The ABC’s of Italian Wine Terms

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!

Lisa Morales

Editor-in-Chief

Based in Miami, I am the Editor-in-Chief for Live in Italy Magazine. I am a member of the International Food Wine Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and contributor to internationally recognized art; food and wine; and travel publications. In my free time, I love to cook and bake; take photographs; go for nature walks; and run on the beach. I am WSET 2 Certified and working on the CSW. I look forward to getting to know you! Follow Us @LiveInItalyMag 🇮🇹.

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