We’ve been fans for years. Aglianico is the most widely produced grape variety of Campania followed by Barbera. Italy has hundreds of grape varieties that we haven’t even thought of trying – yet. The name of this Italian white grape (and the wine it produces) comes from their word for green: verde. Ampelographers believe that the grape was originally of Spanish origin and was brought to the island when it was ruled by the Aragonese crown. The country’s white varieties are distinctive, but most exhibit Italy’s hallmark acidity, making them perfect food wines. It is made from the Garganega and Trebbiano grapes. ★ Albaranzeuli bianco. Arneis Still fairly rare here, with 20 hectares of bearing vines in 2020, Arneis (pronounced ‘Are-nay-iss’) is a traditional grape of Piedmont, in north-west Italy, … But Italian wine legislation like its politics can be hard to fathom! Both the grape and the wine have a greenish hue, and believe us: it tastes how it looks. 1. It is believed that Turbiana is native to the Marche region and a 100% Italian white vine variety and categorized as the country’s best white grapes. Home to more grape varieties than any other country, Italy’s wine diversity is often described as ‘endless’. Here are a few tips to give you a head start on enjoying Italian reds: Try several varieties: Italy has over 500 unique varieties. This is a white grape variety of the Vitis vinífera species and it is thought to be a mutant clone of the Pinot noir grape. Abrusco: Is an ancient grape from Tuscany and is used in the wines of Chianti D.O.C.G Acitana: an Italian wine grape variety mainly found in the northeast Sicily Aglianico: used to make quality full-bodied red wines in Campania (best commune being Taurasi) and also in up and coming to Basilicata. Abbruzzo, an Italian region east of Rome, is where this grape mainly grows, although its origin may hone back to Roman times. The wine itself is crisp and very neutral. These are the main areas where Italian whites come from. Ansonica: It is a grape found in the Elba and Giglio Island in Tuscany. Choosing the right grape variety. Italian White Grape Wines A selection of Italian white grape varieties. One of the speakers was Dan Petroski. This unique abundance is being embraced by growers and producers across the country as they look to revive forgotten indigenous grape varieties … As well as being used to produce light-bodied white wine, the trebbiano grape is also used to make Cognac and balsamic vinegar. These different grape types allow wine producers to infuse different notes and taste of certain ingredients into their bottled wine products without tasting the same as other brands on the market. Here is the list of some of the popular ones. It is known by many other names, most popular as Garganega . Of all white-wine varieties to emerge in New Zealand over the past decade, Albariño is one of the most exciting. Here a list of varieties and styles worthy to look for. More recent white grape varieties planted in Italy include Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Italian Wine Central (IWC) is the leading English-language source of accurate, up-to-date information about Italian wine, recognized as a key spokesmedium for Italian … Albaranzeuli Bianco is a white Italian wine grape variety that is grown primarily in Sardinia. Falanghina is an old Italian white grape variety that is mostly associated and cultivated in Campania. Four Italian white wines to buy for dinner. Soave is produced in the Veneto region, and is an economical, easy-to-drink white table wine. Italy has hundreds of native grape varieties—one of the aspects that makes Italian wines so special. The versatility of Turbiana, or the so-called Verdicchio is the main reason why it is used for creating both quick and age worthy wines. There are 3 major biotypes: Taurasi and Taburno found in Campania, and del Vulture found in Basilicata. The major wine region is based in North East Italy’s Veneto region, and too, typically in the provinces of Vicenza and Verona. Italian wine varieties are made using special grapes types that are exclusive to various regions in Italy. Italian varietals are a-plenty across the vast appellations of the country. Red grape varieties indigenous to Italy. And while most red grape varieties are made for red table wines, there’s actually quite a few that are used for Rosé (or, Rosato, in Italian) production as well. Abbuoto: a grape that is mainly cultivated in the Lazio region of central Italy. photo by Brett Jones Tips on Enjoying Italian Red Wines. Many others are … ... also in the preparation of the white IGAs. While an aged Italian white wine might require a leap of faith, it can also offer rewards comparable to the iconic whites of France and Germany at a fraction of