This popular Italian wine makes a delicious accompaniment to rich tomato-based dishes such as Pasta al Pomodoro or pizza. It’s a high-acidity red wine distinguished by its aromas of cherry, plum, almond, violet, wood, and spices. Chianti is the largest wine-producing region in all of Italy and was one of the world’s earliest legally defined wine-making zones.Ĭhianti is a dry, red wine made predominantly with the Sangiovese grape, which is native to the region. If you’ve ever visited the Tuscany region, there’s a good chance that you’ve already heard of Chianti.

Similar Italian wine types that also use the Nebbiolo grape are Barbaresco DOGC, Gattinara DOCG and Langhe Nebbiolo DOC. Delicious when paired with red meats and strong cheeses. The result is a rich and complex full-bodied Italian red wine with signature “rose and tar” aromas and notes of truffle, chocolate, dried fruit, and herbs. The black Nebbiolo grape is so tannin-packed that the wine has to age for at least 3 years, 18 months of which must take place in oak or chestnut barrels, to be smooth enough to drink. It is made from the grape variety Nebbiolo. Grapes: Nebbiolo.Īlso originating from northern Italy, this time in the Piedmont region, Barolo is universally known as one of the country’s finest and most popular red wines.īarolo is a DOGC wine, guaranteeing the highest levels of production and superior quality. Nebbiolo grapes used to produce Barolo red wine. Like cheese? Check out our guide to 14 Types of Italian Cheeses Everyone Must Know. It pairs well with white meats, fish and raw seafood, and soft-ripened cheeses like brie. This quality sparkling wine has a rich and elegant taste, with notes of light citrus and dried fruits, as well as yeast and toasty brioche flavours which come from its fermentation process. Known as ‘Italian Champagne’, Franciacorta is made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc grapes – also used in Champagne – and is produced using the ‘traditional method’ (or Method Champenoise), where the second fermentation happens in the bottle.įranciacorta is generally drier than Prosecco but not quite as acidic as Champagne. While not quite as well known outside of Italy as Prosecco, Franciacorta has gained more international recognition in recent years. Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, and Pinot Bianco.įranciacorta DOGC is another popular Italian sparkling wine, originating from the Providence of Brescia in the Lombardy region. And find out more about Prosecco in our guide to What is Prosecco? 2. Find out more in our Prosecco and Food Pairing Guide. It’s a great drink to have as a pre-dinner aperitif but, more than that, it can actually accompany every course of your meal if you choose the right food and Prosecco. With delicate bubbles and subtle fruity and floral notes, Prosecco can be enjoyed on its own, or mixed to create some of the most well-known Italian cocktails, including Aperol Spritz and Bellini. Prosecco must be produced using 85% Glera grape and is made using the ‘Charmat method’ (or tank method), where the second fermentation happens in tanks. Just an hour away from Venice, it’s easy for taking a wine tasting tour if you’re visiting the city. As with all wines, there are various degrees of quality of Prosecco with the DOC (good) and DOCG (best) Prosecco originating from Italy’s Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions in the north. Probably one of the best known Italian wines, Prosecco is an affordable sparkling wine that has gained global recognition and has become a popular alternative to Champagne.

Italian dry white wine