
Italian Wine
Learn about Italian wine, common tasting notes, where the region is and more ...
Italian Wine
Named “Oenotria” by the ancient Greeks for its abundance of grapevines, Italy has always had a culture virtually inextricable from red, white and sparkling wine. Wine grapes grow in every region throughout Italy—a long and narrow boot-shaped peninsula extending into the Mediterranean.
Italian Wine Regions
Naturally, most Italian wine regions enjoy a Mediterranean climate and a notable coastline, if not coastline on all borders, as is the case with the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. The Alps in the northern regions of Valle d'Aosta, Lombardy and Alto Adige create favorable conditions for cool-climate grape varieties. The Apennine Mountains, extending from Liguria in the north to Calabria in the south, affect climate, grape variety and harvest periods throughout. Considering the variable terrain and conditions, it is still safe to say that most high quality viticulture in Italy takes place on picturesque hillsides.
Italian Grape Varieties
Italy boasts more indigenous grape varieties than any other country—between 500 and 800, depending on whom you ask—and most Italian wine production relies upon these native grapes. In some regions, international varieties have worked their way in, but are declining in popularity, especially as younger growers take interest in reviving local varieties. Most important are Sangiovese, reaching its greatest potential in Tuscany, as well as Nebbiolo, the prized grape of Piedmont, producing single varietal, age-worthy Piedmontese wines. Other important varieties include Corvina, Montepulciano, Barbera, Nero d’Avola and of course the white wines, Trebbiano, Verdicchio and Garganega. The list goes on.
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Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco SuperioreNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Valdobbiadene, Prosecco, Italy
- WE
- WW
- JS
- W&S
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La Marca ProseccoNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Prosecco, Italy
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Santa Margherita Prosecco SuperioreNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Valdobbiadene, Prosecco, Italy
- D
- WW
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La Marca Prosecco (187ML Split)Non-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Prosecco, Italy
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Val D'Oca Prosecco Extra DryNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Prosecco, Italy
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Ruffino ProseccoNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Prosecco, Italy
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La Gioiosa Prosecco Rose Millesimato 2019Rosé Sparkling Wine from Prosecco, Italy
- WW
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Ca' del Bosco Franciacorta Cuvee Prestige Extra BrutNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Lombardy, Italy
- WW
- JS
- RP
- WE
- WS
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Bisol Jeio Prosecco BrutNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Prosecco, Italy
- JS
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Zonin ProseccoNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Prosecco, Italy
- JS
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Caposaldo Sparkling PeachNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Veneto, Italy
- WW
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Bottega Prosecco GoldNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Prosecco, Italy
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Lini 910 Labrusca Lambrusco RossoRed Sparkling Wine from Emilia-Romagna, Italy
- V
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Mionetto Prosecco BrutNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Prosecco, Italy
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Ferrari BrutNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Trentino, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
- WE
- WW
- RP
- JS
- WS
- V
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La Marca Prosecco Rose 2019Rosé Sparkling Wine from Prosecco, Italy
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Cantine Maschio Prosecco BrutNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Prosecco, Italy
- W&S
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Adami Bosco di Gica Prosecco SuperioreNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Valdobbiadene, Prosecco, Italy
- V
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Candoni MoscatoNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Lombardy, Italy
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Adami Garbel Brut ProseccoNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Prosecco, Italy
- TP
- W&S
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Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco di Sorbara Vecchia Modena 2019Red Sparkling Wine from Emilia-Romagna, Italy
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Roscato Rosso Dolce Sweet RedNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Lombardy, Italy
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Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro AmabileRed Sparkling Wine from Emilia-Romagna, Italy
- JS
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Ferrari Brut RoseRosé Sparkling Wine from Trentino, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
- JS
- TP
- WS
- WE
- RP
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Villa Sandi Il Fresco ProseccoNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Prosecco, Italy
- W&S