Italy

The Brilliant World of Italian Wine: A Journey Through History, Regions, and Flavor

Italy, the land of art, history, and culinary enjoyment. The land of sunshine, pizza, and of course, wine. This country is also home to some of the world's most renowned wine regions. A millennia-old winemaking tradition and incredible variety of grape varieties and wine styles make Italy a paradise for wine lovers. The history of Italian wine goes back a long way. It reflects the rich cultural diversity and terroir of the country. Join us on a journey through the world of Italian wines.

History of Italian Wine: An Ancient Song of the Vineyards

Winemaking in Italy has an impressive history, dating back to the ancient Romans. The introduction of grapevines by the Greeks and later the Romans laid the foundation for a flourishing wine industry. During the Middle Ages, many of the famous wine regions were cultivated by monks, who steadily developed their knowledge of viticulture and winemaking. Italy was also one of the first countries to introduce a strictly controlled designation of origin for wines, known as Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG). You can learn more about this below.

Dimensions of Italian Wines

Italy has 20 wine regions. They spread from South Tyrol in the north to Sicily in the south across the entire country. Due to differences in climate and soil, Italian wine exhibits incredibly diverse facets. Most people are familiar with dry Italian wines. Classic red wines like Chianti, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, and Nero d’Avola fall into this category, as do white wines from Friuli, South Tyrol, or Veneto. Friuli, known for its excellent Italian white wines, also produces perhaps the best Prosecco in the country. South Tyrol, a renowned region for white wine, is famous for its excellent Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and more.

While Italians drink red and white wine with meals, a glass of Passito is often served with dessert. This sweet wine is a delight, not only for gourmets and wine connoisseurs. Its delicious flavor is naturally created by drying the grapes. All sweet wines from Italy are made from grapes that have been air or sun-dried, resulting in a particularly concentrated and aromatic taste.

Popular Regions and Areas

Italy is the largest wine producer in the world, with a vineyard area of about 700,000 hectares and a production of over 48 million hectoliters of wine per year. Wine is grown in all 20 regions of Italy. Italy is known in the wine world for its diversity, ranging from the alpine regions in the north to the sun-drenched coasts in the south. Some of the best wine regions include:

• Tuscany: Known for wines like Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
• Piedmont: Home to the noble Barolo and Barbaresco, as well as the sparkling Moscato d'Asti.
• Sicily: An emerging region known for robust red wines like Nero d'Avola and fresh whites like Grillo.
• Veneto: Famous for Prosecco, Amarone, and Valpolicella.
• South Tyrol: Here, white wines such as Gewürztraminer and Vernatsch flourish on the steep slopes.

Quality Levels in Italy

The Italian wine industry classifies its wines into various quality levels, reflecting their origin, production process, and aging time. The wines are divided into the following quality levels:

• DOCG: Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita – the highest official quality level with strict regulations
• DOC: Denominazione di Origine Controllata – controlled designation of origin
• IGT: Indicazione Geografica Tipica – typical geographical indication
• VdT: Vino da Tavola – table wine

The DOCG regions produce a total of 76 wines, including big names like Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino, or Amarone della Valpolicella. The region with the most DOCG subregions is Piedmont with 18 wines.

This is followed by 330 DOC wines with a controlled designation of origin, including, for example, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and Primitivo di Manduria.

Finally, there are 118 country wines, which are recognized by the designation IGT - Indicazione geografica tipica. But do not be fooled. While IGT wines represent the lowest of the three quality levels, they are by no means banal. Great supertuscans like Masseto, Tignanello, or Sassicaia are classified as IGT wines because they contain grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Co., which are regionally prohibited by law.

The quality levels for Italian wine are distributed across the 20 regions as follows:

1,000 Registered Grape Varieties in Italy

Since ancient times, wine has been cultivated in Italy. This circumstance allows for the continued cultivation of many very old vines today. Essentially, there are about 1,000 registered grape varieties used to produce excellent Italian wines, including around 400 for DOC and DOCG wines. The most significant and internationally recognized varieties include Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Montepulciano, Nero d’Avola, and Grillo, along with Trebbiano and Grechetto.

