Italy is the world’s second largest producer of wine after France.
Each year, one in fifty Italians is involved with the grape harvest.
Thanks to a small band of primarily Tuscan vintners, Italy launched itself with aggressive determination onto the world stage as a producer of some of the best wines ever produced anywhere: Amarone, Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino, and Passito di Pantelleria. Italian wine information and experiences now sit amongst the most coveted wine regions of the world.
Like France, Italy has adopted a rigorous controlled appellation system that imposes strict controls with regulations governing vineyard quality, yields per acre, and aging practices among other things. Thanks to this system, Italy’s fifty thousand wineries enjoy a competitive advantage when it comes to the production and sales of quality wines. These Italian wine terms allow consumers to understand various levels of designation so they can make informed buying decisions.
Generally speaking Italian wines can be divided into two main categories: Table Wines and “Higher End” DOC or DOCG Italian Wines. Italy’s table wines tend to be less expensive red or white wines that are produced to be consumed in the easy-going atmosphere of an Italian-style family dinner. Sometimes they are sold in larger jugs other times it’s in a basic 750ml bottle, either way they are the main-stay of an Italian dining table. Table wines are often fruit-forward wines, some are sparkling, most are light-medium bodied and all carry an affinity for regional Italian fare.
High end Italian wines range in quality designations, from good to superior. With over 2000 native grape varieties covering varied terrain, growing in forgiving climates and all packed on one outstanding peninsula, you can imagine that the resulting wine combinations would be just as diverse as the sub-cultures that surround them. Super Tuscans, Barolo, Barbaresco, Chianti Classico Riserva, and Amarone will lean towards the higher price points.
Italian wines are made for Italian food. The two go hand in hand, and like a good marriage, both are typically enhanced by the other. Whether you are looking to expand your wine horizons or just hoping to grab a good wine with dinner, Italian wines are a cornerstone of today’s wide world of wine.
Italian wine Collections At The Oaks Cellars