Italy, with its three-thousand-year history of winemaking, firmly takes its place among the main wine-producing countries. More wine is produced and consumed here than in any other country except France.

Winemaking in Italy in ancient times.

The vine, with which the Greeks and Etruscans in the 4th century. BC. introduced Sicily, Puglia and Tuscany, quickly spread out like a carpet throughout Italy. However, it was the Romans who spread it throughout Europe: the map of modern European winemaking practically coincides with the map of winemaking in the heyday of the Roman Empire. Wine became an integral part of Roman life, giving rise to inglorious revelries and inspiring writers and poets. Centuries ago, some Romans, notably Pliny, wrote down descriptions of the key factors in growing good grapes, including site selection, staking and pruning of vines, harvesting, and aging of wine. Although it would be too cruel to say that the Romans managed to do for winemaking in two hundred years what the Italians did in two millennia.

Italian winemaking in the modern era.

Apparently, the fall of Rome heralded the end of the golden age of wine, but the inhabitants of the Apennine Peninsula did not abandon winemaking. On the contrary, it flourished under the rule of a multitude of independent rulers, whose control over the various regions of Italy remained until its unification in 1861. A thousand years of desperate rivalry between the city-states led to incredible differences in viticulture, as each federation fiercely defended its own grape varieties and traditions. Some wine regions, such as Chianti, have remained virtually untouched since the 14th century, while others, such as Brunello di Montalcino, only emerged in the 19th century.

Although Italian winemaking has always had impressive potential, in a country with such ideal conditions for the vines and such a high level of domestic wine consumption, there has been little incentive to improve the quality of its wine. However, the emergence of a true middle class after World War II meant that for the first time Italian winemakers became interested in quality, not just quantity. 50s XX century were marked by an unprecedented demand for quality wines, and the economic stability required for their production was no less necessary. Heavy, unwieldy bulk of Italian wine
Delia gradually began to take a new course. The activities of cooperatives lost their former importance, yields were reduced; New technologies began to be introduced.

In the 1960s “Super Tuscans” began to appear, in particular “Sassicaia” - a wine that changed the perception of Italian wines throughout the world. The best Tuscan stamps were made from "international" varieties, did not follow the restrictions of Italy's respected DOC quality control system, and were so good that collectors from all over the world rushed to buy them at any price. These wines showed other winemakers that Italian brands could be competitive in the world wine market. What began as a ploy for producers to reduce yields and improve technology has now become a mass production of wine from Valle d'Aosta to Sicily.

Modern Italian winemaking.

Italy ranks second in the world in wine production and first in wine exports. Italian winemaking is complex and fragmented: there are more than a million winegrowers in the country, and the average holding size is less than a hectare. Therefore, it is difficult to create world-famous brands here that require constant quality and high production volumes. Italy's favorable climate promises bountiful harvests, and surplus grapes are often processed by cooperatives with their outdated equipment. However, there is another side to the coin: these are modern private estates that control all aspects of production and employ armies of agronomists and oenologists, many of whom were trained abroad. It is not surprising that such producers turn a blind eye to mass production, and some have gone so far as to label their wines outside of the DOC and DOCG systems to avoid their strict restrictions. The reputation of Italian wine has been restored by legendary brands such as Sassicaia from the Tenuta San Guido estate, although they remain in the minority.

Viticulture and winemaking.

In Italy, there are two main methods of caring for the bush: tying it to stakes and pruning the fruit vines, which is more focused on quality. Highly staked vines leave more space for the grapes, an important advantage given the small size of Italy's vineyards. Yields with this method are usually quite high. As for newer vineyards, they often resort to pruning of the vines, similar to that common in France. In such areas, nothing grows except grapes, and the vines are usually planted close together, pruned short, and produce high quality grapes. The old-fashioned method of tying goats does not at all contribute to accelerating ripening, and the lack of taste and color of the wine that is caused by this method has to be compensated by prolonging the maceration period. Temperature-controlled fermentation is now the rule rather than the exception, and even in some cooperative wineries today one can see the sheen of stainless steel.

Red grape varieties and wine styles.

Italy is a red wine country, and its reputation for excellent wines is firmly supported by such outstanding brands as Barolo (Piedmont), Brunello di Montalcino (Tuscany), Taurasi (Campania) and Chianti Classica (Tuscany). ). Italy's warm climate, tempered by the sea and mountains, and its meager soils give Italian red wines a rare combination of weight and elegance. Varieties such as Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, and Sicilian Nerello Mascalese each have the potential to produce a wine that is rich in both extract and alcohol content, while being both stylish and ageable. As for the Aglianico, Nero d'Avola and Montepulciano varieties, they are not so much refined as they are muscular, but they age no less subtly.

