Italy is home to twenty unique wine regions and hundreds, if not thousands of native grape varieties. One of the largest producers of wine on earth, Italy perhaps represents the most diverse and interest wine country there is.
Where does one start when contemplating the ins and outs of a concise guide to Italian wine? I mean there are over 300 grape varieties, over 500 recognised appellations of origin and countless other quirks of tradition and style. So much to say and yet so much that couldn't possibly. Well clearly you can't ignore [Barolo](/appellation/barolo-docg), 'Wine of Kings and King of Wines', the infamous [Piemonte](/region/piedmont) red made from 100% [Nebbiolo](/nebbiolo). Harsh and tannic in youth, but ethereal and seductive with maturity; 'Tar and Roses' the phrase often heard to describe the wine's beguiling perfumes. If you only drink one more wine before transcending this world, make sure it is [Barolo](/appellation/barolo-docg). What about [Amarone](/appellation/amarone-della-valpolicella-docg)? In the Northeast's [Veneto](/region/veneto) region, dried [Corvina](/corvina), [Rondinella](/rondinella) and Mollinara grapes are pressed into a luxurious and hedonistic red, whose layered dark fruits don't come without a powerful blast of alcohol. You have been warned. In [Tuscany](/region/tuscany), amongst the iconic vines, stone farmhouses and cypress trees, the three Tuscan masters compete for attention. [Chianti Classico DOCG](/appellation/chianti-classico-docg), [Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG](/appellation/vino-nobile-di-montepulciano-docg) and of course [Brunello di Montalcino DOCG](/appellation/brunello-di-montalcino-docg), all [Sangiovese](/sangiovese) based yet radically different. DOCG? Yes. Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, the [Italian](/country/italy) concept of regulated origin and in theory a reference to highest classification of [Italian](/country/italy) wines available. Next in rank is DOC and IGT, a more general indication of origin vaguely in line with the [French](/country/france) Vin de Pays system. Don't be fooled, the good and bad exists in each category. Huge progress is being made in the south. The elegant white wines of [Campania](/region/campania) are going from strength to strength, [Fiano di Avellino](/appellation/fiano-di-avellino-docg) and [Greco di Tufo](/appellation/greco-di-tufo-docg). Even Falanghina is worth a punt. There are plenty of indigenous red varieties constantly improving as well. [Aglianico del Vulture](/appellation/aglianico-del-vulture-doc) is perhaps one of the great wines of the South, alongside [Puglia's](/region/puglia) warm, rich expressions of [Primitivo](/primitivo) and [Negroamaro](/negroamaro). And what about bella [Sicilia](/region/sicily)? A wine-making revolution has taken place in [Sicily](/region/sicily) over the last twenty years, now producing clean, modern juicy reds from [Nero d'Avola](/nero-davola) and [Nerello Mascalese](/nerello-mascalese), not to mention sunny and ripe takes on [Merlot](/merlot), [Cabernet](/cabernet-sauvignon) and [Syrah](/syrah). Looking to pair something with seafood? Inzolia, Cattarratto, [Grillo](/grillo) and [Chardonnay](/chardonnay) combine very well indeed and are integral to any notions of [Sicilian](/region/sicily) cuisine. Hunt down Vermentino from Sardegna or indeed Cannonao (the local name for Grenache), and be sure not to miss Verddichio from Le Marche, or the great whites of the Veneto – Lugana and Soave. Prosecco needs no introduction while the fairly unknown but magnificent Franciacorta can rival many Champagnes for classification. There is certainly enough going on in Italian wine to keep even the most committed wino busy for a long, long time.
Abruzzo is a central Italian region famed for good value red from Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and white wines from Trebbia...
Read more ▸Basilicata is a small region in the south of Italy known predominantly for Aglianico del Vulture DOC.
Read more ▸Covering the toe of Italy, Calabria has long been considered the country's undeveloped wine region but in recent years a new generation has given rise to vibrant scene of quality focussed independent winemakers.
Read more ▸Home to some of Italy's most improved wines, Campania delivers a treasure trove of established growing areas such as Greco di Tufo,
Read more ▸Emilia Romagna's wines often suffer from a lack of hype, nevertheless there are lots of small appellations worth looking at.
Read more ▸Friuli-Venezia Giulia is one of Italy's most exciting wine regions. High quality wines are made from a large range of local and international varieties.
Read more ▸Lazio is a central Italian region known predominantly for the production of light and refreshing white wines. There is growing attention for the red Cesanese del Piglio.
Read more ▸Le Marche is a relatively small wine region located to the east of central Italy. It is home to a number of excellent wines, notably from the white Verdicchio grape as well as from the red
Read more ▸Liguria covers the coastal area of North West Italy and is home to interesting low production wines.
Read more ▸Lombardy, our Lombardia in Italian, occupies a large territory in the centre of northern Italy. It is best known for the traditional method sparkling Franciacorta as well as the cool climate reds of
Read more ▸Molise is a small wine region in the South of Italy. There is a growing respect for reds wines made with the Tintilia grape.
Read more ▸Piedmont stands out as one of the world's great wine regions. Home to legendary villages such as Barolo and Barbaresco, but also other exciting N...
Read more ▸Puglia is often considered to be the engine room of Italy's red wine production, producing large quantities of inexpensive wines, particularly Primitivo. Nevertheless Puglia also offers some in...
Read more ▸The island of Sardinia (Sardegna in Italian) is one of Italy's least talked about wine regions. There is a range of appellations grown there making excellent whites and reds.
Read more ▸Sicily is one of the most exciting wine regions in Italy at the moment. A movement of small independent growers seeking to explore low intervention wines as well as the pioneering approach of areas like
Read more ▸The Trentino and Alto Adige region is home to a variety of premium whites from local and international varieties and fresh, light reds.
Read more ▸One of Italy's iconic regions, home to the great triumvirate of Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and
Read more ▸Umbria is a central Italian region famed for its Sagrantino, but increasingly adept at producing high quality wines from a number of local varieties.
Read more ▸Although Italy’s smallest, and probably least known wine region, this high altitude landscape offers a wealth of premium quality wines from both international and native varieties.
Read more ▸The Veneto is one of Italy's most important wine regions and boasts a plethora of distinctive wines. From Soave to Amarone...
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