
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.
- James Suckling26
- Wine Enthusiast15
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate12
- Vinous6
- Wine Spectator5
- Wilfred Wong of Wine.com3
- Wine & Spirits2
- Decanter2
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Vietti Barbera d'Asti Tre Vigne 2018Barbera from Asti, Piedmont, Italy
- RP
- D
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Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2018Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- JS
- RP
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Planeta Chardonnay 2018Chardonnay from Sicily, Italy
- RP
- WE
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Alois Lageder Porer Pinot Grigio 2018Pinot Gris/Grigio from Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
- JS
- RP
- WE
- W&S
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Tua Rita Rosso dei Notri 2018Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- JS
- RP
- V
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Elena Walch Beyond The Clouds White Blend 2018Other White Blends from Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
- JS
- RP
- V
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Marchesi di Gresy Nebbiolo Martinenga 2018Nebbiolo from Piedmont, Italy
- RP
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Paolo Scavino Langhe Nebbiolo 2018Nebbiolo from Piedmont, Italy
- RP
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Planeta Etna Bianco 2018Carricante from Sicily, Italy
- WE
- RP
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Tramin Nussbaumer Gewurztraminer 2018Gewurztraminer from Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
- RP
- JS
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Cottanera Etna Bianco 2018Other White Wine from Sicily, Italy
- JS
- RP
- WE
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Tramin Stoan 2018Other White Blends from Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
- RP
- JS