
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 wines. 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 Italian wine 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 Italian wine 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 2017Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
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Castellani Chianti Classico Riserva 2017Sangiovese from Chianti Classico, Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
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Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2017Sangiovese from Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy
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Damilano Barolo Lecinquevigne 2017Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
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Gaja Sperss Barolo 2017Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
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Terre del Barolo Barolo 2017Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
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Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino 2017Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
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Tenuta Sant'Antonio Amarone Antonio Castagnedi 2017Other Red Blends from Veneto, Italy
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Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 2017Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
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Altesino Brunello di Montalcino (375ML half-bottle) 2017Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
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M. Marengo Barolo Bricco delle Viole 2017Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
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Altesino Montosoli Brunello di Montalcino (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2017Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
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M. Marengo Barolo Brunate 2017Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
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Ziobaffa Organic Toscana 2017Sangiovese from Tuscany, Italy
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La Lecciaia Rosso di Montalcino 2017Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
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Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2017Sangiovese from Chianti Classico, Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
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Zenato Amarone 2017Other Red Blends from Veneto, Italy
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Petra Toscana Rosso 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino 2017Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
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Altesino Montosoli Brunello di Montalcino 2017Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
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San Filippo Brunello di Montalcino 2017Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
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Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova 2017Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
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I Collazzi Toscana Collazzi 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from Tuscany, Italy
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Zenato Amarone (375ML half-bottle) 2017Other Red Blends from Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy
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Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino 2017Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
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