Exploring Italy’s Wine Heritage: 10 Things You Didn’t Know
September is Italian Wine Month at Taylor's
Here's some interesting tidbits about Italian Wine
Italy Has Over 2,000 Grape Varieties
It’s the most genetically diverse wine country on Earth. While only ~350 are officially approved for winemaking, many hyper-local grapes are still cultivated in tiny pockets.
Italian Winemaking Goes Back Over 4,000 Years
The history of Italian wine is an epic that stretches back millennia, woven into the very fabric of the country's identity. Long before the Roman Empire's rise, winemaking flourished in southern Italy.It's said the ancient Greeks were so enchanted by the land's perfect climate and rich soil that they dubbed it "Oenotria," or "the land of vines." The Romans, however, truly put Italian wine on the map. They refined winemaking into a sophisticated art and commercial enterprise, spreading their viticultural knowledge across Europe.After the empire's fall, it was the Catholic Church that kept the tradition alive, cultivating vineyards and preserving ancient methods within monastery walls.
Italy Is the One of the World’s Largest Wine Producer
Depending on the size of the crop, France and Italy will often trade spots for country that produces the most wine, depending on the size of the crop each vintage with Spain occasionally getting the top spot.
Sangiovese Is Italy’s Most Planted Grape
It’s the backbone of iconic wines like Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
DOC and DOCG Classifications Protect Quality
Italy has over 330 DOC wines and 75 DOCG wines, each with strict rules on grape origin, production methods, and aging. While Italy has a history of producing wine for the masses, a modern renaissance began in the 1960s to prioritize quality and authenticity. This pivotal shift led to the creation of a formal classification system, establishing the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and, later, the more stringent Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG). These tiers, modeled after France's AOC system, define specific rules for winemaking, from permitted grape varieties and yields to aging requirements.
The Super Tuscans Broke the Rules—and Made Wine History
In the 1970s, a handful of Tuscan winemakers sparked a quiet revolution. Frustrated by the rigid rules of Italy’s DOC system—especially in Chianti, where blending white grapes into red wine was mandatory—they began crafting bold, expressive reds that broke tradition. These wines didn’t qualify for official recognition, so they were labeled Vino da Tavola, Italy’s lowest tier. But their quality was anything but low.
The Founding Five Super Tuscans
1 Sassicaia – The true pioneer, first bottled commercially in 1968. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in Bolgheri, it was inspired by Bordeaux and aged in French oak—radical for Tuscany at the time.
2 Tignanello – Introduced by Antinori in 1971, this Sangiovese-based blend included Cabernet Sauvignon and later Cabernet Franc. It broke Chianti Classico rules by excluding white grapes and using barriques.
3 Solaia – Another Antinori creation, launched in 1978. Originally a Cabernet Sauvignon–dominant blend with some Sangiovese, it leaned even more heavily into Bordeaux styling.
4 Ornellaia – Founded by Lodovico Antinori (Piero’s cousin) in 1981, with the first vintage released in 1985. A full-throttle Bordeaux blend from Bolgheri, it quickly became a benchmark for luxury Italian reds.
5 Masseto – A single-varietal Merlot from a specific vineyard within the Ornellaia estate, first released in 1987. Though technically part of Ornellaia’s portfolio, Masseto earned its own cult status and is often listed separately due to its distinct identity and staggering quality.
Veneto Is Italy’s Largest Wine-Producing Region
Home to Prosecco and Valpolicella, Veneto leads the country in volume and exports. Thanks to its affordability and easy-drinking style, Prosecco has overtaken Champagne in global sales volume as the world's most popular sparkling wine region!
Italy’s Wine Laws/Regions Mirror Its Political Map
The country is divided into 20 wine regions, each with its own DOCs and DOCGs—like a vinous version of federalism.
DOCG Wines Are Taste-Tested Before Release
It's not just filing the right paperwork, paying the fees and owning a vineyard in a certain place. To earn the DOCG label, wines must pass a blind tasting panel that verifies typicity and quality.
Italy Has the Most Vineyard Land in the World
With over 702,000 hectares under vine, Italy edges out even Spain in total vineyard area—though Spain often produces less wine due to lower yields.