Italy is a prime destination for wine lovers. The Southern European nation is known for some of the most popular wine varieties. The most established vineyards have produced wine for thousands of years. Travelers who are hoping to combine wine tasting, great food, and gorgeous scenery will be delighted by a trip through any of Italy’s wine regions. Here are five worthy of exploration:
1. Tuscany: The Elegance of Chianti and Beyond
Tuscany lies in the center of Italy and is home to the remarkable cities of Florence and Pisa. The wine region is a massive 57,000 hectares in size. Tuscan wine is notably full-bodied due to the use of flavorful grapes such as Sangiovese and Syrah.
Chianti is a typical Tuscan variety containing notes of fruit, leather, and herbs. For more than 300 years, Chianti production has remained relatively unchanged. A true Chianti is a base of Sangiovese grapes blended with other locally grown red grape varieties. These varieties age well and reach their flavor peak after 2 1/2 years.
Tuscany also grows white grape varieties, including the acidic and citrusy Trebbiano. Tuscan Trebbiano grapes can appear in white or red wine blends or cooking products such as balsamic vinegar.
2. Piedmont: Home to the King of Wines
Piedmont’s beautiful rolling hills and fortified cities are surrounded by luscious vineyards. The region is best known for two varieties, Barbaresco and Barolo.
Due to protective regulations, Barbaresco wines can only be made from Nebbiolo grapes. These vineyards thrive in steep, mineral-rich soil, which is characteristic of the Piedmont region. Barbarescos are complex, flavorful wines that pair well with aged hard cheeses and white meats.
Known as the King of wines, Barolo wines are bright, bold, and acidic with undertones of chocolate and truffles. Although Barolos are also made using Nebbiolo grapes, Barolo vines grow in less nutritious soil, which impacts the wine’s tannin levels.
While Barolo and Barbaresco are Piedmont’s highest-profile offerings, locals tend to enjoy more moderately priced Barbera and Dolcetto. Travelers can experience the gamut of lovely reds during their stay.
3. Veneto: From Prosecco to Amarone
Prosecco, one of Italy’s most iconic wines, hails from Veneto, a 94,000-hectare wine region by the sea. Verified Prosecco is made from Glera grapes grown within one of Veneto’s five provinces. Veneto’s proximity to the Adriatic Sea offers a temperate, wet climate, perfect for Glera grapes. Some Proseccos do include blends of other wine grapes. Prosecco has hints of floral and citrus notes and light, crisp bubbles.
Within Veneto, travelers will find the Valpolicella Region, famous for its rich Amarone wine. Valpolicella borders the Alps, which influence its climate and soil composition. The region’s winemaking history dates to Roman times. Valpolicella produces Corvina red wine grapes, the main ingredient in Amarone and Valpolicella wines.
4. Sicily: A Mediterranean Wine Paradise
Although Sicily is not considered one of Italy’s main wine regions, it is the largest, covering more than 200,000 hectares. The island produces some well-known varieties, including Nero d’Avola. Western Sicily contains diverse and nutritious soil that is influenced by the sea and volcanic ash.
The vineyards around Mt. Etna, one of Europe’s most active volcanoes, offer ideal growing conditions for Barolo and Riesling. Sicily is also the home of sweet “passito” wine. These grapes in these varieties are left to dry in the sun, which concentrates the flavor and sweetness.
5. Umbria: Italy’s Green Heart
Like Sicily, Umbria is one of Italy’s lesser-known wine regions. Travelers who go off the beaten path and venture into Italy’s heartland will discover a plethora of undervalued wine varieties. Umbria’s most common grape varieties include Merlot, Sangiovese, and Verdello.
Umbria is hilly and mountainous, which results in a varied climate. This is especially suitable for white wine grapes that benefit from low nighttime temperatures. Many red wine grapes also grow in Umbria. In fact, more than half of the region’s vineyards cultivate red grapes.
Planning an Italian Wine Tour
Italy’s wine regions offer something for every type of traveler. History buff? Enjoy exploring winemaking traditions dating to Ancient Rome. Food lover? Taste delicious pairings of traditional Italian cuisine with local wines. Wine enthusiast? Sample some of Europe’s greatest varieties and learn more about the cultivation and production processes.
For those planning a trip, the best time of year is between March and May. This time of year, the vineyards are in bloom. Also, outside of the busy summer season wineries are less crowded and can offer a more enjoyable tasting experience. Early fall is also a fun time for a wine tour. Grapes are often harvested in September and October. Travelers who visit this time of year can participate in local festivals celebrating the harvest. Some of the most popular include the Chianti Festival in Tuscany and the Wine Grape Festival in Bardolino, Veneto.
As far as wine tastings, both organized tours and self-made tours have their benefits. Organized tours manage all the details, including accommodation, transportation, and meals. However, they often follow a strict timetable and can be more expensive. Booking tastings directly with a winery can be cheaper, but travelers will have to arrange their own transportation and hotel. This can be difficult in smaller, more rural regions where there may be a language barrier.