Stem Wine Bar Northern Italy Wine Tasting Recap

If there’s one thing I look forward to every month, it’s a night at Stem. This time, the Stem Wine Bar Northern Italy wine tasting transported us straight to Piedmont, Veneto, and beyond, and it did not disappoint.

From crisp, mineral-driven whites to bold, structured reds (and of course, a little sparkle to finish), the lineup showcased just how diverse Northern Italy can be. Even better, each wine was thoughtfully paired with chef-driven dishes that elevated every sip.

To start, we kicked things off with The Italian, a cocktail that felt especially fitting for the theme and set the tone for the night ahead. Then, as always, Brian guided us through the wines while Chef Dom and Chef Clint delivered some of the best pairings we’ve had yet.

Overall, the Stem Wine Bar Northern Italy tasting was one of my favorites this year, and we’re just getting started.

Stem Wine Bar Northern Italy: A Quick Regional Overview

Before diving into the pairings, it helps to understand what makes this region so special.

First, Northern Italy is incredibly diverse. On one hand, you have Piedmont, known for structured, age-worthy wines like Nebbiolo. Meanwhile, Veneto offers a mix of approachable reds like Valpolicella and richer styles like Amarone.

In addition, the Alpine regions, such as Valle d’Aosta, produce high-altitude wines that are fresh, earthy, and a little unexpected. And of course, no Northern Italy tasting would be complete without Prosecco, because bubbles are always a good idea.

As a result, the Stem Wine Bar Northern Italy tasting gave us a little bit of everything, making it both approachable and exciting from start to finish.

Round One: Bright Whites & Fresh Beginnings

This Stem Wine Bar Northern Italy tasting began on a crisp, refreshing note with two vibrant, fruit-forward wines that set the tone for the evening.

Piccolo Ernesto, Gavi di Gavi 2024, Cortese
Food Pairing: Baccalà mantecato crostino – lemon zest, creamy salt cod

• Smell & Taste: Bright, clean, and incredibly refreshing. Citrus and white peach lead the way, followed by subtle tropical notes and a crisp mineral finish that keeps it lively.
• Winery Note: Gavi di Gavi is one of Piedmont’s most well-known white wines, made from the Cortese grape and celebrated for its freshness and elegant minerality.
• Pairing Highlight: The baccalà crostino was a perfect match. The creamy salt cod paired beautifully with the wine’s acidity, while the lemon zest enhanced its citrusy brightness.

Ricossa Antica, Barbera d’Asti 2022, Barbera
Food Pairing: Finocchiona, charred radicchio, aged balsamic, shaved pecorino

• Smell & Taste: Juicy and fruit-forward with layers of blackberry, cherry, and raspberry, balanced by a touch of spice and soft floral notes. The acidity keeps it fresh and easy to drink.
• Winery Note: Barbera is one of Piedmont’s most widely planted grapes, known for its vibrant acidity and approachable style, making it a go-to for everyday Italian wines.
• Pairing Highlight: This pairing had a little bit of everything. The richness of the finocchiona, the bitterness from the radicchio, and the sweetness of the balsamic all came together, with the wine tying it together seamlessly.

Round Two: Everyday Elegance & Classic Northern Reds

Next, the Stem Wine Bar Northern Italy lineup shifted into classic territory with two expressive reds that balanced freshness with structure.

Tenuta Sant’Antonio, Valpolicella 2023, Corvina Blend
Food Pairing: Ubriaco di Raboso, walnut, fig mostarda, crostini

• Smell & Taste: Light-bodied and vibrant with notes of raspberry, cherry, and delicate florals, layered with a hint of spice and earthy undertones. It’s fresh, balanced, and incredibly drinkable.
• Winery Note: Valpolicella wines from Veneto are known for their approachable style, often highlighting bright red fruit and soft structure, making them versatile and food-friendly.
• Pairing Highlight: The sweetness from the fig mostarda and the nuttiness of the walnut complemented the wine’s bright fruit, while the wine-washed cheese added a savory depth that brought everything together.

Cantine Povero, Langhe Nebbiolo 2022, Nebbiolo
Food Pairing: Tortellini with brown butter, toasted hazelnuts, sage, grana padano

• Smell & Taste: Elegant and layered with notes of cherry, rose petals, and violet, followed by hints of spice, smoke, and a touch of earthiness. The tannins are present but balanced, giving it structure without feeling too heavy.
• Winery Note: Nebbiolo is the signature grape of Piedmont, known for producing complex, age-worthy wines like Barolo and Barbaresco, with characteristic floral aromatics and firm tannins.
• Pairing Highlight: This was one of the standout pairings of the night. The richness of the brown butter and the nuttiness of the hazelnuts softened the tannins, making the wine feel even more balanced and approachable

Round Three: Bold Expressions & Mountain Depth

As the Stem Wine Bar Northern Italy tasting progressed, the wines became richer and more complex, highlighting bold flavors and alpine influence.