Italian red wines offer an incredible variety of flavors, but black fruit tones and a hint of earth are found in almost every brand. However, there are many exceptions to this rule, especially in the north, where the local varieties, Teroldego, Refosco and Freisa, show tones of red fruit and even flowers. The great red wines of Italy demonstrate their terroir with full conviction: they simply give the impression of Italy. Italian wines exude charm and genuine local character, while also reflecting a winemaking heritage stretching back two thousand years.

White grape varieties and wine styles.

Although in Ancient Rome preference was given to white and sweet wines, modern Italy has gone exactly the opposite way. However, from the north to the south of the country you can find local white varieties (large areas of Trebbiano and isolated areas of Vernaccia, Garganega and Greco), each of which has adapted to the local climate. In the heat of the Italian south, where Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are harvested by the end of July, the local varieties Greco, Fiano and Inzoglia ripen to full ripeness for another two months.

When yields are kept low, Italian white wines display a characteristic, unique herbal note associated with a mineral nuance that enhances the character of the variety. The qualities of the varieties, such as the subtle nutty tones of Verdicio, the brighter and stronger floral aroma of Garganega and the distinct fruity taste of Greco, are very individual, and at the same time the wines from them are uniquely Italian. Strong aromas are often combined with an equally strong mouthfeel, balanced by remarkably fresh acidity - ideal for pasta, risotto and fish. Wines that are so naturally balanced and so versatile in complementing food have long been considered ordinary, but are now receiving the attention they deserve.

Wines of Italy - First wine in Italy brought by the Greeks, they called this territory “Land of Wine”. Since then, wine has been an integral part of the Italian diet. After the fall of the Roman Empire, winemaking also began to decline, remaining in monasteries or as a means of subsistence for the poor peasantry. Even during the Renaissance, such large shopping centers as Genoa, Florence and Venice were satisfied with the supply of Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Rhine wines. Only in the 19th century did the renaissance of Italian wines begin.

Map of winemaking in Italy.

Italy, known to the Greeks as Oenotria, wine country, has winemaking traditions much older than France. She has been accumulating them for two and a half thousand years. Taking second place in the world in terms of wine production, Italy often even ahead of the undisputed world leader - France. However, only in recent decades has Italy seriously developed its exports. It must be admitted that recently, due to the increase in wine exports from Italy, there have been some changes in technology: Italian winemakers produce high-quality wines, but many ancient techniques have had to be abandoned.

Winemaking appeared on the Apennine Peninsula before Italy itself was born. The ancient Greeks were the first to process grapes in Italy. Indeed, Italy has remarkable conditions for winemaking. The mild, Mediterranean climate, the mountain ranges of the Alps and Apennines, protecting the vineyards from the cold northern air and prolonged rains, the landscape changing every ten kilometers - in general, this determined the existence of a considerable number of microclimatic zones and the diversity of grape varieties processed here.

The variety of favorable climatic conditions of this country, stretched from north to south, is the basis for the production of a huge number of wines that cannot be accurately counted. It is believed that there are almost three thousand of them - from vintage, high-quality, to unpretentious simple dining rooms. The most famous of them are Barolo, Brunello and Chianti, which have become popular in Europe. And still, Italy lagged behind France, where there were oenological departments at Universities, and where there was a classification of wines. After the wars of the 20th century, Italy was a backward agrarian country, and Italy's breakthrough began only in the 60s.

Italy's wine-making potential is great. More than half of the approximately 3.6 million agricultural enterprises are involved in winemaking. Grapes are cultivated throughout the country, in all twenty of its regions. The largest number of wine producers and areas under grapes are located in the regions Piedmont, Venice, Lazio, Campania, Anulia and island of Sicily. More than 250 grape varieties are cultivated in the country, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Malvasia, Pinot, Barbera, Merlot, Sangiovese, Nebiollo. Starting from the 30s, cooperatives began to establish themselves, which significantly improved the technique of cultivating grapes and the quality of wines produced in Italy. At the same time, they successfully used modern equipment and rebuilt production in accordance with the achievements of modern technology. In 1963, the Italian government introduced laws controlling wine production, and a special presidential decree was issued - “Disciplinary Regulations for Wine Production”. Italy followed the path of France and introduced a system for wines controlled items by origin. Such a system should not only protect high-quality wine, but also guarantee the consumer the origin of this drink from the specified zone of its cultivation.

Currently, there are four categories of Italian wines, which help the consumer understand their hierarchy on a scale of quality and, of course, price.

More than 314 wines are produced in Italy today DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata), that is, with a designation controlled by origin. Among them there are 21 wines DOCG (Denomi-nazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), that is, with a designation controlled and guaranteed by origin. These wines constitute the elite of Italian wines. In addition, there are 124 wines I.G.T. (Indicazione Geografica Tipica), that is, with a geographical indication. The remaining wines are Vino da Tavola, that is, table wines.

Autumn is the grape harvest season in Italy - Vendemmia. In Sicily, ripe berries began to be picked in August, and in northern Italy, closer to the Alps, the season will end only in November. During all this time, the harvest of the new harvest is celebrated throughout: days of open cellars are held and new wine flows like a river.

Vineyards of Tuscany

Winery Guido Berlucchi

World-famous production of Italian “champagne”, which has won the most prestigious awards. And its history began in the spring of 1955, when the wealthy Count Guido Berlucchi was introduced to the young oenologist Franco Ziliani. The young man dreamed of creating sparkling wines from Lombard grapes using the classic French method. Berlucchi gave him this opportunity, and in 1961 Pinot di Franciacorta was born, conquering the market thanks to its exquisite taste. And a year later Ziliani created a pink semi-sweet Max Rosé. Since then, wines under the Berlucchi brand are known throughout the world and are synonymous with celebration and pleasure at a fairly affordable price.

Cleto Chiarli Winery

Emilia-Romagna region, Italy

Once you are near Modena, it is worth visiting one of the most important producers of Lambrusco in the region. It has been made at the Cleto Chiarli winery since 1860. Guests who are interested in this drink are always welcome here. During your visit, you can find out that Lambrusco comes in pink and purple, completely dry and semi-sweet. And although semi-sweet Lambrusco is usually exported, local residents consider dry varieties a classic.

Adami Winery

Veneto, Italy

Valpolicella and Soave, traditional wines of the Veneto region, are a pleasure to try at the Adami family winery. During the tour, they show you a cellar for storing wines - an underground tunnel, in the coolness of which pot-bellied wooden barrels with a noble drink are stored. They also say that Soave was recognized in 1931 as the most typical wine for this region and the Soave production area was allocated as a special territory.

Zeni Brothers Winery and Wine Museum

Lake Garda, Northern Italy

The Zeni winery is one of the recognized leaders in the production of the famous Bardolino wine. To strengthen the glory of the family business and to educate tourists coming here, owner Gaetano Zeni founded the Wine Museum in 1991. In it you can follow all the processes of production and storage of wine. After your visit, you will not only know what a barricaia is, but also in what container wine was stored in the Middle Ages, in which it is stored now, and what kind of cork is needed to preserve wine in a bottle.

Fratelli Vogadori Winery

Veneto, Italy

The Vogadori winery is owned by three brothers - Alberto, Gaetano and Emanuele. The vineyards that belong to them today have been passed down from generation to generation. And the village of Negrar, where the winery is located, is one of the five main producers of classic Valpolicella wines in the northeast of. The brothers grow grapes in accordance with strict restrictions imposed on “bio” products (or they are also called “organic”): no chemical fertilizers can be used. The grape harvest here is still done by hand. And the future wine Amarone della Valpolicella with a strength of 15 degrees, it is aged in French oak barrels for 2 years!

Tessari Winery

Veneto, Italy

The Tessari family winery is one of the leaders in wine production in the Soave region. During excursions (in Italian, English, French and German), you will learn about the special storage conditions of white wines of such famous varieties as Le Bine Longhe, Grisela, Tre Colli (Recioto) and Garganega Brut. After meaningful conversations, it is time for wine tasting, which is accompanied by local snacks.

Fattorio Paradiso Winery

Emilia-Romagna, Italy

"Fattorio Paradiso" means "paradise factory". Local wines were loved by Pope John Paul II and Federico Fellini. For many years, this winery has been managed by the Pezzi family. On 75 hectares of land they grow grape varieties characteristic only of the Emilia-Romagna region - Albana, Sangiovese, Trebbiano and Pagadebit. The founder of the farm, Mario Pezzi, at one time saved the Kanina grape variety from complete oblivion and discovered the wild Barbarossa variety, hitherto unknown to science. Wines from both varieties can be tasted and purchased in the winery store.