Popular Italian Wines

As a representative example of white wines, we want to mention the grape variety Trebbiano. This one of the oldest varieties with good yields is subdivided into further categories, like Trebbiano di Soave or Trebbiano Toscano. The Trebbiano grape is often used as part of well-known cuvées such as Frascati, Lugana, or Bianco di Custoza.

A Firework of Flavors: Italian Red Wines That Delight

Real Italian red wine should taste like it has been “kissed by the sun”! However, tastes vary, which cannot be denied even with red wine enjoyment. Some prefer a sweet wine that caresses the palate, while others indulge in a glass of dry Italian red wine in the evening.

Whether it’s Vino Italia with a spicy note, Italian sweet wine with a floral bouquet, or red wine with fruity aroma, there’s the perfect Italian red wine for every gourmet, occasion, and celebration. In the Italian wine regions, red grape varieties with highly aromatic grapes are grown. Local winemakers then produce delicious Italian red wines from these.

Popular Red Grape Varieties

Italy is home to a multitude of red grape varieties, some of which have achieved international fame. Popular varieties include:

• Sangiovese: The main grape variety of Tuscany, producing wines like Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino.
• Nebbiolo: Provides the noble wines from Piedmont, such as Barolo and Barbaresco, their characteristic structure and finesse.
• Montepulciano: Often grown in Central Italy, resulting in fruity and approachable wines.

Also very interesting is the red grape variety Primitivo. A well-traveled grape, known as Zinfandel in the USA and Crljenak Kaštelanski in Croatia. In Apulia, it is the big star, especially in the DOC Primitivo di Manduria.

Other excellent red wines with very characteristic properties include:

• Merlot
• Montepulciano
• Chianti
• Brunello
• Barolo

Another famous Italian red wine is Amarone. It is a DOC wine made from dried grapes of the varieties Corvina, Molinara, and Rondinella.

The Melody of Italian Red Wines: Dance Partners for Palate Delights

Italian red wines are known for their diversity and refinement, offering a wide range of flavors that pair perfectly with various dishes. Here are some recommended combinations:

• Pasta with Tomato Sauce: A fruity Chianti or Barbera perfectly complements pasta dishes with tomato sauce and spicy herbs.

• Pizza and Mediterranean Dishes: Enjoy a robust Sangiovese or Primitivo with a crispy pizza, or with Mediterranean dishes featuring olives, peppers, and herbs.

• Grilled Meat and Steak: A fine Barolo or Brunello di Montalcino pairs excellently with grilled meat or a juicy steak, adding a deep and complex note to the dish.

• Hard Cheese and Antipasti: Finish your meal with a strong Amarone or Ripasso, which pair beautifully with hard cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino, as well as a selection of antipasti such as pickled vegetables and olives.

• Chocolate Desserts: A full-bodied Vin Santo or Recioto della Valpolicella is the ideal companion for chocolate desserts or rich chocolate cakes, providing a sweet and indulgent finish.

These combinations will enchant your senses and provide an unforgettable culinary experience with Italian charm. Buon Appetito!

VINELLO's Bestselling Red Wines From Italy

1. Trefilari Primitivo Salento IGT - Cantina Sampietrana
2. Mandus Primitivo di Manduria DOC - Pietra Pura
3. Sessantanni Primitivo di Manduria DOP - Cantine San Marzano
4. Asio Otus Vino Varietale d'Italia - Mondo del Vino
5. MEA CULPA Vino Rosso Italia - Cantine Minini

Sunshine in a Glass: Italian White Wines That Warm the Heart

Not only exquisite red wines like Barbaresco and Barolo are hugely popular. Italian white wines are also highly sought after, with extremely diverse variants.

Italian white wine lacks nothing. It can match its "red counterparts" both aromatically and in taste. White wine lovers who appreciate dry freshness will find joy alongside those who prefer fruity or sweet whites.

The Germans are completely enamored with Bella Italia. They also love Italian white wine and the aromatic cuisine of Italy. The Italian way of life is incomparable to ours, and one might indeed feel envious. Do you want to experience a touch of Tuscany at home, or feel the Dolce Vita in wintery Germany? It couldn't be easier.

Popular White Grape Varieties

The variety of wines in Italy is enormous because both red and white grape varieties are cultivated throughout the country, including both international and native varieties.

