Vino Novello - Italians give thanks for new wine

Although Thanksgiving isn't officially celebrated in Italy, Italians still give thanks during the month of November for their olio e vino novello, new olive oil and wine production. Vino novello is made using a different fermentation process than that of typical red wine. When harvested, the grapes are transferred uncrushed to a sealed barrel or steel vault. The winemaker then introduces carbon dioxide. With little oxygen and increased presence of CO₂, the fermentation process is accelerated. The sugars in the grape are quickly converted into alcohol resulting in a fizzy, fresh, red berry aroma all in less than 20 days!

Produced in most regions, vino novello is most common in Veneto, Trentino, Alto Adige, and Tuscany. The most popular grapes for producing vino novello are Barbera, Dolcetto, Cabernet Savuignon, Merlot, and Sangiovese. 

Officially put on the Italian market November 6, consumers will savor this wine through January. But don't try to add a bottle to you cellar collection: lacking in natural preservatives from the tannins, vino novello won't last. Drink it young and slightly chilled.


The lightweight, bright and more acid forward wine is a perfect pairing for richer holiday meals...and most under $10, they're a great value too!
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Giocale Novello Rosso 2012
Terre Di Chieti Abruzzo, Italy
This is a Novello from the south of Italy with 75% Montepulciano. It is very fruity and fairly full-bodied but well-balanced.

Castello d'Albola Sant' Ilario Novello di FattoriaToscana IGT, 2012

Tuscany, Italy

Novello is said to be born in the vineyards of Chianti and this wine stays true to the traditional style, combining the freshness of red berries with the fragrance of peaches.

Negrar Novello Del Veneto 2012

Veneto, Italy

Blackberry, raspberry, and cherry aromas and flavors.