The Rich History of Italian Wines

Italy is one of the biggest exporters of wine worldwide as well as one of the oldest wine-producing regions. In part due to the high quality wine produced within the country, Italian people consume more wine compared to any other nationality in the world. The rich history of Italian wine production has made this drink important part of their culture, with one or two glasses enjoyed with the most meals. While the grape has been vital part of Italian culture even before the recorded history, it wasn't popular until the Greeks settled in the region that wine-producing took hold. First introduced to the Sicilian people and after that to the Carthaginians, wine-making was very valuable industry. The consumption of Italian wine became a part of their culture and led Italy to the place of fame in the field, by producing almost 20% of the global total.

Italy's four classes of wine – The EU has wine regulations to manage the many aspects of making wine. The most relevant aspect to Italy is the EU's classification of Italian wine. According to this classification, there are two main categories: TW – Table Wine and QWpsr – Quality Wines Produced in Specific Regions. Appellation system of Italy classifies wine in four categories, with two being QWpsr and other two being TW. The two classes of QWpsr Italian wine are Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC). The TW classes are Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) and Vino da Tavola (VDT).

Geographic characteristics of Italy – Italian wine is not only great because of the rich history of wine-producing, but also because of the certain geographic characteristics of the country. The most essential part might be the latitudinal area the region covers, giving opportunity for cultivating a wide variety of grapes and additionally, the development process of wine production techniques. Italy also improves a variety of land which leads to more wider variety of grapes. Finally, the moderate climate of Italy is the one to blame for a long growing season.

Wine regions – Italy is a country with 20 different wine regions and each of them is producing distinct flavor of Italian wine. Some of these regions produce names like Barbaresco, Brunelo di Montalcino and Barolo. Some of the most popular Italian wine-making regions are:

• Lazio – Widely known for its white wines, which are primarily produced with Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes.
• Tuscany and Umbria – One of the most scenic areas worldwide, the subject of countless landscapes and the backdrop of films, Umbria and Tuscany are two of the best Italian wine producing regions in the whole world. Tuscany is one of the leading exporters of Chianti in the world, while Torgiano and Ovrieto are produced by Umberia.
• Lombardy – this region produces some of the world's most desirable wines, and this is due both the quality of grape and the quality of winemakers within the region, which benefit from a fertile, rich soil. Lombardy produces wide range of wines from sparkling whites to dry reds.
• Sicily – This region improves countless vineyards producing among many other varieties. Volcanic soil along with the hot climate has produced Italian wine for English royalty and local patrons for centuries.

Grape varieties – The Italian MIRAF (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry) has given authorized status to more than 350 grapes with which Italian winemakers produce wines, though more than 500 varieties as well have been documented. Some of the most common varieties are the following:

Bianco (White):

• Gargenega – A variety which makes Soave, a dry white Italian wine.
• Pinot Grigio – Produces wine of the same name and is one of the most popular variety worldwide, as the wine it produces is clean and crisp.
• Trebbiano – The Italy's most widely planted grape that makes a popular white Italian wine of the same name.

Roso (Red):

• Sangiovese – The most popular grape variety in all Italy. Among the wide range of wines, this grape makes Chianti, Italian wine with a huge fans all around the world.
• Corvina – The famous wines like Amarone and Valpolicella are made of this grape variety.
• Nebbiolo – A grape that is quite difficult to grow. It produces Barbaresco and Barolo, which by many are the best wines produced in Italy.