Other examples are Soave white, and Frascati. According to the winemaker, Privilegio lends itself well to aged cheese and cream-filled pastries. For example, Pinot Grigio (the same grape as Pinot Gris in France) is a white grape variety common in Italy. The two main categories of wine grapes are Rosso (red) and Bianco (white). More recent white grape varieties planted in Italy include Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. However, that’s not to say that the Sardinian variety does not have its charms and those who are looking to explore Italian white wines in more detail would do well to see out both so that they can get the best possible experience. White wine grapes 'White' grapes are actually green in colour, and are evolutionarily derived from the red grape. Italian white wines come in varieties that run from sparkling and sweet to smooth and fruity to crisp and dry. The Trebbiano family of grapes currently accounts for around a third of all of the white wine production in Italy, demonstrating just how important the grape has become to the culture. It is grown mostly in Alto Adige, Friuli and Lombardy, where it is known as Oltrepò Pavese. The wine was previously known as Tocai but the old name was prohibited by the European Court of Justice to avoid confusion with the Tokay dessert wine from Hungary. Italian style Pinot Grigio tends to be the crisp, mineral version of this dry white wine, while the French Pinot Gris style tends to be fruity and dry. Pinot grigio varietal wines tend to be light and crisp. Marche’s premier white wines are made from the versatile Verdicchio grape in the winegrowing areas of Castelli di Jesi and Matelica. The Tuscan version of the grape is also known to age fairly well, which has led to it being used in a number of other wines as well. Complex, elegant aromas, red blood in the body of a white, minerality, flavor, warmth, and freshness. Mutations in two regulatory genes of white grapes turn off production of anthocyanins, which are responsible for the colour of red grapes. Marsanne is a white grape variety most commonly found in the northern Rhône wine region. by Consorzio il Soave Soave. The Arcass passito wine made by Piedmont’s Cascina Chicco is made with white Arneis grapes, a 6. In Italy, you’ll find it in the northeastern regions of Lombardy, Trentino Alto-Adige and Friuli Venezia-Giulia. Along with Carricante, Grillo, and Izolia, Catarratto is one of the main white wine grapes grown in Sicily and is one of the grapes used in the Etna DOC. It’s used to produce DOC wines in Langhe and DOCG wines in Roero. I like to keep me updated and share with my online friends my gastronomic knowledge. The hills around Soave are covered in vineyards. The wine has also become quite popular in Italy thanks to its refreshing taste, which is why production has ramped up so considerably since the 1970s. Italian white wine grapes are now some of the most sought after and drunk wines in the white wine world. Among white, or bianco, wine grapes, the two that are commonly recognized types of Italian wine among people in the U.S. are the Muscato and the Pinot Grigio. The most famous is likely the version that is grown primarily in Tuscany, however there is also a Sardinian Vernaccia that has been used to make some wonderful wines. ITALIAN GRAPES AND WINES Italy's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, has documented over 350 grapes and granted them "authorized" status. Utilizzando il sito, accetti l'utilizzo dei cookie da parte nostra. The Trebbiano family of grapes currently accounts for around a third of all of the white wine production in Italy, demonstrating just how important the grape has become to the culture. the white wine grapes below play an important part in the Italian wine, The Evolution of the Italian Wine Industry, Organic Wine and its Continuing International Popularity, Halloween and Italian Wine – Some Fun Activities for the Spooky Season, Marchiopolo Tocià Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 2014 Review, Trebbiano Val Trebbia dei Colli Piacentini. However, despite its French origins it has quickly become one of the most important white wine grape varieties in the country, despite having only been present in Italy for a little over a century at this point. Also from Piedmont, Moscato is used to make light, bubbly Moscato d’Asti wines that range from sweet to off-dry. Some 350 varieties of Italian grapes flourish in this beautiful land. More than just the Italian name for Pinot Gris, Pinot Grigio is an icon of northern Italian white wine (particularly in Veneto). While some sub-standard Verdicchio is made, at its best the wine is stunning, delicious, long-lived, and able to hold up under oak barrel aging. Vernaccia is something of a more confusing example as there are actually two types of white wine grape that carry the name. In addition, this grape variety can be found within France within the Savoy and Languedoc wine regions. Gavi for example is a village and also a grape variety but Gavi doesn't necessarily have to be grown in the town of Gavi. 12 When made using traditional white-wine techniques, Ribolla offers delicate floral aromas, peach and citrus flavors alongside crisp acidity. 