The northern bit attached to Europe with the Alps and the Apennines produces a mountainous climate that is mostly cold during winters and mild or damp during summers. However, owing to the shape of the country, each region faces different climatic conditions. Italy’s climate is geographically that of the temperate zone. Riserva – reserve a wine of longer aging and usually higher quality Superiore – superior a wine of a somewhat higher standard-most commonly slightly riper grapes Sometimes a geographic territory designation. To go a little deeper, here is a good guide we found on wine terms.Ĭlassico – classic, often used in reference to a historic wine region or a traditional style. There’s more below on understanding Italian wine labels but here are some basic terms to help you in ordering wine in a restaurant or DIY your own wine tour. Let’s begin with some basic terminology for understanding the different wines and wines regions in Italy. You’ll find everything you need to know about Italy’s wine regions, types of Italian wines and where to find them, and must-visit Italian wine tours in this guide. If you are looking to spend your next vacation in the original Wine Country, then keep reading. Over the years, techniques of winemaking have improved and cemented Italy’s name internationally. This hereditary craft has been carefully preserved by changing rulers and consolidated by Catholicism, which viewed wine as a holy sacrament. Capable of rivaling any modern-day rave, these served as an inspiration to the grand gestures we see in the culture of today, where - as Robin Leach famously said about Italian food and wine - “In Italy, they add work and life on to food and wine”. Wine in Italy set the stage for ancient Romans to host wild festivals. It was a part of everyday life even before the coming of the Greeks, who then named the region ‘Oenotria’, or the land of wine. Italian wine dates back more than 4,000 years. Sort of like a pocket-guide to the wines from Italy regions, what grapes to look for, what wines are produced in the 20 Italy wine regions, and what kind of wine tour might be right for you. We’re writing this article about the very basics you will need as a wine lover traveling to Italy. Have you seen the intensive training that goes into becoming a Sommelier, let alone a Master Sommelier?

There’s a lifetime of learning that goes into knowing wine and understanding the subtleties and complexities of growing grapes, making wine, tasting it, and then deciding how good or bad it is. Be it a leisurely holiday in the countryside or a weekend city break, touring a few of the 20 wine regions in Italy is simply a must-do on any foodie’s Italian holiday. Italy is home to some of the best food cities in the world, but it is renowned for its array of reds and whites amongst a sea of green.

Whether you’re new to the world of wine, a seasoned taster, or just looking for the right red to pair with your favorite Italian cheese, one thing is for sure - nothing beats drinking wine in Italy. Looking to up your wine game and learn more about the Italy wine regions in time for your next holiday? Italy has not only given us powerful cinema and amazing food, but it has birthed a tradition of winemaking that is unique to its land and people.