italian wine

Northeast- Comprised of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, and Trentino Alto Adige

               Veneto- The famous Amarone region is here.  This grape is primarily made up of Corvina.  The other famous region in this area is Prosecco which has become increasingly popular over the last few years. 

               Friuli Venezia Giulia & Trentino Alto Adige- Alto Adige is very well known for their Pinot Grigio.  They are not the top growing in terms of quantity but the Pinot Grigio grapes grown here definitely are the best quality coming out of Italy.  In Friuli they make a lot of Pinot Grigio but the main grape grown in this region is Tocai Friulano.  This grape is very popular in Slovenia which borders Italy so you see some meshing of 2 different countries in terms of wine production. 

Northwest- Comprised of Lombardy, Piedmont, Valle D’Aosta, Liguria

               Piedmont is probably the most well known wine growing region out of this group.  The actual name means “foot of the mountains” because it sits at the base of the Alps.  In this area the grapes grown are Barbera, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, and Moscato.  Most people will know Barolo and Barbaresco which are mainly made with the Nebbiolo grape.  Both of these particular wines are named after hilltops in the region.  Barolo’s must be aged a minimum of 38 months before release with at least 18 of those months being in wood.  They are well known for their powerful tannins.

               In Lombardy they grow Pinot Bianco, Verdicchio, and Nebbiolo.  Valle d’Aosta is more known for their Moscato and Pinot Noir along with Nebbiolo.  Liguria makes great sangiovese along with a white called Vermentino. 

Central Italy-

               Tuscany- Many different grapes along with different appellations in this vast region.  Chianti is probably one of the more widespread/well known appellations in all of Italy.  Chianti must be made up of at least 80% Sangiovese.  Rules and regulations about the Chianti region have changed dramatically over the past 700 years.  Brunello di Montalcino which is one of the most famous names in terms of wines from Italy is located in Tuscany.  Montalcino is the actual town and Brunello is the name given to the local sangiovese grape grown in this area.  Must be 100% Sangiovese and must be aged for at least a minimum of 3 years.

 Another region which was created through backlash of the specific requirements was the “super Tuscan” wines.  These wine growers wanted to be able to experiment with other varietals and blend Cabernet and Merlot among others into Sangiovese. 

Southern Italy

               Puglia- Known for their Primitivo (Zinfandel) and Negroamaro

               Campania- Known for Aglianico, Fiano, and Falanghina

               Sicily-Known for Nero D’Avola and Grillo

               Sardegna- Known for Cannonau (Grenache) and Vermentino