Even a die-hard Italian wine fan can be forgiven for not having a complete grasp of the depth of variety on offer in Italian wines—after all, there are 350 common grape varieties in Italy! Given how challenging it can be to navigate the wines produced by this distinctive part of the world, we created this primer for you.
Italy has 20 wine regions in four different areas, and each region produces wines from many different grape varietals. Need a guide? Italian wines are typically labelled in a very specific way. On the label, expect to find the following information: First, the wine’s producer; then the type of wine (often a grape varietal); then the growing region; then the vintage (year). With this in mind, let’s take a look at some common varietals you might find at your local NSLC.
The most common red wine grapes native to Italy are:
Sangiovese. The main grape of Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino.
Nebbiolo. Known for high tannin wines of Barolo and Barbaresco.
Barbera. A dark-skinned grape producing wines with lower tannin and high acidity.
Lambrusco. A grape and also a region that produces a light bubbly red wine.
Montepulciano. A dark rustic wine with full body, black pepper spice and high tannin.
Amarone. Made with a blend of grapes that are partially dried to produce a richer, high alcohol wine with a hint of sweetness.
Valpolicella. Wine made with three grapes: Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara.
Primitivo. A grape from Southern Italy that is a close relative to Zinfandel.
Negroamaro. A Southern Italian wine grape sometimes blended with Primitivo to add tannin and structure.
The common white wine grapes native to Italy include:
Pinot Grigio. The most familiar Italian white wine grape of French origin (Pinot Gris).
Trebbiano. Italy’s most planted white wine grape—the same grape used to make Cognac and Balsamic Vinegar.
Garganega. The white wine grape that makes up the majority grape in the regional wine called Soave.
Cortese. A light citrus and floral high acid.
Verdicchio. Zesty and slightly bitter white wine grape grown most notably in Marche.
Fiano. A white with floral, citrus and nutty aromas.
Arneis. A grape most notable for the regional white wine Roero DOC.
Vermentino. A crisp white, often similar tasting to Sauvignon Blanc.
Moscato. A very aromatic grape most known for its sweet and bubbly version, Moscato d’Asti.
Of course, your best bet if you want to truly understand a region’s wines, is to taste them. Pick up a few Italian wines to share with friends, and see if you can pick up the tasting notes described!