A Wine Cellar guide to Italian wines
Italy is a land of diversity and has wine-growing roots that stretch back at least two thousand years. The country has a Mediterranean climate and a variety of soil types, often with some volcanic components.
Italy produces a vast amount of wine across the country but the 4 major regions are Veneto, Tuscany, Piedmont and Sicily.
Veneto
Veneto is famous for Valpolicella wines which are made from the Corvina grape. These typically display black fruit and herbal qualities and are generally light and fruity.
Piedmont
Home to some of Italy’s most sought-after reds. Nebbiolo from Barolo and Barbaresco, characterised by spice, red fruit aromas and high acidity, tannin and alcohol, are particularly prized.
Tuscany
Produces Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino which are made from Sangiovese. These acclaimed reds are high in acidity with medium tannins and have an earthy, rich, red fruit character.
Sicily
Sicilian wines are produced in large volumes by co-ops and are relatively inexpensive. They are most commonly made from Chardonnay and Nero d’Avola, as well as some Cabernet Sauvignon.
Common white varieties
Trebbiano, Malvasia, Verdicchio, Garganega and Cortese.
Common red varieties
Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Barbera, Dolcetto, Corvina, Montepulciano and Primitivo.
Our recommendations
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Did you know?
The 70s gave rise to the Super Tuscan movement, which saw international grape varieties blended with traditional Italian varieties. Despite their superlative quality, and prices to match, the Super Tuscans were not permitted to be classified as anything more than table wines as they did not meet the strict DOCG requirements. Though the rules concerning blends have since been relaxed, many Super Tuscans continue to be sold as IGTs.
Produttori del Barbaresco
Tenuta delle Terre Nere
Did you know?
Pinotage is a South African-born variety. It was created in the 1920s by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsaut and has given rise to the Cape Blend, which is generally made from Bordeaux varieties along with a small percentage of Pinotage.
