Italy

Classifications and appellations

The Italian wine classification system is based on a hierarchy similar to that of France. At the top are DOCGs (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), such as Brunello di Montalcino or Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, guaranteeing exceptional quality and strict production rules. Next come the more numerous DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) and IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) labels, which allow greater freedom and innovation. This structure helps consumers to navigate the immense variety of Italian wines, although some producers choose to eschew classifications in favor of creativity.

Piedmont

Located in northwestern Italy, Piedmont is a benchmark region for lovers of complex red wines. The king grape here is Nebbiolo, which gives rise to the prestigious Barolo and Barbaresco, often dubbed the "royal wines" for their power and longevity. These wines are distinguished by aromas of rose, tar and truffle, with robust tannins that soften with age. Piedmont also produces more accessible wines, such as Barbera, fruity and lively, and Dolcetto, light and easy-drinking. Not forgetting Moscato d'Asti, a sweet sparkling white wine perfect for dessert.

Tuscany

In the heart of Italy, Tuscany is famous for its rolling hills and elegant Sangiovese-based red wines. Chianti, with its notes of cherry and herbs, is the best known, ranging from simple versions to the more sophisticated Chianti Classico Riserva. The region also shines with Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, two rich, structured DOCGs. On the white side, Vernaccia di San Gimignano offers a fresh, mineral alternative. Tuscany embodies a balance between rusticity and refinement, often accompanied by dishes such as bistecca alla fiorentina.

Veneto

In the northeast, Veneto is a versatile region. It's world-famous for Prosecco, a light, festive sparkling wine made from the Glera grape in the hills of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene. But Veneto also excels with Amarone della Valpolicella, an intense, velvety red produced by raisining grapes (Corvina, Rondinella), offering aromas of dried fruit and spices. Soave, an elegant white made from Garganega grapes, completes the range. This region brilliantly combines tradition and large-scale production.

Sicily

The sunny southern island of Sicily is a rising star in Italian viticulture. Its reds, such as those made from Nero d'Avola, are fleshy and bursting with black fruit, while Nerello Mascalese, grown on the slopes of Mount Etna, brings a volcanic finesse sometimes reminiscent of Pinot Noir. Sicilian whites, such as those made from Grillo or Catarratto, seduce with their freshness and citrus notes. The Mediterranean climate and varied soils produce sunny, expressive wines, often offering excellent value for money.

Puglia

In the "heel" of the Italian boot, Puglia specializes in robust, generous reds. Primitivo (close to Zinfandel) and Negroamaro dominate, producing wines with ripe fruit, spice and sometimes a touch of rusticity. Salice Salentino and Primitivo di Manduria are flagship appellations. Whites, such as those made from Verdeca, are less well known but are gaining ground. This region, historically focused on bulk production, is now asserting itself with wines of character.

Emilia-Romagna

In north-central Italy, Emilia-Romagna is the birthplace of Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine whose quality is often overlooked abroad. Made from the eponymous grape variety, it can be dry or sweet, perfect with local charcuterie. The region also produces lighter Sangiovese than Tuscany, and whites such as Albana, the first Italian white wine to achieve DOCG status. This is a region where wine goes well with rich cuisine, such as pasta Bolognese.

Abruzzo

Abruzzo, located in east-central Italy between the Apennines and the Adriatic coast, is a booming wine region, renowned for its authentic, affordable wines. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, a full-bodied red with hints of black fruit and spice, is the local flagship, ranging from simple vintages to refined versions like Colline Teramane DOCG, while Trebbiano d'Abruzzo surprises with its freshness and minerality, particularly from iconic producers like Valentini. Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo, a fruity, vibrant rosé from Montepulciano, completes the offer, perfect with local cuisine such as arrosticini. Thanks to a varied terroir and a renewed focus on quality, Abruzzo has established itself as a region to discover for lovers of typical, expressive wines.

Other notable regions

Lombardy: Renowned for its sparkling wines from Franciacorta (made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir), rivals of Champagne, and its reds from Valtellina made from Nebbiolo (known here as Chiavennasca).

Campania: Known for full-bodied reds like Taurasi (Aglianico) and ancient whites like Fiano and Greco, with floral and mineral aromas.

Marche: Verdicchio, a fresh, structured white, is the star, especially in the Castelli di Jesi and Matelica appellations.

Umbria: Sagrantino di Montefalco, a powerful, tannic red, rubs shoulders with more delicate whites such as Orvieto.

Italian wines are booming these days, and the names of some renowned winemakers are turning heads: Angelo Gaja, Giacomo Conterno, Bruno Giacosa, Luciano Sandrone, and many others. These unrivalled winemakers are purists, striving for the purest expression of their terroir, in particular by cultivating their vines organically/biodynamically. More and more Italian winemakers are adopting sustainable, environmentally-friendly practices.

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