and other familiar wines like Merlot, Cabernet, etc,, you should get a copy of Hidden Gems of Italy. There is a section in the book that lists Italian wine type equivalents to wine types you know. The book also teaches you how to find high quality Italian wines for $20 that taste like $50.

Cabernet Sauvignon is arguably one of the most famous wines in the world. Cabernet Sauvignon is a native French grape that cultivates easily and now grows in wine regions throughout the world. The California wine industry certainly took the wine to mass-appeal in the American wine market.

Whether you’re Italian-American who wants to reconnect with the homeland, or you have some other connection with Italy, you want to know which Italian wine is similar to Cabernet Sauvignon. Well, it depends.

If you’re drinking California Cabernet, we’re talking about an enormously full bodied wine with a massive amount ripe fruit notes. This is achieved with high sugar levels in the wine. Old World wine enthusiasts, people who drink wines mainly from France and Italy, would argue there is too much sugar in those “Cali-Cabs.”

If you drink Cabernet Sauvignon from France, we are talking about a style of wine much different from that of California.

If you find yourself drinking Califronia Cabs and you can’t seem to find something similar in Italy, the problem is probably that you are so used to drinking “sugary” or overly-oaked wines. If that’s the case, your best bet is to try a Primitivo from the Puglia region in Italy. Primitivo is one of the most generous fruit-forward and full bodied wines in Italy. It makes an excellent transition wine if you want cross over to Italian wine. You can learn more about Primitivo in my book Hidden Gems of Italy. There are many reasons for exploring Primitivo

If you’re coming from a more traditional style of Cabernet Sauvignon from France, we’re talking about a full bodied wine with sour black berry notes and a dry and earthy finish. If that’s the case, I’d go with a five to 10 year-old Taurasi from Campania. Taurasi is made with 100% Aglianico grapes and makes a great age-worthy wine. Aglianico is not generous on the fruit side of the flavor profile, but it does exhibit dark fruits. It’s full bodied with leather tannins and notes of tar and earth on the finish. Don’t go from California Cabs to this wine. Save it for later!

Looking for an Italian wine that is similar to a well-known wine is a great way to explore the world of Italian wines. You should get yourself a copy of Hidden Gems of Italy because there are two charts full of known wines like Cabernet Sauvignon that are similar to Italian wines.

Sauvignon Blanc was first made famous by the French and much later New Zealand took it to another level of world-wide fame. Now you can find Sauvignon Blanc in California and other parts of the world.

In the white wine world, Sauvignon Blanc is just another trendy wine pushed by millions of dollars of advertising and investments to make it a household name. This is my opinion although I’m sure others would agree.

Regardless whether Sauvignon Blanc is trendy or not, you like this wine. Most likely you enjoy the citrus notes and crispy acidity that make it a refreshing full bodied white wine.

But you’re looking for an Italian wine that is similar to Sauvignon Blanc. You might be Italian-American and want to find something made in Italy that is similar in style and taste. Or you’ve taken a trip to Italy, fell in love with the country, and you’d like to find a nice white wine similar to Sauvignon Blanc. Maybe you have some other reason that inspires curiosity to see what Italian wine Italy has to offer that shares some of the same qualities as Sauvignon Blanc.

If you’re looking for a crispy white wine with citrus notes, take a look at a Sicilian wine called Catarratto. Before you run out and buy a Catarratto at your local wine store, I’d advise you to try various brands before you judge this zesty white wine from Sicily. There are reasons for this and I go through it briefly followed by the flavor profile.

Catarratto is a native Sicilian grape that has been growing in Italy’s largest region for at least 1,000 years. It’s name literally means “cataract,” referring to a gushing waterfall. The description is derived by how Catarratto behaves as a wine in the glass more so than a description of the grape itself. The “legs” of Catarratto are quite long and act like little waterfalls sliding down the glass.

Historically, Catarratto was made in bulk to be sold locally and exported. While production levels of Catarratto have been reduced in order to achieve higher quality wines, Catarratto still remains the most cultivated white wine grape in Sicily.

Most of the very inexpensive Sicilian wines that hit the American market first were blends of Catarratto and other white varietals.

The best Catarratto has a lively, crispy and zesty acidity that makes you think of lemons swinging on Sicilian palm trees. Medium to full body depending on how concentrated the wine is. The higher the eleven of the vineyards, the more potential for citrus notes. The higher the elevation, the higher the potential for lush and ripe citrus fruits. This is where a smaller production becomes important.

Look for a monovarietal of Catarratto made by a small producer. You’ll get the most authentic and pleasing results there. If you can’t find a small production version, start with whatever you can find as along as it’s 100% Cattarrato so you can taste the essence of this beautiful Sicilian grape.

Try at least 3 different brands that make 100% Catarratto and decide for yourself if there are similarities between this wine and Sauvignon Blanc. Who knows, maybe you’ll love Catarratto for than Sauvignon Blanc. I know I do.

Looking for an Italian wine that is similar to a well-known wine is a great way to explore the world of Italian wines. You should get yourself a copy of Hidden Gems of Italy because there are two charts full of more familiar wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec and Pinot Noir that are similar to Italian wines.