A Guide to Italian Wine Regions

Home to viticulture with thousands of years of experience and twenty major wine regions, Italy is a must-see destination for wine lovers.

Join us as we travel throughout Italy’s most notorious wine regions. 

Italian Wine Classifications

Like French wines, Italian wines have a classification system known as DOC. This is a "controlled designation of origin," a quality assurance label for Italian wine and cheese. 

The highest classification level is DOCG or Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita. 

Under strict winemaking laws, the wine's authenticity is enforced, requiring winemakers to use only particular native grapes like Sangiovese and traditional winemaking practices. 

The last tier of classification is IGT, which indicates a "typical geographic location." Table wines made from non-native grapes like Chardonnay or Merlot are quite common under this label. This classification is the least strict regarding grape varieties and winemaking practices. 

Let's see the DOC classification system in action as we explore Italy's famous wine regions.

Italian Wine Regions

Italy is one of the world's largest producers of table and cooking wines (like Marsala and Vermouth). The three major regions to look out for for the highest-quality table wines are Veneto, Tuscany, and Piedmont. However, according to the classification system, each wine region produces a certain amount of high-quality wines.

Explore Italy's finest regions in order of highest to lowest amount of DOC wines.

1. 1. Veneto

Famous for its diverse climates and breathtaking architecture, Veneto grows the most significant amount of indigenous grapes and boasts the highest amount of DOC wines with 18% DOC production. Experience gothic cathedrals and open countrysides, and take a gondola through the city of Venice as you sip on one of their iconic wines. Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Franc, the dry Italian white wine Soave, Merlot, and Chardonnay are all on the list.

Regarding DOCG wines, you must try Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, made from traditional Molinara, Corvilla, and Rondinella grapes grown between Lake Garda and Verona. With so many of the country's DOC and DOCG wines produced here, Veneto never has a shortage of quality. 

1. 2. Tuscany

At 17% DOC production, Tuscany is right behind Veneto. Home to the Sangiovese grape, this region is one of the most famous and is considered the Italian Renaissance's birthplace. With vineyards that stretch for miles and so much rich winemaking history, it's no wonder why Tuscany is a popular destination for wine lovers.

Apart from Sangiovese, this region is known for Super Tuscan blends and red wines like Chianti Classico, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Regarding DOCG wines, seek out the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino. 

The most famous DOCG white wine is the Tuscany Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, which is dry and tangy with a distinctly bitter aftertaste. 

Indulge in Fresh seafood and traditional comfort dishes like spaghetti when sipping the DOCG wines in this region.

1. 3. Piedmont

At 11% DOC production, Piedmont is the last of our top three Italian wine regions. In addition to Tuscany and Veneto, Piedmont is one of the top wine exporters to the United States. As this region faces the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, its diverse climate is perfect for producing wines from the black grape Nebbiolo, which boasts aggressive tannins and breezy floral aromas.

DOCG wines to seek here include Barolo, the "King of Wine." This wine is bursting with red floral and fruity notes like rose petal, raspberry, and cherry, complemented by black pepper and cinnamon spices. Barbaresco is another DOCG wine to look for, which is much less tannic due to its thin grape skins and fruity expression. Dolcetto and Brachetto are the last DOCG red wines we suggest, which boast striking red and black fruit notes.

For white wines, look to Moscato Bianco, Cortes, Chardonnay, and sweet Moscato d’Asti.

1. 4. Emilia-Romagna

With 9% DOC production, this region is known for its sparkling red wine, Lambrusco, and smoky, fruit-forward Sangiovese. 

Regarding white wine, Emilia-Romagna is well known for its Trebbiano, which boasts dry textures followed by bright citrus and stone fruit notes. This wine is commonly used in Italian balsamic vinegar. 

1. 5. Lombardy

Lombardy is famous for its sparkling wines and comes in at 7% DOC production. This region is one of the largest in Northern Italy and has a cool, elevated climate surrounded by lakes. Sunny days and breezy nights allow grapes to thrive.

For a top recommendation, the Franciacorta DOCG, a sparkling red wine with black cherry, forest berry, and almond notes, is famous here. Another quality red to try is the Red Valtellina, which boasts bright cherry notes and flavors. 

1. 6. Umbria

Similar to Lombardy, Umbria also boasts 7% DOC production. This region lies along Italy's central coast and is known for its hilly landscapes and Mediterranean climate. Smoothly tannic wines like Sangiovese, Merlot, Trebbiano, and Cabernet Sauvignon thrive in Umbria's cold, wet winters and dry summers. 

This region also has a chilly side, as it faces the snowy peaks of the Apennines, which provide the perfect cold climate for the delicate and tart white wine Grechetto. With green almond notes and delightful mineral textures, this wine is often compared to Pinot Grigio. 

1. 7. Abruzzo

Abruzzo's 7% DOC production is awe-inspiring, given that its wine production is relatively small compared to some of the other regions. This region produces high-quality red, white, and Rosé varieties, including the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC, the Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC, and the Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC.

A diverse coastline with the breathtaking sparkling blue waters of the Adriatic Sea and incredible mountain ranges, Abruzzo is perfect for both beachy summer days and winter skiing.

1. 8. Trentino Alto Adige

Featuring 6% DOC production and a backdrop that will make you feel like you're in The Sound of Music, the breathtaking hilly landscapes and Medieval castles of Trentino Alto Adige are a testament to the region's Austro-Hungarian and German influence. 

Its northeast location near the Alps makes this region ideal for producing sweet wines like the German dessert wine Gewürztraminer. Because of the chilly climate, sparkling wines are prevalent here, including a traditional Chardonnay blend known as Trento DOC, similar to Champagne's taste and quality. 

