For lovers of the local, the autochthonous and the obscure, join Jason Millar DipWSET for a tasting of Italy's lesser-known grape varieties.
Event details
From the sub-alpine vineyards of Valle d’Aosta to the black volcanic lava of Etna, from the verdant hills of Taurasi to the sun-baked bushvines of Calabria, Italy can boast a myriad of terroirs and local grapes. With varieties like Gaglioppo, Carricante, Timorasso and Torrette, the country has more than enough for a lifetime of vinous variety.
Many of these grape vines are cultivated with passion and love by their growers and offer remarkable and unique flavours to wine lovers. But these aren’t just local curiosities. In an era of climate change, many indigenous grapes are well-adapted to their vineyards and are showing a potential way forward for viticulture in an era of uncertain weather and tumultuous growing conditions.
Enjoy each of these nine wines alongside a selection of carefully curated Italian cheeses and snacks.
Example wine list
- Malibràn - Ruio Superiore Brut (Glera)
- Tiberio - Trebbiano d’Abruzzo 2020 (Trebbiano d’Abruzzo)
- Francesco Iandolo - Timorasso 2021 (Timorasso)
- I Vigneri - Vignadimilo (Carricante)
- Fratelli Alessandria - Pelaverga (Pelaverga)
- Les Cretes Torrette Superiore 2019 (Torrette)
- Sergio Arcuri - Ciro ‘Aris’ 2019 (Gaglioppo)
- Salvatore Molettieri - Cinque Querce Riserva 2013 (Aglianico)
- Ronchi di Cialla - Pignolo Colli Orientali del Friuli 2016 (Pignolo)
Tasting level
Intermediate: An in-depth exploration of a particular topic. Some prior knowledge is beneficial – such as a WSET Level 2 qualification – but these sessions will be enjoyable and educational for anyone with an interest in the subject.
About the presenter, Jason Millar DipWSET
Jason Millar is a wine writer, consultant, tasting presenter and wine judge specialising in the wines of Italy and South Africa.
After graduating from Oxford University with a degree in English Literature, Jason worked in publishing for several years before a fateful bottle of Mascarello Monprivato 2003 drew him into the wine trade.
A former company director for independent merchant Theatre of Wine, in 2016 Jason took home three scholarships for the WSET Diploma: the Graham's Port Scholarship, The Vintners' Cup and The Vintners' Scholarship for the top mark globally.
Jason writes and judges for Decanter and other publications, and has a regular column at Drinks Retailing and Harpers Wine & Spirit. You can also find his writing and wine reviews at jasondrinks.com. He is a regular judge at IWSC and Decanter World Wine Awards.
Booking terms and conditions
Payment in full must be made at the time of booking and places are not confirmed until payment has been received. Unfortunately we cannot take provisional bookings.
Cancellations and transfers
- Cancellations and transfers can be made up to two weeks before the event.
- Cancellations within 10 working days are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another event.
- If you need to change a name on the booking, please give us as much notice as possible.
- WSET School London reserves the right to cancel an event. If necessary, a full refund or transfer will be offered.
Please note: The sample list and speaker/s may be subject to change.