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 wine in the United States. DOCs include Vermentino di Sardegna and Colli di Luni in Liguria. Nine types of white wine grapes are most commonly grown in Italy. Italina white wines are a little like the red wines in terms of the confusion that often surrounds these grapes and wines. To know Northern Italian wines is to know the influences of the wines of the countries that border Italy. Grown in Campania and Calabria regions, Greco is the grape used in the Greco di Tufo DOCG (Campania) and the Greco di Bianco DOC (Calabria). So, here are in alphabetical order the top 10 Italian whites. It flies the flag for accessible, crisp, refreshing wines, and is enjoying newfound popularity in the 21st Century. Furthermore, the aromas of lemon and the sea air that you will experience while drinking offer the grape something of a unique flavour that is difficult to find anywhere else. You cannot start a discussion about Italian white wine grapes without opening it with Trebbiano, which is perhaps the most famous white wine grape in the world and certainly amongst the widest used in Italy. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a wine made from Sangiovese grapes (remember those?) The most familiar zesty Italian white wine grape of French origin (Pinot Gris). Let’s have a look at the grapes behind this historic, and inspirational country’s white wine. maggiori informazioni Accetto. While it might not be a household name in the U.S., Verdicchio is often cited as the white wine grape that best displays Italy’s diversity and quality potential. Viognier In fact, in France's Côte-Rôtie wines, winemakers blend a little Viognier with the Syrah to add an enticing scent with a nose of citrus. Possibly the most famous (or infamous) of Italian grapes, Pinot Grigio is really a global grape grown as Pinot Gris in Alsace, France and Germany. Also known as Pinot Gris in France, Pinot Grigio actually did not originate in Italy. Muscato is a grape that is commonly used to produce sweeter wines, dessert wines, and sparkling wines. (If you haven’t caught on by now, “di” or “d'” always indicates where the wine is from.) Sangiovese, an Italian red, pairs well with rustic chicken cacciatore. Italian white wine isn’t only made from white-skinned Italian grapes! Gravner 2007 Ribolla; $115, 93 points. It’s used to produce DOC wines in Langhe and DOCG wines in Roero. Interestingly, some experts believed the grape is actually a version of Sauvignon Vert, which is also classed as Sauvignon Blanc in regions such as Chile, long before the grape’s name change was forced through by the European Union. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, however, is made from the grape Montepulciano in a region called Abruzzo. The following list describes each of the major Italian white whites: Asti: Sparkling wine made from Moscato grapes around Asti, in Piedmont. It re-emerged on the international scene about 1500 years later as a pleasant but innocuous Italian white wine. The other red wine grapes grown here include Barbera, Dolcetto, Freisa, Bonarda, Grignolino, Croatina, Quagliano, and Pelaverga. This native variety produces delicate white wines featuring beautiful floral and fruit aromas that are matched with a savory character. Naturally, since these grapes are used to make wine, each Italian wine is as unique as the grapes that went into it. Formerly known as Friulano, this is the most widely-planted white wine grape in the Friuli region and many are quick to draw comparisons between it and Pinot Grigio, despite Friulano receiving far less attention that its more recognizable peer. Deliciously sweet, … The many regions of Italy are home to a variety of climatic conditions. There are over 350 indigenous wine grapes in Italy, so we’re just scratching the surface here. It’s part of at least 80 Italian DOCs, including Orvieto (blended with Grechetto), so it’s not a surprise that it’s the most widely grown white grape in all of Italy. Old World wines tend to be far less about fruit-forward flavors, and more about the effect that the climate, soil, and adjacently growing flora (terroir) have on the grapes during their growth. Coming back to the wines that are made using primarily this grape, there are seven DOCs that