Winery of the Cinque Terre Agricultural Cooperative

Manarola, Italy

The best place for a tour of the vineyards, tasting and buying wine in the famous Cinque Terre reserve is located a few kilometers from Manarola, in the town of Groppo. In the cellars of the Cinque Terre agricultural cooperative (Cantina della Cooperativa Agricola delle Cinque Terre) you can taste selected wines of the region, eat light snacks and buy a few bottles “as a souvenir”. Our advice is to take Sciacchetra - a light wine with a straw color that goes well with cheese and sweets and which Pliny the Elder, Petrka and Boccaccio drank before you.

Italy is a country with very long wine-making traditions. Italians claim that the first grapevine appeared in the country around 1000 BC, therefore Italian winemaking is already more than three thousand years old. The lands of Italy seem to be specially created for growing grapes - a mild climate, a landscape that changes every few tens of kilometers, mountain ranges that protect the vineyards from the cold northern air. It is not for nothing that the Greeks - the first winemakers of the Apennine Peninsula - called this country Enotria - “land of wine”.

For many centuries, making wine in the regions of Italy was only a traditional peasant practice, and wine itself was a common accompaniment to food, something like water or tea. During the Middle Ages, monasteries and small farms were engaged in winemaking, again, mainly for their own needs. And only by the middle of the 20th century, Italian winemaking took a new direction, taking a leading place among the world's producers of elite wines.

The lands of Italy seem to be created for growing grapes

Almost every region of Italy produces its own wines that have a unique taste due to different climatic and weather conditions, as well as different sets of grape varieties. True wine connoisseurs have long identified their favorite regions of Italy, where it makes sense to go in search of new tastes - we will talk about them.

Piedmont

Located at the foot of the Alps, it is one of the largest wine regions in the country. The famous Nebbiolo grape variety is grown here, which is the basis for the famous wines Gattinara, Barolo and Barbaresco. The name of the variety comes from the word nebbia - fog. This is due to the appearance of the berries, covered with a whitish velvety coating, as well as the weather characteristics of the region - in September, when the grapes ripen, there are strong fogs in the mornings, providing high humidity, ideal for the growth of the vine.

Grapes in Italy have always been of high quality

This region produces mainly red wines, which perfectly complement the rich and rich Piedmontese cuisine. No less famous in the world are the white wines of Piedmont, obtained from the Asti Spumante and Cortese grapes - moderately sweet, they go well with any desserts. But perhaps the most famous Piedmontese wines are the vermouths of the Martini & Rossi distillery, located in, produced since 1863.

In the 80s of the last century, a network of wine shops was created in the region, organizing thematic conferences and wine tastings, annually attracting the attention of about half a million tourists interested in winemaking. Wine libraries are located in castles or historical residences, which house wine museums, tasting rooms, and restaurants with traditional Piedmontese cuisine.

Wine libraries are located in castles, where tasting rooms and wine cellars are organized

It should be noted that Piedmont is known not only as a wine region, it is also home to the longest Italian river Po, as well as Gran Paradiso and Monte Rosa - some of the highest mountain peaks in Europe. On the territory of Piedmont there are more than 50 nature reserves and regional parks, excellent ski resorts, whose natural conditions are not inferior to the French Alps, as well as many thermal springs.

Tuscany

Charming, whose landscapes with hills and valleys covered with vineyards, small red-brown houses and green groves have already become classic, is located in the central part of the country. The grape varieties grown here include Sangiovese, which produces excellent red wines with a pleasant velvety structure and a pronounced fruity aroma, and Trebbiano, a white grape whose wines are distinguished by their lightness, characteristic acidity and low sugar content.

The most famous Tuscan wine is Chianti, made from Sangiovese grapes. Creator Chianti- Baron Bettino Ricasoli - Minister of Tuscany, who later became Prime Minister of Italy. It was he who composed the delightful bouquet of the famous wine - tart and, at the same time, delicate, with pleasant sourness and light notes of wild cherries, violets and wild berries. Once upon a time, Chianti was bottled in pot-bellied two-liter bottles, braided with straw, which were sealed with olive oil and paper wads. Today, self-respecting wine producers do not use such bottles.

Once upon a time, Chianti was bottled in pot-bellied two-liter bottles, braided with straw.

