Wine in Italy isn't seen as a luxurious indulgence like it is here; rather, it is considered part of their culture and regularly featured at meals.

Italy boasts 20 uniquely designated wine regions and over 350 official grape varieties, making wine production an enormous industry throughout the nation.

Wine Costs in Italy

Wine prices in Italy tend to be significantly less expensive than in other countries, especially locally produced wines. This may be attributed to many Italian wines being crafted using lesser-known indigenous grape varieties that don't command as high of an audience as more well-known global varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Tanya Morning Star points out that operating costs associated with vineyards and wineries in Italy are considerably less than in the United States, due to more cost-efficient options for purchasing premium land and equipment as well as spending on advertising/marketing strategies.

Most Italian wineries sell their products within a few miles of where they're produced to reduce transportation costs and maintain good consumer relations, since Italian wines are renowned for their quality and variety - and highly rated by numerous international publications like Gambero Rosso and Bibenda.

Prosecco

Prosecco can easily be found at supermarkets and wine bars, providing consumers with an excellent alternative to Champagne for those wanting something lighter and fruitier. Prosecco makes an excellent addition to cocktails as well as being perfect on its own for drinking on its own.

Prosekco wine is produced using Glera grapes and vinified rapidly in stainless steel tanks to reduce time spent in contact with lees, thus limiting bready aromas and flavors from developing. Plus, its reduced acidity makes it more versatile.

Prosecco production can occur anywhere in Italy, though DOC and DOCG wines require meeting stringent production standards that must be met for certification. Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions produce the DOC wines while Conegliano and Valdobbiadene hilltop towns produce DOCG wines; Cartizze DOCG stands out as its highest ranked Prosecco with its own set of rules governing its creation.

Red Wine

New Castle Liquors offers several popular Italian red wines such as Chianti, Pinot Noir and Negroamaros to help make selection easier.

Southern Italy boasts an abundance of unique grape varieties and wine styles. Abruzzo produces luxurious full-bodied red wines made with Corvina and Sangiovese grapes.

Cherry and plum compote, new leather, espresso, grilled herbs and spices are among the many typical flavors found throughout Europe. In Piedmont, Nebbiolo wine stands out as being exceptional due to its notes of cranberry and violet flowers with subtler undertones of rhubarb and balsamic vinegar hints.

Tuscany is known for producing Sangiovese wine, an ideal light and smooth choice that pairs perfectly with numerous types of cuisine. While Toscana DOC and IGT wines tend to be more complex due to winemakers taking more liberties with regulations to create stunning blends.

White Wine

Wine is an integral part of Italian life and culture, both among locals and visitors alike. No matter where or when you enjoy it, wine can always be found at an attractive price point.

White wines contain less sulfites and lower alcohol than their red counterparts, with the former usually possessing more citrus and tropical notes than their counterparts. Whites may also be suitable for those allergic to tannins and sulfites.

Italian white grape varieties are currently experiencing a revival thanks to an increase in producers dedicated to crafting exciting, flavorful wines using these native varieties.

Grillo from Sicily is an exceptional example. This refreshing wine boasts refreshing floral, subtle ocean salinity and whiffs of kaffir lime notes on the nose; on the palate you will discover creamy lemon, sweet nectarine and tropical fruit flavors balanced by impressive structure and minerality; this wine makes an ideal companion to seafood or pasta dishes.