Italy

A very ancient wine country, started producing wine since the Great Greek by the settlers. It is also the country responsible for the spreading of viticulture into the entire Europe. Under the Roman Empire, catalytic monks traveled to Germany, France, Spain and etc, seeking the suitable places for viticulture. Italy sits on the south east foot of the Alps, stretching its leg into the Mediterranean Sea like a boot. Now, Italian competes with France for producing the largest volume of wine in the world.

There are lots of indigenous varieties, like Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Aglianico, growing for Italian wine industry as well as some very famous international grape varieties – like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir.

West Central Italy

West Central Italy is the heart of Italy, lying on the upper Italian peninsula, on the west coast of Mediterranean. West Central Italy is best known for the province – Tuscana. Historically, Tuscana is a red wine county, producing Sangiovese predominant wine. However, it also produces white wines from Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes as well. The summer of Tuscana is long and fairly dry and winter are moderate.
Most vineyards are planted on the hillside with altitude to offset the heat – mainly reds are grown at 550 meters above sea level whereas whites are grown at 700 meters above sea level. Hence, the ripening season is longer and the acidity is retained. The soil profile of the whole area is very complex, but the majorities are: gravel, limestone and clay.

Southern Italy and the Islands

Located below the knee of the leg (Italian shape), this area is hot, dry and hilly. Southern Italy was the area responsible for most of the wine production in the ancient Roman Empire. The area produces sparkling, whites and reds. However, more red wines are produced than whites. Most of the reds are dark, deep in coloured with strong, intense flavour and high alcohol. Overproduction was the big issue for its image; however, with the assistance of flying winemaker and the innovations, more and more sound wines are made in opulent, rich and powerful form.

Useful Italian Wine Term

Annata: Annual
Spumante: Sparkling
Bianco: White wine
Rosato: Rose wine
Rosso: Red wine
Secco: Not sweet (dry)
Abboccato: Medium dry
Amabile: Medium
Dolce: Sweet
Classico: The appellation before extended
Superiore: Normally wine has longer aging potential with 05 -1% higher in alcohol
Riserva: wine with longer aging potential, special release/limited release
Metodo classico: Bottled fermented sparkling wine, also called Metodo Tradizionale
Recioto: wine made from wind dried grapes in Veneto
Passito: wine made from wine dried grapes