Wine from Italy

Italy is a wine country without a true periphery: all twenty regions make wine, from Alpine vineyards in Südtirol-Alto Adige to the warm south and its islands. Its defining strength is the extraordinary range of native varieties and local traditions. International grapes such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are widely planted, but Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Corvina, Barbera, Glera and Primitivo remain central to the character of many Italian wines.

Piedmont is renowned for aromatic, structured Nebbiolo. Barolo and Barbaresco, from the Langhe, combine rose, tar, cherry and firm tannin, and can develop for many years. Barbera generally offers a juicier, fresher red style. In Tuscany, Sangiovese is the essential grape: Chianti is usually lively and savoury, while Brunello di Montalcino is a more powerful, ageworthy expression. Both regions also produce modern blends that include international varieties.

Veneto offers striking variety. Prosecco, principally made from Glera, is a light- to medium-bodied sparkling wine usually produced by the tank method. Around Verona, Corvina and Rondinella form the basis of Valpolicella and Amarone della Valpolicella; Amarone is dry yet rich and concentrated because grapes are dried before fermentation. Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Südtirol-Alto Adige are important sources of precise, vibrant whites, including Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

Further south, Puglia and Sicily tend to show riper fruit, Mediterranean herbs and generous texture. Primitivo is a signature of Puglia, while Sicily is strongly associated with Nero d’Avola as well as Etna wines based on Nerello Mascalese. Emilia-Romagna is home to Lambrusco, which ranges from dry and refreshing to softer, fruitier examples. Italy’s quality framework includes DOCG, DOC and IGT; these geographical designations regulate such matters as origin, permitted grapes and production rules. For wine lovers, Italy offers everything from straightforward everyday bottles to complex, site-specific wines with substantial ageing potential.