October 17, 2022
Italian Wine Regions
Italy is one of the most iconic wine-producing countries in the world. It has over 20 wine regions and more than 350 grape varieties, making Italian wines very diverse. You can find rich reds, crisp whites, and sparkling Proseccos. If you are starting your wine journey or want to find new favourites, exploring Italian wine regions is important.
In this guide, we will look at the key Italian wine regions. We will also discuss the types of wine they make and well-known grapes.
Top Wine Regions of Italy
Italy is divided into 20 administrative regions, and nearly all of them produce wine. Here are the key Italian wine regions you should know about:
TUSCANY (toscana)
Famous wines: Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Tuscany is synonymous with world-class red wines. The Sangiovese grape dominates here, producing elegant, structured reds that age beautifully. It’s also the birthplace of “Super Tuscans” — blends that often include Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
The Wine Flyer suggests: Collezione di Paolo Chianti Classico - A juicy, fruit-forward Chianti with silky red fruit flavours
Piedmont (Piemonte
Famous wines: Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, Moscato d’Asti
Located in the northwest, Piedmont is known for its prestigious reds made from the Nebbiolo grape. Barolo and Barbaresco are complex and age-worthy, while Barbera offers a softer, fruitier alternative. Don’t miss the slightly sparkling, sweet Moscato d’Asti.
The Wine Flyer suggests: Scrimaglio Barolo Docg, red cherry and plum fruit balanced with elegant leathery oak and silky tannins
Veneto
Famous wines: Amarone, Valpolicella, Soave, Prosecco
Veneto in the northeast is one of Italy’s most productive wine regions. Amarone is a rich, full-bodied red made from partially dried grapes. Valpolicella offers lighter reds, while Soave is a refreshing white. Veneto is also renowned as the heartland of Prosecco.
The Wine Flyer suggests: Beccacino Prosecco Brut or the elegant Beccacino Prosecco Rose.
Sicily
Famous wines: Nero d’Avola, Frappato, Marsala
Sicily has a warm climate and volcanic soils. This makes it great for bold red wines like Nero d’Avola. It is also good for lighter reds like Frappato. The island also produces fortified Marsala and exciting natural and organic wines.
The Wine Flyer suggests: W/O Organic Frappato Red, a smooth and vibrant Sicilian wine made from organically grown Frappato grapes
PUGLIA
Famous wines: Primitivo, Negroamaro
Located in southern Italy, Puglia is known for robust, fruit-forward reds. Primitivo (genetically similar to Zinfandel) and Negroamaro are the stars here. These wines offer great value and rich flavours.
The Wine Flyer suggests: Paololeo Pianerosse Negroamaro Puglia, A full-bodied and well balanced red wine from the Southern Italy region of Puglia.
Abruzzo
Famous wines: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Abruzzo, on Italy’s Adriatic coast, is celebrated for its approachable yet characterful wines. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo produces smooth reds full of dark cherry, plum, and earthy spice. Trebbiano d’Abruzzo is a crisp white with refreshing citrus notes, making it a versatile food wine.
The Wine Flyer suggests: Volunte Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Doc— a southern style red full of ripe dark fruit and silky tannins.
Italian REd wines
Italy’s red wines are as diverse as its regions. From the strong tannins of Barolo to the ripe fruitiness of Primitivo, there is an Italian red for everyone. Common red grapes include:
Sangiovese – Tuscany’s flagship, used in Chianti and Brunello.
Nebbiolo – Behind Barolo and Barbaresco, known for power and longevity.
Barbera – Softer, juicy reds from Piedmont.
Nero d’Avola – Bold and spicy wines from Sicily.
Primitivo – Rich and jammy wines from Puglia.
Montepulciano – Earthy reds from Abruzzo.
These wines pair beautifully with Italian cuisine — think pasta, grilled meats, and cheeses.
Types of Italian Wine
Italy produces all styles of wine: red, white, rosé, sparkling, and dessert wines. Here are the main types
Red Wines (Vini Rossi) – Made from dark-skinned grapes. Famous varieties include Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Primitivo.
White Wines (Vini Bianchi) – Made from grapes like Pinot Grigio, Trebbiano, and Verdicchio.
Sparkling Wines (Spumante) – Includes Prosecco, Franciacorta, and Lambrusco.
Dessert & Fortified Wines – Like Vin Santo (Tuscany) and Marsala (Sicily).
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Wine
What are the best Italian wine regions?
Top regions are Tuscany, Piedmont, Veneto, Sicily, and Puglia. Each region boasts its own style of Italian red and white wine.
What is the most popular red wine in Italy?
Chianti, made from Sangiovese in Tuscany, is one of the most popular Italian red wines. Amarone and Barolo are also widely respected.
Is Prosecco from Italy?
Yes. Prosecco is a sparkling wine from the Veneto and Friuli regions of northeastern Italy.
What types of wine do producers make in Italy?
Italy produces red, white, sparkling, rosé, and dessert wines. Notable examples include Chianti, Pinot Grigio, Prosecco, and Marsala.
Which grapes do winemakers use in Italian wine?
Key Italian wine grapes include Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Nero d’Avola, Primitivo, Montepulciano, and Pinot Grigio.
Discover the Wines of Italy
Exploring Italian wine is like travelling through a cultural and culinary wonderland. Italy has something for every wine lover. You can choose elegant reds from Tuscany, crisp whites from Alto Adige, or sparkling Prosecco from Veneto.
Browse our collection of Italian wines and bring home a taste of Italy today.