Thinking about exploring Italy through its diverse wines? In this guide, we’ll take you ‘wining around’ Italy, starting from the northern regions and heading south. Discover two indigenous grapes from each region—one red and one white—and learn their simple characteristics and wine styles. Let’s dive into Italy’s 20 wine regions!
1. Valle d’Aosta
- Red: Petit Rouge – Fruity, medium-bodied with red berry flavors, this wine often has a fresh, slightly herbal finish.
- White: Prié Blanc – Light and crisp, with notes of green apple and citrus, this is a high-altitude wine with a refreshing acidity.
2. Piemonte (Piedmont)
- Red: Nebbiolo – Known for producing Barolo and Barbaresco, this grape gives full-bodied wines with strong tannins, floral notes, and earthy flavors.
- White: Cortese – Light and crisp with lemon and green apple flavors, commonly associated with Gavi wines.
3. Liguria
- Red: Rossese – This grape produces medium-bodied wines with notes of wild berries and spices, often found in the Riviera di Ponente area.
- White: Vermentino – Fresh, aromatic, with hints of herbs and sea spray, Vermentino is perfect for seafood pairings.
4. Lombardia (Lombardy)
- Red: Barbera – Known for its bright acidity, Barbera wines feature red fruit flavors like cherry and plum, with a touch of spice.
- White: Lugana (Trebbiano di Lugana) – This grape produces rich white wines with citrus and almond notes, commonly found near Lake Garda.
5. Trentino-Alto Adige
- Red: Lagrein – Deep and full-bodied, Lagrein has rich flavors of dark fruits and chocolate with firm tannins.
- White: Gewürztraminer – An aromatic white wine with notes of lychee, rose petals, and spices, offering a slightly sweet finish.
6. Veneto
- Red: Corvina – The main grape in Valpolicella wines, Corvina has cherry flavors with a light to medium body and a touch of almond.
- White: Garganega – Known for Soave, this grape gives crisp, mineral-driven wines with notes of citrus and stone fruit.
7. Friuli-Venezia Giulia
- Red: Refosco – A dark, tannic wine with blackberry and plum flavors, often paired with robust dishes.
- White: Friulano – Crisp with hints of almond, pear, and herbs, Friulano is a signature grape of the region.
8. Emilia-Romagna
- Red: Lambrusco – Lightly sparkling, this wine is fruity with notes of strawberries and raspberries and can be dry or sweet.
- White: Albana – A floral and fruity white with flavors of peach and apricot, often enjoyed as a dessert wine.
9. Toscana (Tuscany)
- Red: Sangiovese – The backbone of Chianti, this wine is bright with cherry flavors, earthy undertones, and a touch of spice.
- White: Vernaccia – Known for Vernaccia di San Gimignano, this crisp, dry wine has almond and citrus flavors.
10. Umbria
- Red: Sagrantino – A bold, tannic red with black fruit and spice flavors, perfect for aging.
- White: Grechetto – Fresh and mineral-driven with notes of pear, apple, and a slight nutty finish.
11. Marche
- Red: Montepulciano – Full-bodied with rich dark fruit and earthy notes, Montepulciano wines from Marche are bold and rustic.
- White: Verdicchio – Light, crisp, with citrus and almond flavors, Verdicchio is known for its fresh acidity and minerality.
12. Lazio
- Red: Cesanese – A medium-bodied red with red berry and floral notes, often with a touch of spice.
- White: Malvasia – Aromatic and fresh, with hints of white flowers and citrus, this grape is often found in Frascati wines.
13. Abruzzo
- Red: Montepulciano – Similar to Marche, but here it’s typically more fruit-forward with softer tannins.
- White: Trebbiano d’Abruzzo – Light and refreshing with citrus and floral notes, often used for everyday drinking wines.
14. Molise
- Red: Tintilia – A rare, indigenous grape with spicy and fruity notes, offering a robust, earthy finish.
- White: Trebbiano – Crisp, light, and refreshing, with apple and citrus flavors.
15. Campania
- Red: Aglianico – Bold and tannic, Aglianico is known for its dark fruit and smoky flavors, particularly in Taurasi wines.
- White: Greco – A zesty white with notes of stone fruit, citrus, and almond, often with a mineral finish.
16. Puglia (Apulia)
- Red: Primitivo – Rich and full-bodied, with flavors of ripe berries, spice, and chocolate.
- White: Fiano – Aromatic and floral, with flavors of honey, pear, and tropical fruits.
17. Basilicata
- Red: Aglianico del Vulture – Powerful and structured with flavors of dark fruit, leather, and tobacco.
- White: Greco Bianco – Fresh and crisp, with notes of white flowers, citrus, and minerals.
18. Calabria
- Red: Gaglioppo – Medium-bodied with flavors of red fruit, herbs, and a slight smoky finish.
- White: Greco di Bianco – Sweet, aromatic, with notes of apricot, honey, and dried fruits, often used for dessert wines.
19. Sicilia (Sicily)
- Red: Nero d’Avola – Bold and fruit-forward, with flavors of plum, black cherry, and spice.
- White: Grillo – Crisp and refreshing, with citrus, peach, and floral notes, often used in Marsala wine.
20. Sardegna (Sardinia)
- Red: Cannonau – Full-bodied with red berry and herb flavors, often compared to Grenache.
- White: Vermentino – Light, crisp, and aromatic, with flavors of citrus, pear, and herbs, perfect for pairing with seafood.
Deeper Connections with Italy’s 20 Wine Regions
Exploring Italy’s indigenous grapes not only enhances your travel experience but also deepens your connection with each region’s unique culture and history. By tasting wines that are often not available outside of Italy, you gain a true sense of place—enjoying flavors that are deeply tied to the land, climate, and people. And as you pair these local wines with regional dishes, your journey through Italy becomes even more memorable and authentic, as wine and food harmonize in every sip and bite.
