
Italian Wine
Learn about Italian red and white wine, regions and more ...
Named “Oenotria” by the ancient Greeks for its abundance of grapevines, Italy has always had a culture virtually inextricable from 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.
- Other White Blends82
- Other White Wine51
- Pinot Gris/Grigio49
- Chardonnay30
- Sauvignon Blanc22
- Muscat15
- Cortese11
- Friulano9
- Garganega8
- Verdicchio8
- Vernaccia5
- Pinot Blanc5
- Arneis4
- Falanghina3
- Gewurztraminer3
- Malvasia3
- Fiano3
- Greco2
- Muller Thurgau2
- Riesling2
- Vermentino2
- Viognier2
- Bordeaux White Blends1
- Gruner Veltliner1
- Rhône White Blends1
- Trebbiano1
-
Alois Lageder Pinot Bianco 2006Pinot Blanc from Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
- WS
-
Terlano Pinot Bianco 2006Pinot Blanc from Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
- WS
-
Azienda Agricola Mauro Drius Friuli Isonzo Pinot Bianco 2006Pinot Blanc from Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
-
Ronco del Gelso Friuli Isonzo Pinot Bianco 2006Pinot Blanc from Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
-
Azienda Agricola Fossi Globe Tuscany Terrantica 2006Pinot Blanc from Tuscany, Italy