Italian Wine: The Basics

Italy Home | The Story | Producers | Regions | World of Wine

Everyone knows that Italy is a world famous wine producing country (it is the world’s volume leader) but most casual observers can name just a few Italian Wines. Why is this so? How can a nation with such a rich history of wine production from the ancient Greeks, Etruscans, and of course the Romans be so unfamiliar to New World wine drinkers?

The answer lies simply in the way that New World wines are labeled and the handful of varietals used to produce familiar wines. As discussed in “Wine 101” in our wine section, New World wines are typically labeled by grape varietal. The grapes most familiar to wine makers and drinkers in the US, Australia, New Zealand, and South America are varietals of French origin. Most of Italy’s greatest grape varietals are virtually the exclusive property of Italy. To those seeking unique wines this is a plus. For those new to the wine-buying scene tackling another intimidating sub-subject may be too much, but I say that it’s well worth the temporary confusion. Besides, if you were not ready for an adventure you would have simply stuck with the quarter beer nights! The following departments will take you through all of Italy’s regions. Every region (think of it as a state equivalent) produces wine. Some regions produce a variety of wines far more broad than most nations and if you don’t venture in you’ll miss some of the most fascinating wines in the world and would just be silly.