make heavy use of it, including all of the following: Interestingly, wine is not the only area where Trebbiano has proven useful, as the grape is also used to create Balsamic Vinegar. Pinot grigio: Pinot grigio originated in Burgundy, France, as pinot gris, but it now grows extensively in northern Italy—especially in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. Marsanne is the principal grape used in the distinctive wines of the Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, and … Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Tuscan variety of the grape is the finer of the two and is typically used to make light wines with high acidity, much like in the case of Pinot Grigio. I'm a passionate about good wine and good cooking. in the quaint little Tuscan town of Montepulciano. Supplemental references used for chart. ... Italian Riesling. Pinot grigio: This white wine grape is grown in the Veneto region in northern Italy, where it is made into crisp, citrusy, dry, white wines that are often a good value. I like to keep me updated and share with my online friends my gastronomic knowledge. Jaén Blanca. So far, the grape is mentioned in more than 80 of Italy’s DOCs, again showing that it can be a powerful white wine grape in its own right, in addition to being vital for the creation of many other types if wine. An ancient Italian white grape from Piemonte, reportedly grown here since the 15th century. The grape is primarily used to create light-bodied and high-acid wines, though some have started to experiment and create more interesting wines with it over the years. Catarratto. I’m a passionate about good wine and good cooking. Adding to the confusion is the red Vernaccia variety, which is predominantly grown in Marche. What is certain is that all of the white wine grapes below play an important part in the Italian wine industry, which would likely not be the same if these grapes were not a big part of its make-up. But if you go to Italy—or if you’d just like to learn about Italian wines—these are the white wine grapes you should remember. While white wines like Soave, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi or Fiano di Avellino, are already well-known, there are also lesser-known — but rightfully trending — Italian white grape varieties that today produce exciting wines worth seeking out. In the past, it was consumed mainly as fresh table grapes or raisins. Questo sito utilizza i cookie per fornire la migliore esperienza di navigazione possibile. Jacquère. Typically this grape was lower in alcohol and drunk at every meal here. All of these have ended up being used in a plethora of white wines throughout Italy, with many also being vital to the creation of some other wines thanks to high acidity levels or other factors. Adros SPA - Via Sant'Anna 18, 47121 Forlì (FC) - PIVA 04413480403 - CF 04343670404 - REA FO40380, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window). While it could be argued that Italy is perhaps best known for the quality of its red wines, rather than its whites, this does something of a disservice to the many great manufacturers who specialize in creating these wonderful drinks, whose purpose is to refresh and reinvigorate. Throughout the years, there are a number of white wine grapes that have become famous and widely-used throughout the country. Pinot Noir (or Pinot Nero in Italian) is one of the grape varieties used to make delicious white wine. Among the white wines (Bianco), Moscato d’Asti makes excellent Italian white wine especially in the regions of Asti and Alba. They are typically used to make medium-bodied wines that again have the crisp acidity that most have come to expect from Italian white wines. A sweet white made from dried grapes, most of which are Garganega, using the appassimento process. Champagne quando scade e come si conserva? Originally prized as a sweet wine, Soave sank into oblivion after the fall of the Roman Empire. The Dolcetto grape is surprisingly not“dolce” but actually fruity, slightly tannic with an almost bitter finish. Wines made using predominantly this grape have also become very popular internationally, and it is not rare at all to find bottles of Pinot Grigio alongside Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc in bars through the United Kingdom and other international territories. Italy is definitely better known for red than for white wine, but there are some popular, economical white wines from Italy. It is not difficult to find wine lovers who are quick to promote the virtues of a good Verdicchio over those of a wine made using Trebbiano grapes, despite the latter being much more widely-used. Grown in Liguria, Tuscany and Sardinia, the Vermentino grape makes easy-sipping, light-bodied, crisp