Other notable wines to try here include Pinot Nero, a light-bodied red wine similar to Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio. 

1. 9. Friuli Venezia Giulia

With 6% DOC production, this region focuses heavily on white wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. Over 75% of production is dedicated to white wines alone. The terrain and climate of this region are incredibly diverse, with mountain ranges, lush green hills, and breezes from the Adriatic Sea. 

Located in the northeast, Friuli Venezia Giulia is heavily influenced by Slovic culture. A testament to this includes unique white wines like Ribolla Giolla, which is citrusy and acidic, and Friulano, which smells like peaches and flowers. 

Other unique white wine variations include honey-filled Sauvignon Blanc and dry, meaty Chardonnay. For red wine, seek out fruity Merlot. 

1. 10. Le Marche

Moving down to 3% DOC production, Marche (pronounced Mar-kay) lies below Emilia-Romagna along Italy's east coast. With diverse terrains, microclimates, and terroir ranging from limestone to mineral, clay, and sand, white grapes like Verdicchio ripen to reflect an intense aromatic expression. This wine is fresh and herbaceous with pear, apricot, and almond notes.

Montepulciano's Italian red wine is also famous here, with medium-bodied acidity, robust tannins, and dark plum notes. Crafted using Sangiovese grapes, the wine's intense boysenberry flavors are often compared to Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. 

1. 11.  Puglia

This region is home to hot climates and sandy soils with 3% DOC production. However, the Mediterranean breeze makes this destination enjoyable in late summer. This climate is ideal for producing Sangiovese rich with bold tannins and prominent fruity notes. 

Puglia is a recent DOCG appellation, receiving the Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale subregion title in 2011. This area is known for producing quality sweet red wines that are highly exclusive and rare. For white wine, Chardonnay is a must-try in this region. 

1. 12. Lazio

This region of Italy is home to the capital of Rome and produces 2% DOCG wines. The wine production is small but mighty, Lazio's volcanic soils are excellent for making many grape varieties for wines like Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Malvasia di Candia, and Malvasia Puntinata. The latter two are known for their soft citrus notes and pleasant mineral aftertaste. These wines are some of the highest quality of similar types found throughout the country. 

1. 13. Sicily

The island of Sicily hosts 1% DOC production and is known for its rich, dark red wines cultivated by its warm climate. This region has been at the forefront of Mediterranean viticulture for thousands of years and is equally famous for its fortified apricot and spice wine. 

However, the most well-known wine of all is the regal Nero d' Avola, which is often blended with Frappato for Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG. This makes for a robust red wine that's dark, rich, and fruit-forward. 

For white wine, Grillo is notable in this region, refreshing with its light peachy flavors. Enjoy the beautiful Roman ruins and rolling hills of Sicily.

1. 14. Sardinia

Less than 200 miles from Italy's west coast, the quaint seaside towns of Sardinia are waiting. With exquisite wines and decadent cheeses like Pecorino, this region hosts 1% DOC production. Close to Tuscany, Sardinia grows French and Spanish grape varieties, notably Grenache. 

1. 15. Campania

Campania is home to bustling Naples, the largest city in the region. With 0.5% DOC production, the Greeks first introduced the Aglianico grape, which is the core of Campania's winemaking. 

Because of its potent tannins, Aglianico wine takes ten years to age before it is drinkable. 

Volcanic soils and ocean breezes lend to the fruity expression of the red wines here. 

1. 16. Liguria

With 0.2% DOC production, Liguria's claim to fame is its white wine. Vermentino and Pigato are full-bodied, dry white wines produced from grapes that thrive in the steep elevation and biting winds of the Alps. 

Liguria's rugged coastline and coastal breezes are excellent for bright, fruity wines like Rossesse and Dolcetto, the latter of which has a delightful almond and licorice aftertaste.

1. 17. Calabria

With 0.17% DOC production, Greco is the white wine of choice in this region. Calabria is part of Southern Italy's coast, specifically the "tip of the boot" area. Tucked between the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas, the climate is mild and Mediterranean with very little rainfall. 

Under the Cirò DOC, Calabria also produces its most famous red wine, Gaglioppo, which is characterized by its heavy tannins and rich fruit and tobacco flavors. 

1. 18. Molise

South of Abruzzo is the secluded Molise region, which caters to 0.1% DOC production. Historical architecture, mountainous terrain, and historical architecture will make you feel like you've traveled back in time. Mineral-rich, calcareous soils, sunshine, and coastal breezes produce robust, deep purple wines like Aglianico, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Tintila, with their elegant tannins. 

1. 19. Basilicata

Like Molise, Basilicata is equally secluded, with the Apennines blocking the cool currents of the Tyrrhenian Sea. With gorgeous historical architecture and 0.1% DOC production, it is here where you will find plummy red wines like Aglianico, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Greco Nero produced from grapes grown in volcanic, mineral-rich soils.

1. 20. Aosta Valley

With the tiniest DOC production of just 0.05%, Aosta Valley is Italy's smallest and northernmost region, tucked away near the Alps on the border of France and Switzerland. Its high elevation and rocky terrain make it challenging for viticulture, and the mineral soils of the valley floor are too fertile. Most of the vines are grown on the mountain's slopes.

Aosta Valley is known for fruity wines rich in tannins and acidity, particularly Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir, Petite Arvine, Petite Rouge, and Fumin. For white wine, Chardonnay is prevalent here. 

Continue Exploring Italy's Diverse Wine Regions

With the knowledge of Italy's famous wine regions, you can set sail or take flight for an international wine-tasting adventure. 

There is so much the Italian wine industry has to offer. Every wine enthusiast must visit at least once or a few times to experience it.

If you'd like to enrich your wine knowledge further, check out our Podcast and Wine Online 101 for everything related to the wine world.

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