Italian wine | 5 recommended production regions and characteristics

Italy is the world's largest producer of wine. Italy has 20 regions, all of which produce wine. Just as in Japan, each region has its specialties and local cuisine, Italian wine also has its own characteristics depending on its production area (region). This time, we will introduce recommended producing regions of Italian wine and their characteristics.

About the DOC Law (Designation of Origin Control Law) for Italian wine grading

Before introducing the production areas, you should know about the grading of Italian wine. When you pick up a bottle of wine, you'll often see one of the following classifications (DOC, VDT, etc.) on the label: This classification was started in 1963 to guarantee the quality of wine. Under the Wine Law, grape production areas, varieties, and manufacturing methods are determined in detail for each classification.

There are four classifications according to this Italian appellation: DOCG, DOC, IGT, and VDT.

Top quality DOCG

DENOMINAZIONE DI ORIGINE CONTROLLATA E GARANTITA (Designation of Origin Wine with Controlled Guarantee)

The "G" after DOC stands for "Garantita." Garantita means "guaranteed" in Italian. Wines classified as DOCG are guaranteed to be of the highest quality. The name was introduced in 1980 and is awarded to four wines of outstanding quality from Piedmont and Tuscany. Currently, there are 77 DOCGs in Italy.

High quality DOC

DENOMINAZIONE DI ORIGINE CONTROLLATA?? (Controlled Designation of Origin Wine)

Wines given a DOC are of a higher quality and have a more specific origin and production method than an IGT. Wines classified as DOC have detailed specifications such as grape variety, brewing method, and aging time.

IGT made with locally grown grapes

INDICAZIONE GEOGRAFICA TIPICA (wine with regional characteristics)

A feature of IGT wine is that the region of origin of the grapes used is specified. Made using over 85% grapes from the regions named on the label. In addition, each IGT must meet the standards set by its production regulations, and IGTs have many high-quality wines. Most of these wines are made from grape varieties other than those unique to Italy. (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, etc.)

table wine VDT

VINO DA TAVOLA (table wine)

VDT is a wine of unknown origin. Table wines are often a mixture of different varieties.

Three ratings since the 2009 revision

The 2009 revision reduced the rating to three. However, in Italy, traditional grading notation is also accepted, so both types of grading are currently mixed.

DOP (Protected Designation of Origin Wine)

DOCG and DOC, which indicate excellent wines, have been combined into this DOP.

I.G.P. (Wine designated as a protected area)

This corresponds to the IGT of Italian Wine Law.

VINO

VDT in Italian wine law refers to table wine.

5 recommended Italian wine producing regions and their characteristics

Although many types of wine are produced throughout Italy, there are three main regions that produce high quality wines. Tuscany, Piedmont and Veneto!

There are five recommended production areas: the three major regions plus Emilia-Romagna and Sicily. We would like to introduce the characteristics of each.

northern italy

1. Prosecco production area [Veneto]

Speaking of Veneto, sparkling (Spumante in Italian) Prosecco. Prosecco is a white sparkling wine made from over 85% Glera grapes grown in the Valdobbiaden region of northern Venice.

Due to the cool climate close to the Alps, many fresh and refreshing white wines are produced, such as Soave made from Gargenega grapes and fruity Pinot Grigio. Warm regions near the Adriatic Sea and Lake Garda also produce red wines such as Valpolicella, Amarone and Bardolino.

2. Piedmont has the most DOCG and DOC in Italy

Piedmont produces more DOCG wines than any other region. The region is home to many small, family-run wineries. There are many wineries with a reputation for focusing on quality, and it is also called the "Burgundy" of Italy. Piedmont is famous for its red wines, and Barolo and Barbaresco are said to be the kings of Italian wine.

Piedmont's representative wines and popular grape varieties are mainly Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto. Wines made from Nebbiolo are characterized by a bouquet of tar and roses, a delicate texture and fine-grained tannins. Barolo and Barbaresco are also made from Nebbiolo. The wines made from Barbera are classic Italian style. A fruity, cherry-scented red wine with moderate tannins, high acidity, and just the right amount of complexity. It is less astringent than Nebbiolo-based wines and can be enjoyed in vintages of 1-2 years. The wine made from Dolcetto is a dry red wine with a mild bitterness that stimulates the appetite. We produce crisp wines with a good balance of acidity and tannins.

3. Famous for producing Lambrusco [Emilia Romagna]

One of the oldest wine regions in the country, Emilia Romagna is famous for its Lambrusco production. There are many different types of Lambrusco, but sparkling red wine is especially famous. Many are slightly sweet and have a low alcohol content, with high acidity and berry aromas. Lambrusco pairs perfectly with rich meat dishes and creamy lasagna, which are common in Emilia-Romagna's local cuisine.

central italy

4. Italy's most famous wine, Chianti, is produced in [Tuscany]

Tuscany is Italy's oldest wine-producing region, dating back to the 8th century BC. Most Tuscan wines are made from Sangiovese grapes. Depending on the environment, Sangiovese can take on a variety of flavors, from mineral to fruity. Chianti, Italy's most famous wine, is made with over 80% Sangiovese. Brunello di Montalcino, made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, is called the ``miracle wine'' and is one of the ``three great spirits'' of Italian wine, along with Barolo and Barbaresco.

southern italy

5. Sicily

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. The warm and temperate climate is perfect for growing wine, and it is also the region with the most vineyards in Italy. White wine accounts for 60% of production.

A famous drink in Sicily is Marsala wine, which is made by fortifying wine with brandy. Marsala is made by fermenting the must (juice) from grapes. It is a DOC (Controlled Designation of Origin) wine that is aged by adding brandy or wine spirits to increase the alcohol content while retaining the sugar content.

We also recommend dark, rich, and fruity red wines made in warm climates. Among them, Nero d'Avola is a rich and full-bodied Sicilian red wine that combines fruit, alcohol, and acidity.

If you want to get started with Italian wine, start from 5 regions

People who don't know much about Italian wine but want to try it! First of all, be sure to try wines from five major producing regions: Veneto, Piedmont, Emilia, Romagna, Tuscany, and Sicily!