What Makes Italian Wine Different?

Native grape varieties, organic farming, climate and soil variety. Discover what makes Italian wine different from all the others and get to know it better with me! 

The history between Italy and wine goes back 3.000 years.

You read that right. When you drink Italian wine, you taste 3.000 years of history and traditions. This historical and cultural heritage is unique in the world. Moreover, Italy has a very varied territory, with different climates, soils and native vines in different regions. 

These are just some of the characteristics that make Italian wines different from all others.

I have identified 7 reasons why you absolutely must learn (and taste) more about Italian wines. Are you passionate about wine? I’ve got some cool tips for you. 

7 Reasons Why Italian Wine Is Unique

1. THE GRAPE VARIETIES: Italy’s 20 regions are home to some 545 different vine varieties. An incredible number! What’s more, these vines only grow and produce grapes in Italy, unlike French vines, which are grown all over the world. This means that the flavours of Italian wines are unique and not standardised. Also: how exciting is it to taste a wine that is only produced in one place in the whole world? 
2. THE CLIMATE: As with the grape varieties, the climate is also very varied throughout the Italian peninsula. Winds, warm areas, temperature swings and microclimates influence the ripening of the grapes. As a result, they enrich the wines with unique characteristics. Have you ever tasted a Moscato passito di Saracena made from grapes dried in the sun of Calabria? Or the ice wine Vallée d’Aoste Doc Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle, produced at an altitude of 1.200 metres with a harvest at -10°C? Now is the time to do it!
3. THE SOIL: From the Alps to the coastal areas of Sicily, Italy has a rich variety of different soils. Namely: volcanic, clay, sandy and rocky. Depending on the type of silt, clay and rocks, the soil develops a certain drainage capacity and nourishes the vines with the mineral salts they need. For this reason, the same vine gives very different grapes when grown in soils with different characteristics. The result? The amazing variety of Italian wine production. 
4. THE REGIONS: If you have travelled in Italy, you know how varied its territory is. Italy is home to the highest mountains in Europe, lots of lakes, hilly areas, plains, woods and lots and lots of sea. Or rather, seas. Because the Adriatic, Ionian, Tyrrhenian and Ligurian seas have different winds and influences on the vines and, consequently, so do the wines. In addition to the geographical variety, the Italian regions have an incredible cultural and lingustic heritage. You can find it in the processing of the grapes.
5. VINE-GROWING TECHNIQUES: As I told you, wine in Italy is a very old thing. Over time, each wine-producing area has developed its own vine-growing techniques, influenced in particular by the characteristics of the soil. Hence you will find heroic vine-growing with terracing in Liguria and on the Amalfi Coast, bush-trained vines in Calabria or the “vite maritate” of Aversa. Each technique is a historical and cultural heritage that we must preserve, and which enriches the wines with valuable characteristics. 
6. ARTISANAL WINEMAKING: Many of the wines I present at private tastings come from wineries that follow the principles of artisanal winemaking. This philosophy is based on respecting the rhythms of nature and human labour, as well as following traditional winemaking methods. You can taste the result in the glass: genuine, healthy, non-standardised and authentic wines.
7. NATURAL WINES: You may not know it, but Italy is the most organic nation in Europe when it comes to wine production. The use of fertilisers, pesticides, additives, thickeners or other flavourings added to correct the taste of the wine is banned. Italian wines are natural, healthy and naturally good. Moreover, they are subjected to strict rules that control and protect their high quality. 

Now all you have to do is contact me and let me guide you to discover the gems of Italian wine production. Beyond supermarket Chianti and Prosecco, there is a world to discover and share with other wine lovers like you! 

Contact me to organise a tasting. You can choose between the two ready-made packages, or request a bespoke wine tasting according to the needs of you and your guests. Cheers!