The best wines from Italy

The country with the highest wine production in the world, with about 30 percent of wines produced worldwide. Apart from production, the Italians love their wine as their country is ranked 5th in terms of wine consumption. Wine is produced throughout the country.

Italian winemaking as it is right now, started in Sicilia under the influence of the Greeks. In Roman times, winemaking took a leap and started expanding throughout the country.

The first wine classification system was established in 1963. Quality wines are now recognised by the qualifications IGT, which stands for Indicazione Geografica Tipica, and DOC(G), meaning Denominazione di Origine Controllata (e Garantita).

Of Italy’s 20 winemaking regions, the best known ones are Piemonte and Tuscany, renowned of course for the Barolo, Barbaresco, and Brunello. The grapes most commonly used are Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Sangiovese.

Apart from these impressive reds, Italy also prominently cultivates a sparkling wine, the Prosecco.