INTRODUCTION TO ITALY WINE REGIONS

Italy is renowned worldwide for its rich wine heritage, diverse grape varietals, and exceptional wine production. With a
winemaking tradition dating back thousands of years, Italy is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world. Its wines
are celebrated for their quality, craftsmanship, and the unique character they derive from the country’s distinct wine regions.

Italy boasts a vast array of grape varieties, with over 350 registered indigenous varietals, some of which are found nowhere else
on the planet. This incredible diversity is partly due to the country’s diverse climate and geography. From the cool Alpine foothills
in the north to the warm Mediterranean climate in the south, Italy offers an ideal environment for grape cultivation.

Italian wines are classified under a system known as Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and Denominazione di
Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG), which regulate the quality and origin of wines. These designations ensure that wines
adhere to specific production methods, grape varieties, and geographical indications, allowing consumers to have confidence in
the quality and authenticity of Italian wines.
Abruzzo: Located in central Italy, Abruzzo is known for its red wines made from the Montepulciano grape. The region's wines are
often characterized by their rich flavors, medium to full body, and moderate tannins.

Aosta Valley: Situated in the northwest near the border with France and Switzerland, this small region is known for its cool-
climate wines, including crisp whites and elegant reds made from local grape varieties such as Petit Rouge and Prié Blanc.

Basilicata: Located in southern Italy, Basilicata is home to the Aglianico grape, which produces bold and structured red wines.
Aglianico del Vulture is a notable appellation within the region.

Calabria: Located in the "toe" of Italy's boot, Calabria is known for its full-bodied red wines made from the Gaglioppo grape.
These wines often exhibit dark fruit flavors, rustic charm, and a touch of spice.

Campania: Campania, in southern Italy, boasts diverse terroirs. It is known for producing excellent white wines like Fiano di
Avellino and Greco di Tufo, as well as robust reds like Taurasi, made from the Aglianico grape.

Emilia-Romagna: This region, in northern Italy, is famous for its sparkling red wine, Lambrusco. Emilia-Romagna also produces
other wines like Sangiovese-based reds and white wines like Albana di Romagna.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia: Located in northeastern Italy, this region is known for its high-quality white wines, particularly those made
from grape varieties such as Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, and Pinot Grigio. Friuli is also recognized for its elegant and aromatic reds.

Lazio: Lazio, the region surrounding Rome, produces both white and red wines. The white wines, notably Frascati, are crisp and
refreshing, while the reds, such as Cesanese del Piglio, are medium-bodied and fruity.

Liguria: Situated along the northwest coast, Liguria is known for producing the unique white wine Vermentino and the red wine
Rossese di Dolceacqua. The wines of Liguria often exhibit a fresh and coastal character.

Lombardy: Lombardy is home to the sparkling wine region of Franciacorta, producing exceptional sparkling wines made using
the traditional method. The region also produces still reds, such as the renowned Valtellina wines made from the Nebbiolo
grape.

Marche: Marche, in central Italy, is known for its white wines, including Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi and Verdicchio di Matelica.
These wines are often crisp, citrusy, and age-worthy. The region also produces red wines like Rosso Conero.

Molise: Molise, a small region in southern Italy, produces a range of wines, including both reds and whites. Tintilia, an indigenous
grape variety, is notable in the region for producing structured red wines.

Piedmont: Piedmont is famous for its exceptional red wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco, both made from Nebbiolo grapes.
The region also produces aromatic white wines like Moscato d'Asti and Gavi, made from the Cortese grape.

Puglia: Puglia, located in southern Italy, is known for its robust and full-bodied red wines, particularly those made from the
Primitivo grape (related to California's Zinfandel). The region also produces excellent rosé wines.

Sardinia: Sardinia, an island off the western coast, produces diverse wines. Cannonau, a local name for Grenache, is the flagship
red grape, while Vermentino is a prominent white grape. Sardinian wines often exhibit rich flavors and a distinct character.

Sicily: Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, produces a wide range of wines. Nero d'Avola is a notable red grape, while
whites like Grillo and Catarratto are popular. Sicilian wines are known for their bold flavors, aromatic profiles, and excellent value.

Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol: This region in northern Italy has a strong Germanic influence. It is known for producing excellent
cool-climate white wines like Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, and Müller-Thurgau. The region also produces elegant reds.

Tuscany: Tuscany is home to some of Italy's most renowned wines. Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di
Montepulciano are notable reds made from Sangiovese. Tuscany also produces Super Tuscans, which are premium blends often
featuring international grape varieties.

Umbria: Umbria, located in central Italy, produces both red and white wines. Orvieto, a crisp and floral white wine, is a flagship
of the region. Sagrantino di Montefalco is a notable red wine made from the indigenous Sagrantino grape.

Veneto: Veneto is known for its diverse wine styles. It produces the sparkling wine Prosecco, as well as Amarone della
Valpolicella, a rich and powerful red made from dried grapes. Soave and Valpolicella are other noteworthy wines from the
region.