Italian wine: how to choose your red, white and sparkling wines
Italy, the cradle of ancient viticulture, offers us an incomparable taste journey through its vineyards. As wine enthusiasts and experts, we have traveled through the 20 wine regions of the peninsula to present you with a selection of the best Italian wines. From the freshness of the northern whites to the power of the southern reds, including the irresistible sparkling wines, let's dive together into this unique oenological heritage in the world.
The remarkable diversity of Italian wines
Italy, the world's leading wine producer , stands out thanks to an incomparable wealth of terroirs and grape varieties. With no fewer than 129 wine estates spread across the country, the country offers a taste palette of rare complexity. Our team of sommeliers had the privilege of examining this wine mosaic, from the Alps to Sicily.
Of the 400 grape varieties grown in Italy, Sangiovese reigns supreme. This iconic grape variety produces the great wines of Tuscany, such as Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. In Piedmont, Nebbiolo reigns supreme, producing exceptional wines for laying down, such as Barolo and Barbaresco.
Here is an overview of the main Italian wine regions and their specialties:
- Tuscany: Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino
- Piedmont: Barolo, Barbaresco
- Veneto: Amarone della Valpolicella, Prosecco
- Puglia: Primitivo, Negroamaro
- Sicily: Nero d'Avola, Marsala
This exceptional diversity is explained by the variety of climates and soils found in Italy. From the Alpine microclimates to the volcanic terroirs of Sicily, each region brings its unique touch to the palette of Italian wines.
Italian reds: power and elegance
Italian red wines are renowned for their strong character and ageing potential. During our tastings, we were particularly impressed by the depth and complexity of some vintages.
Amarone della Valpolicella , from the Veneto region, is an exceptional wine that deserves special attention. Made from partially dried grapes, it develops intense aromas of candied fruit and spices, supported by an impressive tannic structure. It is a wine that pairs wonderfully with grilled red meats and mature cheeses.
In southern Italy, Sicilian Nero d’Avola is gaining popularity. This indigenous grape variety produces powerful, fruity wines with notes of black cherries and pepper. We were won over by its exceptional value for money, which makes it an excellent choice for discovering southern Italian wines.
Here is a summary table of the main Italian red wines and their characteristics:
| Wine | Region | Main grape variety | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barolo | Piedmont | Nebbiolo | Powerful, tannic, aromas of rose and truffle |
| Chianti Classico | Tuscany | Sangiovese | Elegant, notes of cherries and herbs |
| Amarone | Veneto | Corvina, Rondinella | Rich, concentrated, aromas of dried fruits |
| Nero d'Avola | Sicily | Nero d'Avola | Fruity, spicy, medium structure |
Whites and sparkling wines: freshness and liveliness
If Italian red wines are famous, whites and sparkling wines are not left out. During our wanderings in the Italian vineyards, we discovered treasures of freshness and finesse.
Prosecco , the iconic sparkling wine of Veneto, is enjoying growing international success. Made from the Glera grape variety, it seduces with its fruity and floral notes, as well as its lightness on the palate. It is the ideal aperitif, but it also goes very well with seafood and light desserts.
In the north-east of Italy, the Gewürztraminer from Trentino-Alto Adige particularly struck us. This aromatic white wine, with notes of rose and lychee, offers a beautiful freshness and a remarkable length in the mouth. It goes wonderfully with spicy dishes and blue cheeses.
Let’s not forget the Gavi from Piedmont, made from the Cortese grape variety. This dry and mineral white wine is the epitome of Italian elegance. Its citrus and green apple aromas make it an ideal companion for seafood and grilled fish.
The art of Italian food and wine pairing
One of the greatest joys of our job as sommeliers is to create perfect pairings between wines and gastronomy . Italian cuisine, rich and varied, offers an ideal playground to express all the diversity of the country's wines.
During our travels, we had the opportunity to discover why Italy has become the world's number 1 wine producer , even surpassing France. This success is partly explained by the perfect harmony between wines and local cuisine.
Here are some suggestions for Italian food and wine pairings that we particularly enjoyed:
- Pasta al pomodoro with a Chianti Classico: the tangy freshness of the tomato sauce harmonizes perfectly with the soft tannins of the Sangiovese.
- Mushroom risotto accompanied by a Barolo: the undergrowth aromas of the wine echo those of the mushrooms, creating a taste symphony.
- Pizza Margherita and Prosecco: the lightness and bubbles of the wine perfectly counterbalance the gourmet side of the pizza.
- Osso buco served with an Amarone: the richness of the dish is echoed in the power and complexity of the wine.
Note that the classification of Italian wines (DOC, DOCG, IGT) can guide you in your choices. The DOCG appellations, in particular, guarantee exceptional quality and typicality.
As wine lovers, we can only encourage you to study the richness of Italian wines. Each bottle tells a story, that of a unique terroir and a thousand-year-old winemaking tradition. Don't hesitate to get off the beaten track and discover little-known indigenous grape varieties . Wine-growing Italy is full of treasures just waiting to be tasted. Cheers!
