
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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Gaja Sori Tildin 1986Nebbiolo from Piedmont, Italy
- WS
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Castello di Monsanto Tinscvil Rosso Toscano 1986Other Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Ceretto Brunate Barolo (bin-soiled label) 1986Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
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Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia (1.5 Liter Magnum) 1986Bordeaux Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- RP
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Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia (slightly torn label) 1986Bordeaux Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- RP
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Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco Santo Stefano 1986Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy
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Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco Gallina di Nieve 1986Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy
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Masi Amarone Recioto della Valpolicella 1986Other Red Blends from Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy
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Pio Cesare Barbaresco 1986Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy
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Gaja Barbaresco 1986Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy
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Borgogno Barolo 1986Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
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Marco De Bartoli Marsala Superiore Riserva 1986Other White Wine from Sicily, Italy
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Borgogno Barbaresco 1986Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy
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Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino Rouge 1986Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy