The World's Top Ten Most Famous Wine Regions and Wine Holiday Destinations Part 2: ITALY.

Italy's Wine Regions.

THE WORLD'S TOP TEN MOST FAMOUS WINE REGIONS AND WINE HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS.

2. ITALY.
The second most important, wine country in the world,  is without a doubt Italy. Within this European country, one finds no less than twenty vast wine regions, all of which can boast their own indigenious grape varieties and unique wine making traditions. The specific terroirs of the Italian wine regions, and actual macro and micro climatic conditions, make Italian wine varietals exclusive to these regions as no other country in the world can produce Barolo, Barbaresco, Amarone, Brunello di Montalcino or premium Riserva Chianti.  Italy as a country is one of the most beautiful and historic countries of Europe, and not only does it boast some of the very best, authentic and unique wines, but the various provinces and regions offer some of the most appetizing and sought after cuisine in the world. 

Tuscany Wine map.

Tuscany is famous for its Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and its transcendent selection of "Super Tuscan" superlative wines.
As a destination the Tuscan region of Italy is a delight for the senses. Tuscany is celebrated not only for its vineyards and cuisine, its sheer national and historic beauty make it one of the world's most sought after destinations and a magical place to taste the local produce in food and wine. Famous cuisine in Tuscany include the renowned Bistecca a la Fiorentina; Braised wild boar; ribolita soup; and various variations of pasta and sauces.

Pasta with Wild Boar Sauce
Montalcino-Tuscany

Braised Wild boar
Montepulciano-Tuscany.

Tartufo D'Alba.

Piedmont (sometimes written as Piemonte), is the region where the Nebbiolo grape grows. This grape variety is difficult to grow anywhere else not only in Italy but more so around the world. Piedmont is where wine afficionados can indulge in the best Barolos, Barbarescos, Barberas from Asto or Alba, the mild Dolcettos, Moscato and the well known Gavi as this region is also home to the Cortese grape variety which is what Gavi, or Gavi di Gavi wine is produed from. Famous cheeses such as Gorgonzola and Bra come from this region and polenta is more popular than pasta. Meats are more likely to be found in stews rather than grilled. Of course one can also go hunting for Alba's white truffles which could make one very rich if found.


Other excellent wine destinations and regions in Italy are Lazio outside Rome with its Cesanese del Piglio; Umbria with its Orvieto; Emilia-Romagna famous for its Lambrusco; the Veneto best known for its Amarone, Ripasso, Bardolino, Valpolicella and Soave; Fruili-Venezia Giulia for its Ramandolo; Lombardy exceptional for its food and Nebiolo;

Bistecca a la Fiorentina
Florence.

Parma Ham.

Campania and Basilicata for their  Fiano di Avellino,  Greco and Falaghina, and the indegenious Aglianico which gifts this region with the Taurasi DOCG wines.

Umbria.

Apuglia for its Primitivo and Negroamaro, and Montefalco in Umbria for the famous and unique Sagrantino di Montefalco.
Then we have other regions such as the:
Aosta Valley;
The Italian Riviera;
Trentino-Alto Adige;
Marche for its Verdicchio;
Abruzzo for Trebiano;
Molise;

Spaghetti with tomato sauce.

Pizza Funghi Sicily.

Pizza Margherita.

And in the south we have:

Sicily famous for its Nero D'Avola, Zibibbo. Primitivo and for its Marsala;

and of course Sardinia famous for its Vermentino, and which is a destination on its own.

Slow cooked Osso Buco
Sicily.

Suckling Pig-Sardinia.

If one should require more information of the wines of Italy and also about the Italian grape varieties I recommend reading previous features in this website that deal specifically with these subjects.

Italy is only a short flight away from Malta, and can be reached internationally from all over the world. Various wine tours are available for the professional as well as for enthusiastic wine tourists. Our advice is to always organize speciality and dedicated wine oriented holidays through a specialist operator.

Until next week then for our third region, enjoy yourselves and salute'.