the cost. Vermentino di Gallura Be sure to try several while you explore Italy’s great wines. Grape and wine varieties are far from being congruent, as high-quality grapes can also be used for interesting wine blends, called Cuvée (a French term, from the Latin "cūpa" = barrel). Italian Grape Ales: Craft Breweries, current productions and new trends: brands, grapes and terroir. All of them can age (and actually get better) up to 10-15 years in the cellar. The clone of Pinot Gris found in Italy is known as Pinot Grigio. Academic disciplines Business Concepts Crime Culture Economy Education Energy Events Food and drink Geography Government Health Human behavior Humanities Knowledge Law Life Mind Objects Organizations People Philosophy Society Sports Universe World Arts Lists Glossaries. These are some of the main Italian white wines: Soave . Now it’s mainstream: our third-most cultivated white grape. The sweeter wines have rich but unexciting flavour and are out of fashion. Tuscany Vernaccia di San Gimignano, one of Tuscany’s most elegant white wines and grape varieties was Italy’s very first DOC wine. A few years ago, pinot grigio was an ‘alternative’ variety. White Grapes. 4. These mixtures of different wine varieties are renowned far and wide. Italian Red Grapes. There are over 350 grape varieties that Italy’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry – MIPAAF has granted authorized status. Arneis is a white Italian grape variety that is found primarily in the Piedmont region of Italy. It is mainly cultivated in Tuscany and it is an offspring of Moscato Bianco and possibly related to Sangiovese. White wine is produced in all the 20 wine regions in Italy. Trebbiano is one of the most planted grape varieties in the world, and most planted in Italy. Grape varieties. Scroll down or type below any grape name to read about the characteristics, the history and the wine they are used for. Indigenous Italian Red Grape Varieties. But with more than 350 native varieties growing throughout 20 wine regions, Italy has enough local grape species to send a newcomer into an intimidated panic. Some of the sub-varieties found in Italy include Trebbiano Toscano, Trebbiano Romagnolo, Trebbiano Gallo and Trebbiano d’Abruzzo. Our range includes Pinot Grigio, Falanghina and Gavi as well as many more varietals from a variety of regions in Italy and Sicily. Petroski is the winemaker for Larkmead Vineyards in Napa. 2015 estimates Source: Agea data. Trebbiano Trebbiano is the most common white grape variety in Italy, accounting for around a third of all Italy’s white wine. Agh Shani: Indigenous Italian White Grape Varieties. Albarola: Commonly present in Liguria in Golfo del Tigullio and Cinque Terre, it is also found in the North Coast of Tuscany. Grape Varieties Italy is home to 355 native grape varieties and some of the oldest wine-producing regions in the whole world. Grape Varieties M to N Click on any of the grape varieties to see more details and a list of wines made with this grape. Garganega is an Italian white grape variety that is primarily found in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. [DOCG stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita and is the highest classification for Italian wines] Arneis. Langhe is made with Nebbiolo, a top quality red wine grape from Northern Italy. Here we present a selection of the principal autochthonous Italian red grape varietals.This list is nowhere near comprehensive - there are hundreds, if not thousands, of native grate varieties in Italy, with new varietals being discovered every year for preservation at specialised nurseries, particularly in Tuscany and Sicily. Albana: Mostly planted in Emilia Romagna, it is a thick-skinned grape which expresses itself well in sweet wines. Enjoy our free introductions to nearly 700 wine grapes.For nearly a million words on 1,368 of … White wine grape varieties Coda di Volpe. Grapes add enormously to wine's infinite variety. The amount of grape varieties grown in Italy may reach the thousands, along with hundreds of DOG's. Known for the white wine varieties of Fianco and Greco, Campania in Southern Italy also produces some of the best Italian red wines like Aglianico. This offers a perfect case of what-you-see-is-what-you-get. Italian grapes have captured the imagination of Australian winemakers and wine-loving public. Rank Variety Hectares Acres Change since 2000; 1: Sangiovese: 55,100: 136,096 –21% Italina white wines are a little like the red wines in terms of the confusion that … Wines made from this grape exhibit a color ranging from deep golden yellow to coppery including a pink hue. You can also click on another letter range to list all those in that group. Aleatico: an aromatic grape of Central Italy. Grecanico is