Italy
Italy's Wine Regions
Italy is home to some of the world’s most prestigious wine estates. Wine has been produced there for almost 4,000 years. The country’s diverse terrain is predominately hilly or mountainous with a climate ideal for wine production.
Italy is divided into 20 regions that are then broken down into provinces. Laws governing Italy’s wine production specify which grape varieties can be grown in which region.
Abruzzi
Located on the Adriatic Sea south of the Marches and southwest of Umbria, Abruzzi is sunny and dry with hillside vineyards cooled by gentle sea breezes. Popular grape varieties grown here are Trebbiano and the distinguished Montepulciano. Although Montepulciano is planted along the Adriatic coast, it is in Abruzzi where it flourishes.
Sciarra has been producing wine recognized the around the world since 1850 including its celebrated Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Trebbiano d’Abruzzo.
Sciarra’s history dates to 1225 when Saint Francis visited Antonio, son of Riccardo of Acquaviva and laid the foundation for the creation for the Saint Francis of Assisi monastery. Here the monks cultivated the noble vines and created wines that achieved critical acclaim.
The Wines: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, D.O.C., Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, D.O.C.
Marches Situated in central Italy directly north of Abruzzi on the Adriatic Sea, the vineyards are planted on the mountain hillsides. Many grape varieties flourish here including Trebbiano, which stylistically tends to be clean and straightforward.
The Wines: Tosso Piceno, D.O.C., Roccarosso
Tuscany is blessed by nature. The gentle rolling hills are warmed by the sun followed by nights cooled by soft breezes off the Tyrrhenian Sea. The alluvial hillside vineyards are predominately planted with the indigenous Sangiovese. Located between Florence to the north and Montalcino to the south the area is riddled with distinct microclimates each producing wines with distinctive characteristics. Enchanted wine connoisseurs enjoy the celebrated Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano all of which have Sangiovese as the principal varietal component.
The Wine: Chianti, D.O.C.G
Photos courtesy of the Italian Trade Commission, New York