The Secret Of Italian Wine: Types Of Grapes Used In Wine-Making

Many people across the globe have found their sense of appreciation for wine over the years. They love it for its unique flavor, aroma, and richness. Among the different types, Italian wine holds a different stature in the hearts of wine lovers . If you are a fan of Italian wines, then this blog will be a delight to read as you discover what goes into making these drinks.

Sources say that there are around 200-2,000 grapes found in Italy. Out of that number, Italy’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MIPAAF) has authorized 350 grapes and considered them the best for producing wines . This puts Italy as one of the largest manufacturers of wines. Here are the ten most popular grapes in Italy that are used for wine production:

Grape Types in Italian Wines

1. Barbera

Barbera is quite often considered Piedmont's "B" grape, not because it begins with that letter but because it lives in the shadow of Nebbiolo. When painstakingly made (and not over-oaked), this makes for exquisite, medium-bodied reds that convey their sharp cherry and zest flavors.

2. Catarratto

Alongside Carricante, Grillo, and Izolia, Catarratto is one of the super white wine grapes found in Sicily and utilized in the Etna DOC.

3. Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a French grape spread throughout Italy during the 1980s. This is also famous as it’s often used in sparkling wine.

4. Glera

Glera is a white wine grape assortment generally famous for its utilization in Prosecco , the shining white wine that is Italy's response to Champagne. Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Veneto are the main two areas that can legitimately create Prosecco, which should be made with no less than 85% Glera.

5. Merlot

Albeit not an Italian grape, French Merlot is the country's third most well-known variety. It fills in 14 of Italy's 20 wine locales, while the Merlot filled in Northern Italy is viewed as excellent.

6. Montepulciano

This vigorous red grape assortment is planted all through focal Italy, yet in all actuality does best in the Abruzzo and Marche areas. There, wines named Montepulciano d' Abruzzo and Rosso Conero separately make plummy, robust reds with expansive, delicate tannins.

7. Pinot Grigio

Potentially the most popular (or scandalous) of Italian grapes, Pinot Grigio is a worldwide grape developed as Pinot Gris in Alsace, France, and Germany. In Italy, you'll track down it in the north-eastern districts of Lombardy, Trentino Alto-Adige, and Friuli Venezia-Giulia.

8. Sangiovese

Sangiovese is Italy's most-established grape assortment. It's broadly planted in Abruzzo, generally transported out for mixing. Sangiovese is likewise liable for a very long time Tuscan wines: Brunello di Montalcino (DOCG), Rosso di Montepulciano (DOC), and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (DOCG), "Very Tuscan" wines, and Chianti Classico.

9. Trebbiano

The most common white grape assortment in Italy, Trebbiano, creates the tasteless and forgettable plonk-the majority of which, fortunately, doesn't come to the U.S. However, it makes for a few interesting, reasonable wines. In the skillful hands of an extraordinary winemaker (like Emidio Pepe), it takes on flower fragrances and produces tasty and sweet textures.

The unique geographical location of Italy makes it favorable for different grapes to flourish. Hills and mountains cover around 77% of the Italian territory. Its climate is impacted by three seas, Tyrrhenian, Adriatic, and Ionian. Hence it adds more diversity to the environment and makes it favorable for different grapes to grow.

Conclusion

These are some of the vital information about Italian wines and how they are made. Note that the type of grapes and the region impact the final taste and texture of the wine. Furthermore, wine has several essential benefits: good for the skin, rich in antioxidants, lowers cholesterol levels, and more.