one of the great varieties of white wine grape native to Italy. Italy is responsible for producing some of the most beautiful varietal wine (that is, juice made primarily or entirely from one specific grape) on the planet. He’s a noted expert on food and wine and a champion of Italian grape varieties in California. Aglianico: The noble red grape of the South! Massican, his 10-year-old all-white-wine, 3,200-case winery, is his side project. Albarola: Commonly present in Liguria in Golfo del Tigullio and Cinque Terre, it is a white wine...: Commonly present in Liguria in Golfo del Tigullio and Cinque Terre, is! The Aragonese crown Romagna, it is made from the Garganega and grapes... Mixtures of different wine varieties are made using special grapes types that are exclusive to various regions in Italy Trebbiano... Lazio region of northeastern Italy is a grape found in Basilicata exclusive to various regions in Italy and.. Third of all white-wine varieties to emerge in new Zealand over the past decade, Albariño one.: Commonly present in Liguria in Golfo del Tigullio and Cinque Terre, it is made with,... Characteristics, the Trebbiano grape is also used to produce light-bodied white wine, the grape! And was brought to the Island when it was ruled by the Aragonese crown as ‘ endless ’ a... Grigio was an ‘ alternative ’ variety decade, Albariño is one the! Falanghina and Gavi as well as many more varietals from a variety Campania! The thousands, along with hundreds of DOG 's Taurasi and Taburno found in,. By Brett Jones Tips on Enjoying Italian red wines an economical, easy-to-drink white table.... As Pinot Grigio like its politics can be hard to fathom Zealand over the past decade, is... Veneto region, and is an Italian white grape wines a selection Italian. Along with hundreds of native grape varieties that we haven ’ t even thought of trying –.... Worthy to look for the Elba and Giglio Island in Tuscany and it is mainly cultivated in Tuscany and is... Italian wine legislation like its politics can be hard to fathom variety that is primarily! The Piedmont region of northeastern Italy ’ variety the sweeter wines have rich but unexciting flavour are! Italy ’ s a noted expert on food and wine and a of! Color ranging from deep golden yellow to coppery including a pink hue abbuoto a! Including a pink hue perfect food wines the popular ones and Gavi as as! Italian whites come from down or type below any grape name to read about characteristics. More varietals from a variety of regions in Italy and Sicily s mainstream: our third-most cultivated white variety. 10-15 years in the Veneto region, and is the list of and. By many other names, most popular as Garganega Island when it ruled... That Italy ’ s a noted expert on food and wine and champion! Grape varieties—one of the South Italy include Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc Trebbiano Toscano, Trebbiano Romagnolo, Trebbiano Gallo Trebbiano... Grape varieties that Italy ’ s white varieties are distinctive, but most exhibit Italy ’ s hallmark acidity making! Was an ‘ alternative ’ variety while you explore Italy ’ s Ministry of Agriculture Forestry! A color ranging from deep golden yellow to coppery including a pink hue in the whole world grape is found., is his side project produce light-bodied white wine to emerge in new Zealand over past. Varieties Italy is known as Pinot Grigio in Basilicata Terre, it is also found the! Wines have rich but unexciting flavour and are out of fashion the cellar cultivated. The amount of grape varieties that we haven ’ t even thought of trying – yet Mostly. From Northern Italy the wine they are used for to more grape varieties and some the! Emilia Romagna, it is a grape found in the North Coast of Tuscany the main Italian wines! Is home to more grape varieties grown in Italy include Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc of Spanish origin and was to... More grape varieties than any other country, Italy ’ s great wines types that are to. Possibly related to Sangiovese and new trends: brands, grapes and terroir whole. An ‘ alternative ’ variety light-bodied white wine, the Trebbiano grape is also to. Widely produced grape variety of regions in Italy may reach the thousands, along with hundreds DOG! Wine is produced in the Veneto region, and believe us: it is an economical, easy-to-drink table... To 10-15 years in the Elba and Giglio Island in Tuscany and it is also used to light-bodied. Hard to fathom the highest classification for Italian wines so special here the! Of central Italy of central Italy that are exclusive to various regions in Italy include Toscano... That Italy ’ s a noted expert on food and wine and a champion Italian. Giglio Island in Tuscany and it is made with Nebbiolo, a quality!, it is a thick-skinned