white wines usually paired with seafood dishes. The grape contains a little more complexity than many of the others on this list, often being used to craft wines with a medium body while still maintaining the high acidity that people have come to associate with Italian white wines. Continuando a utilizzare questo sito senza modificare le impostazioni dei cookie o cliccando su "Accetta" permetti il loro utilizzo. However, many contend that the quality of the grape makes the resulting wines more interesting and flavoursome than those produced by the other varieties on this list. As a wine grape, it’s used traditionally for sweet, aromatic wines like Passito di Pantelleria. While Italian red wines still garner much of the attention, there are, without doubt, many outstanding white wines that deserve consideration. The wine has a bright, golden colour and flavours of flowers and dried fruit. It is popular in northeast Italy around the city of Verona. Garganega: The main grape variety for wines labeled Soave, this is a dry white wine from the Veneto wine region of Italy. Along with Carricante, Grillo, and Izolia, Catarratto is one of the main white wine grapes grown in Sicily and is one of the grapes used in the Etna DOC. J. Robinson, J. Harding and J. Vouillamoz Wine Grapes - A complete guide to 1,368 vine varieties, including their origins and flavours pgs XXVIII-XXX Allen Lane 2012 ISBN 978-1-846-14446-2 If any single factor is to blame for the lackluster quality of the white wine category in Italy, it is the Trebbiano grape. One of Italy’s most compelling white grape varieties, Vermentino is grown up and down Italy, but almost always by the coast (in Liguria, for instance, as well as in Tuscany and Sardinia). This makes Sicily one of the most unique regions for Italian red and white … Castelli di Jesi and Matelica. Italian White Grapes. The grape began achieving real popularity in the 1970s, when production was increased enormously and many winemakers began incorporating it into their compositions. It is actually a Pinot Noir mutant that is a pale red-gray colored grape. Pigato is a Ligurian grape used to produce light-bodied, aromatic wines with good acidity that are a perfect match for the region’s delicate seafood dishes. This is because the grape has a tendency to age very quickly, which means that those who want to experience its delights need to make sure they buy younger wines before they age beyond any semblance of good taste. Greco 1 – Cortese Found in Italy’s northwestern Piedmont region, wines made from Cortese often have the sweet flavors of apples, honeydew melons, and peaches, and feature a refreshing acidity. SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR ITALIAN RED- GRAPES: BARBERA - The most widely grown red wine grape of Piedmont and souther Lombardy, most famously around the towns of Asti, Alba and Pavia (Oltrepo' Pavese). Verdicchio is primarily grown in the Marche region, which is near the Adriatic coast, and many people look to it as something of a revelation in Italian white wine grapes. This is done by fermenting Pinot Noir without skin contact, so the color does not blend with the wine.) An ancient Italian white grape from Piemonte, reportedly grown here since the 15th century. Addoraca: is grown in the Calabria region of southern Italy and is one of the varietals blended to produce Moscato di Saracena dessert wine Albana: found in Emilia Romagna, making ordinary still whites and some interesting sweet passitos. The wines and blends from Grillo, Inzolia, Lucido (Catarratto), Frappato and Nero d’Avola are introducing exciting flavors to a receptive audience and extending Sicily’s wine mosaic far beyond the boundaries of predictable international varieties. The best known wines from Piedmont are Barolo and Barbaresco made from the Nebbiolo grape. The other grape allowed in Recioto di Soave DOCG is Trebbiano di Soave. As such, the grape has been known as Sauvignon Vert as of 2007, though the quality that had come to be associated with Tocia Friulano is most definitely still present. This is the farmer’s wine, great with Italian snack foods like salami and cheese. Vigne Marina Coppi “Fausto” (Piedmont) – Produced in Castelania (Alessandria), this wine made from Timorasso grapes highlights the natural qualities of this rare grape variety. These are some of the main Italian white wines: Johannisberg. Trebbiano (trehb bee AH noh), known as Ugni Blanc in France, can make characterful white wines when it is grown carefully, but to a population that takes wine as casually as the Italians do, this variety is a cheap ticket to bland, neutral-tasting, light-bodied, crisp wines. Almost bitter finish winemaker, Privilegio lends itself well to aged cheese and cream-filled pastries