A true rarity is the white Arneis, which produces popular spicy Italian wines with herbal aromas. It is a low-acid, very old grape variety that has been known by various names as early as the 15th century. One famous Italian white grape variety is Cortese. Other popular white grape varieties from Italy include:

• Trebbiano: One of the most commonly grown white grape varieties in Italy, producing fresh and zesty wines.
• Garganega: The main grape variety for the famous Soave wine from Veneto, known for its freshness and elegance.
• Vermentino: An aromatic variety predominantly grown on the Ligurian and Tuscan coasts, as well as on Sardinia, resulting in wines with citrus and herbal notes.

The Radiant Elegance of Italian White Wines: Harmonies for Culinary Duets

Italian white wines embody the lightness and refinement of Mediterranean cuisine. They offer an enticing variety of aromas and flavors, ranging from fresh and fruity drops to complex and creamy wines. The palette is rich and provides numerous opportunities for harmonious taste experiences. Here are some dish recommendations that perfectly complement the delicate nuances of Italian white wines:

• Antipasti and Seafood: A fresh Pinot Grigio or Vermentino pairs ideally with air-dried ham and salami, or with seafood like oysters and shrimp.

• Pasta and Risotto: Enjoy a lively Sauvignon Blanc with spicy pasta dishes or a creamy risotto with asparagus or seafood.

• Poultry and Light Meat: A full-bodied Chardonnay or Vermentino perfectly complements dishes with poultry or light meat.

• Fresh Salads and Light Dishes: A sparkling Prosecco or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with fresh salads or other light summer dishes.

• Soft Cheeses and Bruschetta: End your meal with a Pinot Bianco or Chardonnay, which pair excellently with soft cheeses and crispy bruschetta.

These combinations will enchant your taste buds and provide a true feast with Italian flair. Buon Appetito!

VINELLO's Bestselling White Wines From Italy

1. Pecorino Terre di Chieti IGP - Tenuta Ulisse
2. Trastella Vermentino Toscana IGT - Villa Trasqua
3. Liventi Catarratto Zibibbo - Vaccaro
4. San Benedetto Lugana DOC - Zenato
5. Moscato d'Asti DOCG - Ricossa

Italian Rosé Wine - molto rosato, molto bene

The colorful culinary delicacies of Italy know no bounds. Italian rosé is a vivid example of this. In the rural hills of Tuscany and the steep vineyards of Veneto, along the rocky coast of Sicily and the wine regions between the Adriatic coast and the Apennines. Rosé wine is ubiquitous in Italy. Perfectly paired with pasta and pizza, the lovely radiant Italian rosés entice with fruit, freshness, and color. They open up leisurely enjoyment with abundant lightness, providing refreshing variation from the daily grind. Italian rosé wine from your gourmet shop VINELLO makes every moment a delightful pleasure.

Rosé From the Italian Provinces

Italian rosé wine is unrivaled in diversity, crafted from the most important varieties the wine world has to offer. Winemakers from Lombardy to Apulia produce the finest rosé wines for a successful Italian evening. Recently, more and more grape growers are discovering the advantages of their autochthonous varieties, creating more and more local specialties from Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Canaiolo, and Vermentino. Rich in grape varieties and terroir, Italian rosé wines captivate with their fresh zest and intense fruitiness. With a vino rosato, the rosé from Italy, you discover many nuances of a great wine nation in a new dress. Cerasuolo from Abruzzo, Chiaretto Bardolino from Lake Garda, or sparkling rosé sparkling wine Spumante made in the metodo classico. Italian rosé wines, ranging from dry to sweet, await to enrich your day with a crisp note!

Italian Wines at VINELLO - Your Advantages

As we have learned, Italian wine offers incredible diversity and quality, captivating wine lovers worldwide. From the picturesque hills of Tuscany to the sun-drenched vineyards of Sicily. There’s an Italian drop to discover for every taste and occasion. From fruity and light summer wines to complex and aged Barolo wines, there is something for everyone.

At VINELLO wine trade, you'll find top-quality Italian wines in all price ranges. Sort them by region, grape variety, winery, and much more. This makes it easier for you to select the right wine for the appropriate occasion. Looking for an excellent wine from Italy as a gift for good friends? An affordable classic for a cozy evening? You can find all this at VINELLO. Simply browse through our category Italian Wines and order your preferred wine, no matter the occasion.