Wines of Italy

Italian wines are renowned the world over for their diversity, exceptional quality and rich history. With a winemaking tradition that dates back thousands of years, Italy is one of the world's leading wine producers

Italy's wine-growing regions offer a wide variety of indigenous grape varieties, each contributing its own distinct characteristics to the wines produced. From the north to the south of the peninsula, each region has its own appellations, terroirs and winemaking techniques, giving rise to an incredible diversity of wine styles

In northern Italy, regions such as Piedmont and Lombardy are renowned for their elegant, powerful red wines. Nebbiolo, the emblematic grape variety of Piedmont, gives rise to wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco, which are distinguished by their tannic structure, their aromas of red fruit and roses, and their ability to age magnificently

In Tuscany, Italy's central region, Sangiovese is the undisputed king. It gives birth to wines such as Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino, which are characterised by their balance, their aromas of cherries, violets and spices, and their ability to express the specific terroir of each vineyard

Further south, in Sicily, the wines are influenced by the Mediterranean climate and the proximity of the sea. Varieties such as Nero d'Avola and Frappato produce fruity, vibrant red wines, while the Grillo white variety produces fresh, aromatic wines

Italy is also renowned for its sparkling wines, notably Prosecco from the Veneto region and Lambrusco from Emilia-Romagna. These light, refreshing sparkling wines are perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply to accompany moments of conviviality