Amanda PhillipsWine in Italy
Italy is a famous holiday destination for many reasons: traditional architecture, skiing in the Alps, the canals of Venice, the historical sights of Rome, the designer fashion in Milan as well as delicious food and the wine that accompanies it.
Italy is the oldest wine producing region in the world and remains the largest producer by volume in the world. Officially, there are around 350 wine varieties (and rumours that more exist) with each of the 20 regions growing unique varieties among their vineyards. Italy’s climate – starting in the mild areas of the Alps before meeting the warmer climate of the Mediterranean – as well as its mix of coastal and mountainous planes, allows for a cocktail of vineyards to grow.
If you like a Pinot Grigio
Like many of the well-known white wine varieties, Pinot Grigio is grown in the northern regions of Italy. Trentino Alto Adige and Friuli-Venezia are two regions where Pinot Grigio is a popular glass to have with dinner, but if you’ve already booked a trip further south, don’t worry: Molise in central Italy also has vineyards dedicated to this crisp and light wine variety.
If you enjoy a Merlot (or any red wine) with your dinner
The answer to this wine related question is Tuscany. While other regions in central Italy also produce Merlot, Tuscany is famed for its red varieties as a whole. Sangiovese is also a celebrated wine in the region, with a long list of other reds. If you’re a Merlot drinker then Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio (where Rome is) all have it on menus across the warm central areas of Italy. Veneto in the north also has a few Merlot vineyards allowing fans to taste an Italian red while looking out onto the Venice canals.
If you like to sip a flute of Prosecco
While Prosecco is a sparkling white wine that immediately has drinkers thinking of Italy, there’s actually only one region to travel to if you want to enjoy the real thing. Veneto, a region in north-eastern Italy, is the home of the ancient and historical city of Venice and vineyards growing the Glera grape, which is most commonly found in Prosecco. The other white reguarly served in this region is Garganega, while red wine fans can toast with Merlot, Rondinella, and Corvina.
If Chardonnay is always your choice
The Chardonnay grape produces a very neutral flavour, and is one of most common varieties grown throughout the world. In Italy, it’s the north-eastern corner where fans of this particular white wine can treat their palate. The Lombardy, Trentino Alto Adige, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions all grow the Chardonnay grape and are home to the fashionable city of Milan and the relaxing Lake Como.
If you want want to try one of Italy’s finest red grapes
The region of Campania – home to Naples and Sorrento – is where red wine fans can sample the complex aroma of the Aglianico wine. The name-sake grape ripens in October – much later than other varieties – and needs to be picked in early spring before the mountain frost effects it. The result is a deep and full-bodied wine that is loved throughout Italy, but grows to perfection in the climate and terrain of Campania.
If you prefer a sweet tasting rosé
Rosé wine doesn’t have the extensive history that some wines in Italy have, but pink-toned wines are grown throughout the country. In northern Italy wine-drinkers will find softer and more delicate versions of rosé wine, whereas the south of Italy is home to full-bodied and drier rosés.
If your palate prefers the notes of a French wine
Italy and France are both renowned for their wine-producing talents, and you might feel strongly that the former is cut above the latter. If so your wine-buds will appreciate a trip to northern Italy, where the difference between French and Italian wine blend together at the border. Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Moscato, Dolcetto, and Nebbiolo are all grown near where Italy meets France.
Or something modern and international
Dubbed the ‘California of Italy’, Sicily is home to a range of modern and industrial-sized wineries that produce wine that can transport your taste-buds to another part of the world. The grape hero of the area is Nero D’Avola, but French varieties of grape are also grown by manufacturers. While Nero d’Avola is the popular red of the island, Catarratto, Grillo and Inzolia are the offering for fans of white wine.