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Section 28 of 34

Italy

Italy grows hundreds of grape varieties, many only found in a single region. Chapter 7 covers seven that matter at Level 2: four white grapes, each tied to a signature wine, and five black grapes split between northern Italy (Nebbiolo, Barbera, Corvina) and central Italy (Sangiovese, Montepulciano).

By the end of this chapter you will be able to:

  • Match each Italian white grape with its signature DOC/DOCG: Cortese/Gavi, Garganega/Soave, Verdicchio/Castelli di Jesi, Fiano/Avellino.
  • Describe the three principal northern Italian black grapes - Nebbiolo, Barbera, Corvina - and the regions that produce their benchmark wines (Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera d'Asti, Valpolicella, Amarone, Recioto).
  • Describe Sangiovese's three Tuscan homes: Chianti DOCG, Chianti Classico DOCG, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG.
  • Recognise Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC from east-central Italy.
  • Explain the appassimento method used in Veneto for Amarone and Recioto.

Three sub-sections ahead. Start with the white grapes.