Ottin Elio, Valle d’Aosta Fumin 2022, Fumin
Food Pairing: Veal polpette, parmesan polenta, mushroom marsala glaze, herbs, pangrattato

• Smell & Taste: Deep and earthy with notes of black plum, cooked cherries, and violets, layered with hints of white pepper, herbs, and a subtle smoky minerality. It’s bold, rustic, and full of character.
• Winery Note: Fumin is a lesser-known grape from the Alpine region of Valle d’Aosta, producing wines that are often robust, earthy, and shaped by the region’s high-altitude climate.
• Pairing Highlight: The earthy mushroom marsala glaze mirrored the wine’s depth beautifully, while the richness of the polenta and veal made this pairing feel warm, savory, and incredibly satisfying.

Acinum, Prosecco Rosé 2024, Glera & Pinot Noir
Food Pairing: Vanilla bean panna cotta with strawberries and balsamic

• Smell & Taste: Light and refreshing with notes of wild strawberry, red currant, and white cherry, finished with a hint of citrus and soft floral notes. The bubbles keep it crisp and lively.
• Winery Note: Prosecco Rosé blends Glera with a touch of Pinot Noir, creating a sparkling wine that balances freshness with subtle red fruit character.
• Pairing Highlight: This was one of my favorite bites of the night. The creamy panna cotta, fresh strawberries, and touch of balsamic paired perfectly with the bubbles, keeping everything light, balanced, and not overly sweet.

Bonus Round: Icons to Close the Night

To close, the Stem Wine Bar Northern Italy tasting featured two bold, iconic reds that showcased the depth and structure the region is known for.

Santi Santico, Amarone della Valpolicella 2020, Corvina Blend

• Smell & Taste: Rich and concentrated with layers of dried cherry, plum, and fig, followed by notes of vanilla, tobacco, and dark chocolate. Full-bodied with a long, smooth finish.
  Winery Note: Amarone is made using partially dried grapes, which intensifies the flavors and creates a fuller, more powerful wine known for its richness and depth.

Paolo Scavino, Barolo 2020, Nebbiolo

• Smell & Taste: Complex and structured with notes of dried cherry, rose petals, and blackberry, layered with hints of truffle, anise, and earthiness. The tannins are firm yet refined, leading to a long, elegant finish.
  Winery Note: Barolo is often called the “King of Wines,” produced from Nebbiolo in Piedmont and prized for its structure, complexity, and aging potential.

My Favorites from the Stem Wine Bar Northern Italy Tasting

With such a strong lineup, narrowing this down wasn’t easy. However, a few definitely stood out and are worth calling out.

Top Wines:

• Gavi di Gavi 2024 (Cortese) – crisp, refreshing, and an easy favorite
• Valpolicella 2023 (Tenuta Sant’Antonio) – light, vibrant, and incredibly drinkable
• Prosecco Rosé 2024 (Acinum) – fresh, slightly fruity, and the perfect finish

Top Bites:

• Tortellini with brown butter & hazelnuts – rich, nutty, and perfectly balanced
• Veal polpette with parmesan polenta – savory, comforting, and full of flavor
• Vanilla bean panna cotta with strawberries and balsamic – creamy, balanced, and not overly sweet

Final Pour: Stem Wine Bar Northern Italy

Overall, the Stem Wine Bar Northern Italy tasting delivered a great balance of crisp whites, vibrant reds, and bold, structured wines. From the refreshing Gavi to the easy-drinking Valpolicella and the bright Prosecco Rosé, each round built nicely on the last.

In addition, the food pairings elevated the experience. The tortellini and veal polpette brought rich, savory flavors, while the panna cotta added a lighter, balanced finish. Each dish complemented the wines and highlighted something new in every sip.

And honestly, that’s what makes these nights so special. It’s not just about tasting great wine; it’s about experiencing how everything comes together.

Looking ahead, May’s French Riviera tasting is already on the calendar, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store next.

If you’re local to Marietta and haven’t been yet, consider this your sign. Stem hosts these tastings monthly (typically Tuesday through Thursday), and they tend to sell out quickly.

You can check out last month’s recap here.

Until next time… cheers to traveling the world one glass at a time 🍷✨