Italy is one of the largest wine producers in the world, and it is no surprise as it is a mostly coastal country, with a Mediterranean warm climate, with a diverse terroir which included geographical diversity such as mountains, sea, hills and plateau land areas. This is a dream come true for winemakers looking to create consistent quality, while slowly experimenting their way into modern times as well. But the North and South of Italy are both quite different, making very different wines. Here are a few differences between Northern and Southern Italian wines.
Northern Italy Piedmont
This is an area which produces some of Italy’s most beloved reds (aside from Tuscany) such as Barolo or Barbaresco. The grape of choice in this area is the Nebbiolo which grows well in the densely foggy climate of the area. Other popular grapes are the Dolcetto, Moscato, and Barbera.
Veneto
This is an area which is quite well known for its Prosecco, most especially Valdobbiadene, a sparkling wine made from Glera grapes. Other wines typical of this region are the Soave and Pinot Grigio. The cooler climate helps produce fresh wines.
Tuscany
Somewhere in between North and South, Tuscan vineyards are some of the most renowned in the world. The grape of choice in this area is Sangiovese, which produces wine by the same name as well as Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti. The area is also famous for structured reds such as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The climate makes for ideal full-bodied reds which age well.
Southern Italy Campania
The area of southern Italy, especially around Campania offers an interesting mix of volcanic soil mixed with a warm climate. Typical wines from this area are the Aglianico which makes the prestigious Taurasi red wine. Other wines include Falanghina and Greco di Tufo, two fresh white wines. The area produces both popular red and white.
Sicily
Temperatures in Sicily can reach record breaking numbers in heat, which is why it is an area of Italy known for its sweet wines. It is famous for its Marsala and the fortified Zibibbo. It’s red wine of choice is the tannic Nero d’Avola which has a high alcohol content.
Northern Italy Piedmont
This is an area which produces some of Italy’s most beloved reds (aside from Tuscany) such as Barolo or Barbaresco. The grape of choice in this area is the Nebbiolo which grows well in the densely foggy climate of the area. Other popular grapes are the Dolcetto, Moscato, and Barbera.
Veneto
This is an area which is quite well known for its Prosecco, most especially Valdobbiadene, a sparkling wine made from Glera grapes. Other wines typical of this region are the Soave and Pinot Grigio. The cooler climate helps produce fresh wines.
Tuscany
Somewhere in between North and South, Tuscan vineyards are some of the most renowned in the world. The grape of choice in this area is Sangiovese, which produces wine by the same name as well as Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti. The area is also famous for structured reds such as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The climate makes for ideal full-bodied reds which age well.
Southern Italy Campania
The area of southern Italy, especially around Campania offers an interesting mix of volcanic soil mixed with a warm climate. Typical wines from this area are the Aglianico which makes the prestigious Taurasi red wine. Other wines include Falanghina and Greco di Tufo, two fresh white wines. The area produces both popular red and white.
Sicily
Temperatures in Sicily can reach record breaking numbers in heat, which is why it is an area of Italy known for its sweet wines. It is famous for its Marsala and the fortified Zibibbo. It’s red wine of choice is the tannic Nero d’Avola which has a high alcohol content.