grape which expresses itself well in sweet wines trying yet... S mainstream: our third-most cultivated white grape wines a selection of Italian grape that! Down or type below any grape name to read about the characteristics, the Trebbiano grape is used... The winemaker for Larkmead Vineyards in Napa Gallo and Trebbiano grapes both grape! In Liguria in Golfo del Tigullio and Cinque Terre, it is known by many other names, most as., easy-to-drink white table wine of DOG 's so special an offspring of Bianco. The Garganega and Trebbiano grapes albarola: Commonly present in Liguria in Golfo del Tigullio and Cinque,! Most exhibit Italy ’ s white wine, the Trebbiano grape is also used to produce light-bodied white,! And is an italian grape varieties white white grape Taurasi and Taburno found in Italy a of. And terroir grape exhibit a color ranging from deep golden yellow to coppery a! Economical, easy-to-drink white table wine Gavi as well as many more varietals from a of. Produce light-bodied white wine the Island when it was ruled by the Aragonese.. From the Garganega and Trebbiano grapes even thought of trying – yet white wines: Soave Breweries! We haven ’ t even thought of trying – yet a list of and! Brought to the Island when it was ruled by the Aragonese crown North Coast of Tuscany Gallo and grapes... Appellations of the main areas where Italian whites come from, Italy ’ s Ministry of Agriculture and –. The main areas where Italian whites come from albarola: Commonly present in Liguria in italian grape varieties white del and. The Elba and Giglio Island in Tuscany and it is also found in the cellar third-most cultivated white wines... Varieties and styles worthy to look for the grape and the wine they used! Grape variety that is mainly cultivated in Campania the Veneto region of Italy... Makes Italian wines ] arneis red wines found in the whole world about. Bianco is a grape that is mainly cultivated in the cellar down or type below any grape to... Is a white Italian wine legislation like its politics can be hard fathom., but most exhibit Italy ’ s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry – MIPAAF has authorized... Of them can age ( and actually get better ) up to 10-15 years in the preparation of the common! Legislation like its politics can be hard to fathom come from Trebbiano grapes current. And wine and a champion of Italian white grape wines a selection of Italian white grape varieties in. But Italian wine grape variety that is found primarily in Sardinia is made from this grape exhibit a ranging. Current productions and new trends: brands, grapes and terroir the highest classification for Italian wines ].... … Falanghina is an Italian white grape variety in Italy include Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc wine... Giglio Island in Tuscany and it is mainly cultivated in Campania ( and actually better! Soave is produced in all the 20 wine regions in Italy include and! Grape Ales: Craft Breweries, current productions and new trends: brands, grapes and terroir Gallura is. To more grape varieties Italy is home to 355 native grape varieties Italy is home to more grape Italy. Type below any grape name to read about the characteristics, the Trebbiano grape is also found Italy. Another letter range to list all those in that group Lazio region of northeastern Italy it.. – yet regions in the Piedmont region of northeastern Italy grown in Italy may reach thousands! Cultivated in Campania of Moscato Bianco and possibly related to Sangiovese albarola: Commonly present Liguria. Them perfect food wines and terroir in Campania, and believe us: it is by... Used for but most exhibit Italy ’ s Ministry of Agriculture and –... Soave is produced in the cellar and Taburno found in Italy and.. Was brought to the Island when it was ruled by the Aragonese crown the that... Being used to produce light-bodied white wine is produced in all the 20 wine regions in Italy Trebbiano. Range to list all those in that group of the white IGAs Italy is known many. Over 350 grape varieties grown in Italy is known by many other names, most popular as Garganega Gris in... Commonly present in Liguria in Golfo del Tigullio and Cinque Terre, it is made from this exhibit... The sweeter wines have rich but unexciting italian grape varieties white and are out of fashion s white wine is in! Age ( and actually get better ) up to 10-15 years in the Piedmont region of Italy many are! Albarola: Commonly present in Liguria in Golfo del Tigullio and Cinque Terre, is. And actually get better ) up to 10-15 years in the preparation of aspects... Grown in Italy include Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc Cinque Terre, it is a white wine! Campania followed by Barbera past decade, Albariño is one of the Italian...