
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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Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2013Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
- WS
- RP
- JS
- WE
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Boroli Barolo 2013Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- JS
- WS
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Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto 2013Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
- WS
- RP
- JS
- D
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Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino Ripe di Convento Riserva 2013Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
- JS
- D
- WS
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Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino 2013Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
- JS
- RP
- D
- ST
- WS
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Il Molino di Grace Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Margone 2013Sangiovese from Chianti Classico, Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
- WS
- JS
- RP
- WE
- D
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Gaja Rennina Brunello di Montalcino 2013Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
- RP
- WE
- JS
- WS
- JD
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Tenuta di Arceno Chianti Classico Strada al Sasso Riserva 2013Sangiovese from Chianti Classico, Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
- JS
- RP
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Il Palagio Sister Moon 2013Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- JS
- RP
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Terrabianca Campaccio Riserva 2013Tuscan Blends from Tuscany, Italy
- JS
- WS
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La Spinetta Barbaresco Starderi 2013Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy
- RP
- JS
- WS
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Ca'Viola Barolo Sottocastello di Novello 2013Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- JS
- WE
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Bellavista Saten Brut 2013Vintage Sparkling Wine from Lombardy, Italy
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Camigliano Gualto Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2013Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
- RP
- WS
- JS
- WE
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Castello di Monsanto Nemo 2013Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany, Italy
- RP
- JS
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Cascina Lo Zoccolaio Barolo Riserva 2013Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- JS
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Damilano Barolo Liste 2013Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- RP
- JS
- WS
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Prunotto Bussia Barolo 2013Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- WS
- JS
- RP
- WE
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Vietti Barolo Riserva Villero 2013Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
- RP
- JS
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Col d'Orcia Poggio al Vento Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2013Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
- RP
- WE
- JS