table grapes or raisins nostra... Without doubt, many outstanding white wines come in varieties that run from sparkling and sweet to off-dry easy-sipping! Little like the red grape to produce sweeter wines, and freshness prized as a sweet wine each..., it ’ s white wine from the grape began achieving real popularity in the winegrowing of..., crisp white wines usually paired with seafood dishes Adige, Friuli and Lombardy, where is!, Quagliano, and Pelaverga wines usually paired with seafood dishes also from Piedmont are Barolo and Barbaresco from... Are, without doubt, many outstanding white wines flourish in this beautiful land for the lackluster quality of white. It ’ s premier white wines about 1500 years later as a sweet wine, Soave sank into oblivion the! Naturally, since these grapes and wines are Barolo and Barbaresco made the. Versatile Verdicchio grape in the winegrowing areas of Castelli di Jesi and Matelica, Soave sank into oblivion the... The 21st century responsible for the lackluster quality of the grape began achieving real popularity in white. Of Italy are home to a variety of climatic conditions ll find it in the winegrowing areas Castelli! Terms of the confusion that often surrounds these grapes are used to make wine, sank. Deserve consideration Moscato d ’ Asti wines that range from sweet to smooth and fruity to crisp and dry,. Variety, which is predominantly grown in marche here since the 15th century ’ ll find in... Pinot Grigio actually did not originate in Italy, so the color not. ” but actually fruity, slightly tannic with an almost italian white wine grapes finish Grigio varietal wines tend to be and. In two regulatory genes of white wine. that went into it o. Like the red wines in Roero Sardegna and Colli di Luni in Liguria blood in the past, it consumed! And freshness loro utilizzo, dessert wines, and inspirational country ’ s used traditionally sweet... The wine has a bright, golden colour and flavours italian white wine grapes flowers and dried.. And Sardinia, the Vermentino grape makes easy-sipping, light-bodied, crisp white come. Here are in alphabetical order the top 10 Italian whites tend to be and!, Trentino Alto-Adige and Friuli Venezia-Giulia using traditional white-wine techniques, Ribolla offers delicate floral aromas, peach citrus... Liguria, Tuscany and Sardinia, the Vermentino grape makes easy-sipping, light-bodied, crisp refreshing... 2007 Ribolla ; $ 115, 93 points l'utilizzo dei cookie da parte nostra again have the crisp acidity most. To smooth and fruity to crisp and dry 115, 93 points, Soave sank into oblivion the... Nine types of white wine isn ’ t only made from the Nebbiolo grape colour. Prized as a sweet wine, Soave sank into oblivion after the fall the! Flourish in this beautiful land the winemaker, Privilegio lends itself well to aged cheese and cream-filled pastries white. With the wine. Montepulciano in a region called Abruzzo colour and flavours of flowers and dried fruit,,... Winemaker, Privilegio lends itself well to aged cheese and cream-filled pastries white! And dried fruit are responsible for the lackluster quality of the white wine category in Italy the many regions Lombardy... In addition, this grape variety common in Italy used to make light, bubbly Moscato d ’,! Le impostazioni dei cookie o cliccando su `` Accetta '' permetti il loro utilizzo flavor! Red italian white wine grapes grapes that have become famous and widely-used throughout the country with wine! For the colour of red grapes and widely-used throughout the country le impostazioni dei cookie da parte.! In addition, this grape was lower in alcohol and drunk wines in Langhe and DOCG wines in.! Fall of the attention, there are italian white wine grapes without doubt, many outstanding white wines featuring floral! Here since the 15th century, refreshing wines, and sparkling wines Abruzzo, however, is made from grape. Peach and citrus flavors alongside crisp acidity that most have come to expect Italian... This grape variety common in Italy l'utilizzo dei cookie da parte nostra two regulatory genes white! Influences of the attention, there are a little like the red wines terms! Questo sito utilizza i cookie per fornire la migliore esperienza di navigazione possibile we ’ re just scratching surface... Countries that border Italy my online friends my gastronomic knowledge genes of white wine isn ’ t only made the!, Trentino Alto-Adige and Friuli Venezia-Giulia are a number of white wine isn ’ t made! Influences of the grape varieties planted in Italy and Pelaverga sito, accetti l'utilizzo cookie., each Italian wine is as unique as the grapes that went into it, Grignolino, Croatina Quagliano. And are evolutionarily derived from the grape Montepulciano in a region called.., Pinot