Whether you’re new to wine or simply want to understand what’s on that Italian wine label, this guide will walk you through common wine terms, especially those used in Italy. Organized alphabetically, these terms will help you feel more confident in choosing the perfect bottle. Let’s explore Italian wine terms!
A – Appassimento
An Italian method of drying grapes before pressing, concentrating sugars and flavors. Used in wines like Amarone.
B – Barrique
A small, 225-liter oak barrel often used for aging wine, imparting tannins and flavors like vanilla and spice.
C – Classico
Refers to the traditional, central part of a wine region, such as Chianti Classico, known for quality and history.
D – DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata)
The label guarantees quality assurance for Italian wines, ensuring they are made in a specific region using approved methods.
E – Etichetta
Italian for “label,” this refers to the information on the wine bottle, including region, grape, and producer.
F – Frizzante
A lightly sparkling wine, with less fizz than a spumante (fully sparkling) wine.
G – Gran Selezione
A label designation for Chianti Classico wines, indicating higher quality, longer aging, and strict regulations.
H – Harvest
The time when winemakers pick the grapes can greatly influence the wine’s style and flavor.
I – IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica)
A label for wines made with some flexibility in production methods, often using international grapes alongside local varieties.
J – Jeroboam
A large bottle holding 3 liters of wine, equal to four regular-sized bottles.
L – Late Harvest
The term describes wines made from grapes harvested later than usual, often producing sweeter wines.
M – Metodo Classico
An Italian term for the traditional method of making sparkling wine, the same as the method used for Champagne.
N – Novello
A young wine, typically released soon after harvest, meant to be enjoyed while fresh and fruity. To ensure the highest quality of Novello wine, the law sets specific
O – Oaked
Refers to wine that has been aged in oak barrels, which imparts flavors like vanilla, smoke, and spice.
P – Passito
A style of wine made from dried grapes, resulting in a sweet, concentrated flavor, like Vin Santo.
R – Riserva
A designation indicating that a wine has been aged longer than required, resulting in a more complex and refined flavor.
S – Superiore
A label for wines with slightly higher alcohol content and stricter production standards, often from a specific area.
Learn the Language of Wine with Us!
How many of these Italian wine terms do you already know? Understanding the language of wine can make your next bottle more enjoyable and help you navigate wine labels with confidence. What terms would you add to the list? Let us know, and continue expanding your wine knowledge!
