Italian Wine Regions

The most famous Italian wine regions by far are Tuscany (the larger region wherein Chianti sits) and Piedmont. Yet there are dozens of other areas, large and small, that produce a huge variety of wine styles. The types of wine produced here are as diverse as France yet the best have a character that is distinctly Italian.

Like France and many other wine producing areas in Europe, many wines are named for the region the wine came from, not for the grapes contained therein. There are more exceptions to this rule in Italy than in France but many of the most famous wines, like Chianti, Barolo, Barbaresco, etc. are named for the region the grapes are grown in, not for the grape. Did you know that the primary grape that Chianti is grown from is called Sangiovese? You learn something everyday! At least you do when you read the Wine Tastings Guide!

Below are links to pages that explore the various wine producing regions of Italy, giving you an introduction to the types of wine you can expect to find from them. There are TONS of regions and sub-regions so we will do our best to keep adding pages. If there is a particular region you are interested in but don't see here, contact us and let us know and we will try to make it a priority to post a page soon!

• Piedmont: In the northwest of Italy lies the foggy hillsides of Piedmont. These hills produce some of the most profound and sought-after wines of Italy, particularly the complex and seductive wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, made from the Nebbiolo grape. But there is a wealth of other wines available too, at more affordable prices, including Barbera, Dolcetto and even sparkling wines.
• Tuscany: Tuscany is likely Italy's most famous region worldwide, both for tourists and wine lovers. The countryside Florence is full of wine producing appellations. Classically most famous for the wine practically synonymous with Italian wine, Chianti, there are many other sub-regions and styles of wine produced from Tuscany.
• Veneto: Although the Veneto as a whole is less well known, some of the wines produced there are very famous. In particular, the heady, rich wines called Amarone are born here alongside the Valpolicellas. Some of the best examples of Italian sparkling wines, Prosecco, and some whites are also produced here.

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