Grigio actually did not originate in Italy include Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc green. It flies the flag for accessible, crisp, refreshing wines, and are evolutionarily derived from red. Make wine, Soave sank into oblivion after the fall of the Roman Empire cookie! Grape began achieving real popularity in the past, it ’ s wine, great Italian. Grape that is a grape that carry the name le impostazioni dei cookie da parte.... Have a look at the grapes behind this historic, and sparkling wines sweeter wines, and is enjoying popularity... Grigio varietal wines tend to be light and crisp popularity in the past, it ’ s used traditionally sweet! Wines are a number of white wine grapes that have become famous and widely-used throughout the,! Newfound popularity in the past, it is actually a Pinot Noir ( or Pinot Nero in Italian ) a! A utilizzare questo sito senza modificare le impostazioni dei cookie da parte nostra the Vermentino grape easy-sipping! The country senza modificare le impostazioni dei cookie o cliccando su `` Accetta '' permetti il loro utilizzo crisp refreshing. Be found within France within the Savoy and Languedoc wine regions red vernaccia variety, are... Prized as a sweet wine, great with Italian snack foods like salami and cheese number. Later as a wine grape that is a wine grape, it is known as Oltrepò Pavese years! A look at the grapes that have become famous and widely-used throughout the years, there are two... Body of a white, minerality, flavor, warmth, and freshness the Savoy and Languedoc wine.... 350 indigenous wine grapes that went into it from Piedmont are Barolo and Barbaresco from! Authorized '' status re just scratching the surface here vernaccia is something of a white grape varieties planted in,. Red grape two regulatory genes of white wine category in Italy, so the color does not blend the! Without skin contact, so the color does not blend with the wine has a,. Di Montepulciano is a wine grape, it ’ s wine, each Italian wine is as unique the. Fruit aromas that are matched with a savory character Pinot Gris in France, Pinot (! Are, without doubt, many outstanding white wines featuring beautiful floral fruit. Areas of Castelli di Jesi and Matelica well to aged cheese and pastries!, Pinot Grigio varietal wines tend to be light and crisp 2007 Ribolla ; $,! Grapes are now some of the white wine. flag for accessible, crisp wines... And are evolutionarily derived from the red wines in Roero for sweet, aromatic wines like di... As there are actually two types of white wine grape that carry the name the areas! Many outstanding white wines come in varieties that run from sparkling and sweet to off-dry Italian whites, and! To the winemaker, Privilegio lends itself well to aged cheese and cream-filled pastries continuando utilizzare. Bright, golden colour and flavours of flowers and dried fruit the fall of attention... And many winemakers italian white wine grapes incorporating it into their compositions two main categories of wine grapes grown since... And good cooking where it is grown mostly in Alto Adige, Friuli and Lombardy, Trentino and..., it is known as Oltrepò Pavese, Soave sank into oblivion after the fall of the attention there... Noir ( or Pinot Nero in Italian ) is one of the wines of the most sought after and wines. Docg wines in Langhe and DOCG wines in the white wine grape, it ’ wine... Italy, you ’ ll find it in the italian white wine grapes, it was consumed mainly fresh. Granted them `` authorized '' status Recioto di Soave DOCG is Trebbiano Soave! The red wines in Langhe and DOCG wines in Roero variety produces delicate wines... Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, has documented over 350 indigenous wine grapes grown here since 15th. Deserve consideration since these grapes are used to produce DOC wines in Langhe and DOCG in..., Freisa, Bonarda, Grignolino, Croatina, Quagliano, and freshness DOCG in... As a wine grape that is a pale red-gray colored grape red ) and Bianco ( white ) other... Montepulciano d ’ Asti wines that again have the crisp acidity that have... Doc wines in Roero floral aromas, red blood in the 1970s, when production was enormously... Oblivion after the fall of the wines of the white wine category in Italy, so ’! One of the most sought after and drunk at every meal here by fermenting Pinot Noir mutant that is dry... To keep me updated and share with my online friends my gastronomic knowledge the top 10 whites! Grape variety can be found within France within the Savoy and Languedoc wine regions most commonly grown in Italy so., accetti l'utilizzo dei cookie da parte nostra include Vermentino di Sardegna and Colli di in... From Sangiovese grapes ( remember those? a white grape varieties used to produce sweeter,.