Among the wines of Tuscany, Vin Santo (Holy Wine) stands out - a dessert white wine, distinguished by an unusual production method. Trebbiano grapes are harvested only after full ripening, dried on a straw or wooden floor until almost raisin-like, and only then the grape must is squeezed out, which is aged in wooden barrels for at least three years. The result is an excellent wine with aromas of nuts, vanilla and dried fruits.

In addition to winemaking, horticulture and floriculture, as well as the production of olive oil, flourish in Tuscany; oil from Lucca, an ancient city located in the northern part of the region, is especially valued.

Campaign

Campania is the most beautiful region of Italy, located in the south of the country. The wines are considered the most ancient - winemaking existed here even before the arrival of the Romans, and the grapes grown were of such high quality that even Greece, which was more developed in this regard, used it to produce its wines. A significant part of the region's cultivated land is occupied by vineyards.

September humidity in Piedmont is ideal for grapevines

The lion's share of all wines produced in Campania are white wines - for their production, Greco, Fiano and Aglianico grapes are grown. Great wine is made from Greco grapes Greco di Tufo– one of the brightest Italian wines.

Another oldest grape variety grown in Campania is the red Aglianico. These grapes produce Taurasi wine - dark, rich, with aromas of resin, earth and blackberry. Guilt Taurasi, regardless of whether they are bottled recently or aged for decades, they captivate with their many delicious aromas.

And not to mention the wines of this beautiful country.

Winemaking in Italy goes back thousands of years. As experts say, winemaking on the territory of the Apennine Peninsula arose before the country of Italy appeared. The first traditions of wine making were brought here by the ancient Greeks. So ancient that it is difficult to even establish when exactly they did this. The Greeks even gave the area rich in vineyards an appropriate name: Land of Wine or Oenotria.

To say that Italy's climate and geography are exceptionally suited to vineyards is a significant understatement. The grapes feel great here. Local varieties, many of which are very, very worthy of the attention of discerning connoisseurs, are in abundance here. The gentle Mediterranean sun generously waters the vineyards that cover the country.

With all this, Italian winemaking was at a low level and winemakers could not offer connoisseurs anything special. The breakthrough occurred in the middle of the last century. Winemakers began to use proven techniques and experiment with new technologies. And today Italy has acquired the status of one of the most “wine” countries. In terms of volumes of intoxicating drinks produced, it is only ahead of France. And for the volume of wine exports, the “Apennine boot” can be awarded the first prize. Almost every third bottle of wine drunk in the world comes from Italy.

Italian winemaking has mastered the production of more than three thousand types of wine: from vintage to table. White wines dominate. Sparkling wines, including red ones, are also very popular. 250 grape varieties are grown in 20 wine-growing regions of the country. Both our own, unique (“nebbiolo”, “barbera”, “lambrusco”, “cortese”, “muscat”), and classic - French and German varieties (“pinot”, “cabernet sauvignon”, “merlot” and others ).

On the Apennine Peninsula, wherever you go, you can come across vineyards. The exception is, perhaps, the Milan Valley - and that’s because it is an industrial zone. Therefore, the wines of Italy are difficult to classify by region (like, for example, the wines of France). There is no clear wine list at all, which sometimes leads pedantic tourists – wine connoisseurs – into some confusion. However, legislative acts of 1963 regulated wine production.

Wines of Italy: classification

Italian wines are divided into the following categories:

• DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) - “designation controlled and guaranteed by origin.” These are vintage wines that are strictly controlled by their name and origin. These are high-quality wines, and extremely high demands are placed on them. Changes in the composition of wines in the DOCG category (as well as in the DOC category) are not allowed.
• DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) – “designation controlled by origin”. These are Italian wines, which, firstly, meet all winemaking standards, and secondly, they can only be obtained in a certain territory. This category of wines belongs to vintage ones.
• IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) - “wine with an indication of origin.” Elite table wines. The production area and grape variety are subject to control. Very often, IGT wines fall short of fine wines only formally. For example, the manufacturer deviated a little from the regulations - in favor of the development and diversity of taste - and then did not bother to obtain the DOC category. Italians are very creative people, and Italian winemaking has adopted its national character and temperament. By the way, Italians themselves prefer IGT wines. And often such wines are more expensive than vintage ones.
• Vino da Tavola is the “table wine” of Italy. Ordinary wines for daily consumption have a lower degree of strength. Wines in this category are not controlled by area of ​​origin and varietal composition. It should be noted that this does not refer to quality. Vino da Tavola is of the same quality as the more elite wines of Italy. It's purely a matter of taste.