
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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Vietti Barolo Riserva Villero 1997Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- RP
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Vietti Barbera d'Asti Tre Vigne 1997Barbera from Asti, Piedmont, Italy
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Vietti Dolcetto Tre Vigne 1997Dolcetto from Piedmont, Italy
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Vietti 1999 Dolcetto Lazzarito 1997Dolcetto from Piedmont, Italy
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Capezzana Barco Reale 1997Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Vietti Barbera d'Asti La Crena 1997Barbera from Asti, Piedmont, Italy
- WS
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Azelia Barolo 1997Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
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Vietti Barolo Lazzarito 1997Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- WS
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Vietti Barolo Brunate 1997Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
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Vietti Masseria Barbaresco 1997Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy