Italy is a country that knows how to live la dolce vita, and no trip is complete without indulging in its world-famous wines. From ruby red glasses of Chianti sipped in sun-soaked Tuscan vineyards to crisp, zesty whites along the Amalfi Coast, every region has its own delicious history of wine.
To help guide you through Italy’s must visit vineyards, emerging regions, and expert tasting tips, we’ve teamed up with sommelier and Master of Wine Sarah Abbott3, who shares her expertise on the best regions for different types of wine. Heather Green, Head of Product at Citalia, also provides insights on how to make the most of a wine inspired Italian getaway.
What You Need to Know About Italy’s Wine Regions
Italy’s wine scene is as rich and complex as its history, but if you’ve ever found yourself staring at a wine list wondering what on earth DOCG means, you’re not alone. And if you’re planning a trip to Italy’s wine regions, understanding these ratings will help you navigate vineyards, wine lists, and tasting rooms like a pro. The country has a three-tier classification system designed to ensure quality and authenticity, and Sarah helps decode Italy’s wine rating system, breaking down the classifications and sharing expert insights to make choosing the perfect bottle effortless.
“At the base of the Italian wine rating system is IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica), this is the most flexible category, allowing winemakers to experiment freely. Some of Italy’s most prestigious Super Tuscan wines fall into this category simply because they don’t follow traditional rules.
DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) is a step up in regulation. This ensures wines meet regional standards, such as vineyard production methods, while still allowing some creativity.
At the top, DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) wines undergo strict quality checks for some of Italy’s most famous wines like Barolo and Brunello di Montalcino.”
But here’s the secret, “Higher classification doesn’t always mean better wine – some of Italy’s finest bottles come from IGT and DOC labels.”
Where To Go For Full-Bodied Red Wines
Tuscany (Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Super Tuscans)
Tuscany is a dream destination for lovers of rich, structured reds. Home to Sangiovese-based wines, this region produces some of Italy’s most famous bottles, from the classic Chianti Classico to the prestigious Brunello di Montalcino.
Heather explains “Some of the top estates to visit include Biondi Santi, Antinori, and Frescobaldi. Enjoy wine tastings in centuries-old cellars and indulge in farm to table Tuscan cuisine paired with a bold Sangiovese.”
Piedmont (Barolo, Barbaresco)
For serious red wine lovers, Piedmont is unmissable. This northern region is famous for Nebbiolo-based wines, particularly Barolo and Barbaresco, known for their high tannins, complex aromas, and incredible aging potential.
Heather notes “Surrounded by the Alps on three sides, wander through vineyard-covered hills and stop by Gaja, Vietti, and Pio Cesare to taste some of Italy’s most sought-after wines.”
Campania (Taurasi)
Often called the “Barolo of the South”, Sarah explains, “Taurasi is made from Aglianico grapes, producing deeply structured, age-worthy reds. These wines grow in volcanic soils near Mount Vesuvius in Campania, giving them a unique minerality and intensity. Don’t miss the opportunity to try Taurasi, a red wine bursting with volcanic energy.”
Etna, Sicily (Etna Rosso)
Mount Etna’s dramatic high-altitude vineyards create some of Italy’s most exciting wines. Etna Rosso, made from Nerello Mascalese, is another elegant, mineral-driven wine, full of volcanic character. While you’re there, explore the region’s zippy Carricante whites for a taste of Etna’s unique terroir.
Not only does the region produce some of Italy’s best wines, it also has some of the most breath taking scenery. Heather adds “Mount Etna has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by thriving olive groves and vineyards, and you can even venture up by cable car, which takes you to around 6,000 feet.”
Dream Destinations for White Wine Lovers:
Alto Adige
Nestled in the Italian Alps and immersed in alpine scenery, Alto Adige is one of Itay’s best kept secret for white wine lovers. Sarah explains “Influenced by its Austrian and German neighbours, this region produces stunning Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Bianco. Stop by winemakers such as Cantina Terlano, Elena Walch, and Alois Lageder for a taste of these crisp, aromatic wines.”
Soave (Veneto)
Soave is having a moment, situated in the romantic region of Verona, where you can wander through medieval streets, explore centuries-old castles. Sarah explains it has “a new generation of winemakers crafting elegant, age-worthy whites from the Garganega grape. These wines are rivalling the fine whites of France, at a fraction of the price.”
Heather suggests to “Visit producers like Pieropan, Suavia, and Inama to explore Soave’s rising star and pair your wine with local delicacies like Monte Veronese cheese and fresh seafood. Also Vinitaly, Italy’s premier international wine and spirits exhibition held in Verona, is just around the corner, so it’s the perfect time to explore top producers, taste exceptional vintages, and see Soave’s growing global reputation firsthand.”
Le Marche
A lesser known coastal destination, Sarah expresses “Le Marche is the land of Verdicchio, a white wine with impressive aging potential and a distinct mineral backbone. Explore must visit wineries like Bucci, Garofoli, and Umani Ronchi while soaking up the region’s stunning seaside and cultural charm.”
The Ultimate Spot for Prosecco Enthusiasts
Conegliano Valdobbiadene (Prosecco Hills, Veneto)
Italy’s Prosecco region, renowned for its exceptional wines, is a UNESCO World Heritage site offering a stunning landscape of rolling vineyards. Sarah explains “Unlike mass-market Prosecco, wines from here are artisanal and terroir-driven. Visit for unique styles like Cartizze (Prosecco’s Grand Cru), Col Fondo (unfiltered Prosecco), and Rive (single-vineyard Prosecco).
Heather Green, Head of Product at Citalia commented “Italy’s wine regions offer an unparalleled diversity of styles, from the bold reds of Tuscany to the crisp alpine whites of Alto Adige and the world-renowned Proseccos of Veneto. With wine tourism continuing to surge and wine being one of Italy’s biggest exports, travellers are seeking more immersive experiences, whether that’s vineyard tastings with winemakers, exploring historic cellars, or discovering hidden gem wineries off the beaten path. At Citalia, we’ve seen a growing appetite for curated wine experiences that allow visitors to truly savour Italy’s rich winemaking heritage.”
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