Italian Grape Varieties (With Pictures)

Why are Italian grape varieties so pivotal to the country’s esteemed wine reputation?

With over 350 officially recognized grape varieties, Italy offers an unparalleled diversity in wine, from the bold reds of Tuscany to the refreshing whites of Veneto.

In this short article, you’ll learn about:

Key Italian red grapes
Popular Italian white varieties
Regional specialties: Cannonau, Cortese, Garganega
Rising stars: Fiano, Corvina Veronese
Sparkling and sweet varieties, like Glera or Moscato.
Answers to frequently asked questions about grape varietals in Italy.

Here’s a table showing the most popular varieties. Then you can read about selected ones.

Grape Varieties in Italy

Grape Variety	Color	Region(s)	Notable Wines	Characteristics
Aglianico	Red	Campania, Basilicata	Taurasi, Aglianico del Vulture	Aristocratic, of Greek origin
Barbera	Red	Piedmont, Northwest Italy	–	Hearty, widely planted
Brachetto	Red	Piedmont	–	Sweet, bubbly wines
Canaiolo Nero	Red	Central Italy	Chianti blend	Second to Sangiovese
Cannonau	Red	Sardinia	–	Dry/sweet wines, akin to Garnacha/Grenache
Catarratto	Red	Sicily	Marsala, Bianco Alcamo	Prevalent in Sicilian wines
Cortese	White	Piedmont, Oltrepo Pavese	Gavi	Popular, native to Piedmont
Corvina Veronese	Red	Verona	Bardolino, Valpolicella, Amarone, Recioto	Chief component of Verona reds
Dolcetto	Red	Southern Piedmont	–	Supple, mouth-filling varietals
Gaglioppo	Red	Calabria	Ciro	Ancient Greek variety, red Calabrian wines
Garganega	Red	Veneto	Soave, Recioto di Soave	Mainstay of Soave
Greco	Red/White	Campania, Calabria	–	Of Greek origin, for both red and white
Lambrusco	Red	Emilia	–	Bubbly red and pink wines
Malvasia	Red/White	Latium, Apulia	Frascati (white), Apulian wines (red)	Vast range, used in several regional wines
Montepulciano	Red	Abruzzo	–	Dominant in Abruzzo, not related to Tuscan town
Moscato	White	Throughout Italy	–	Sweet, aromatic, widely grown
Nebbiolo	Red	Piedmont, Lombardy, Valle d’Aosta	Barolo, Barbaresco	Piedmont’s greatest reds
Nosiola	White	Trentino	Vin Santo	Aromatic, for dry and Vin Santo wines
Pinot Grigio	White	Trentino, Veneto, Lombardy	–	Popular, can be mass-produced
Primitivo	Red	Apulia	–	Powerful reds, akin to Zinfandel
Prosecco	White	Veneto	–	Sparkling/still, fruit-driven
Sangiovese	Red	Tuscany	Chianti, Brunello, Vino Nobile	Tuscan reds’ mainstay
Toroldego	Red	Trentino	Toroldego Rotaliano	–
Friuliano	White	Friuli	–	Makes classy white wines
Trebbiano	White	Throughout Italy	–	Most diffused, often dull
Verdicchio	White	Marches	–	Growing stature, predominant in Marches
Vermentino	White	Sardinia, Liguria, Tuscany	–	Noted for white wines
Vernaccia di San Gimignano	White	–	Vernaccia di San Gimignano	Noble, ancient origin

A table showing Italian grape varieties.

Italian Red Grape Varieties

Italian red wines are celebrated worldwide for their richness, diversity, and depth. At the heart of Italy’s red wine repertoire are varieties that not only reflect the country’s viticultural prowess but also its cultural heritage.

Among these, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, and Aglianico stand out as the pillars supporting the reputation of Italian reds.

Sangiovese

The rolling hills of Tuscany are the birthplace of Sangiovese, where it’s most prominently featured in wines from Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino.

Sangiovese grapes produce wines with a broad range of flavors, from earthy and rustic to round and fruit-forward. Expect notes of cherry, plum, and fig, accompanied by hints of tomato leaf and dried herbs.

Its high acidity and tannin content make Sangiovese an excellent companion to food. It pairs beautifully with Italian cuisine, especially dishes like pasta with tomato-based sauces, grilled meats, and hard cheeses.

Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo reigns in Piedmont, particularly in the prestigious appellations of Barolo and Barbaresco.

Nebbiolo wines are known for their substantial tannins and acidity, which contribute to their significant aging potential. They boast aromas of rose, cherry, and truffle, evolving complex flavors with age.

These wines are among Italy’s most age-worthy, with the best examples from Barolo and Barbaresco capable of maturing gracefully for decades, developing softer tannins and more nuanced flavors over time.

Aglianico

This ancient variety thrives in the volcanic soils of Campania and Basilicata, notably in Taurasi and Aglianico del Vulture.

Aglianico is celebrated for its full body and firm tannins, with a flavor profile that includes dark fruits, chocolate, and spice. With age, it can develop intriguing notes of leather and earth.

While younger Aglianico offers boldness and vigor, aged versions provide a more rounded experience. It’s a versatile wine that can be enjoyed in its youth for its intensity or aged for a more complex tasting experience.

These cornerstone Italian red grape varieties each tell a unique story of their native region, reflecting the local terroir, climate, and centuries-old winemaking traditions.

Whether through the bright acidity of Sangiovese, the structured elegance of Nebbiolo, or the powerful depth of Aglianico, Italy’s red wines offer a rich palette of flavors for enthusiasts to explore and savor.

White Grape Varieties

Italian white wines are just as varied and complex as their red counterparts, offering a spectrum of flavors suited to a wide range of palates.

From the crisp and refreshing Pinot Grigio to the robust and versatile Trebbiano and the elegant Verdicchio, Italian whites have earned their place on the global wine stage.

Pinot Grigio

The cool climates of Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto are ideal for growing Pinot Grigio, giving the wine its characteristic crispness and freshness.

Pinot Grigio is loved for its zesty and refreshing acidity, with flavors ranging from ripe pear and apple to citrus and floral notes.

Best served chilled, Pinot Grigio is a perfect aperitif and pairs wonderfully with light dishes such as seafood, salads, and light pasta dishes. Its versatility and approachable flavor profile make it a favorite among white wine drinkers.

Trebbiano

Trebbiano is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in Italy, known for its ability to adapt to various climates and terroirs.

While Trebbiano wines are often light and crisp, with subtle fruit and floral notes, the grape’s versatility allows it to be used in a variety of blends, contributing to the body and acidity of the wine.

Trebbiano’s refreshing character makes it an excellent companion to seafood dishes, light appetizers, and as a component in blends, it enhances the complexity and balance of the wine.

Verdicchio

The Verdicchio grape finds its expression in the rolling hills of the Marches, particularly in the Castelli di Jesi and Matelica appellations.

Verdicchio is acclaimed for its high acidity and complex flavor profile, including notes of green apple, citrus, and a hint of almond on the finish.

From light and crisp to rich and textured, Verdicchio wines vary greatly in style. They pair beautifully with a range of dishes, from seafood and poultry to rich pasta and risotto, making them a versatile choice for any meal.

Unique Regional Grape Varietals

Italian wine types don’t stop with the well-known varieties. Some wine regions in Italy are home to unique grapes, producing wines with distinctive characteristics that are deeply intertwined with the local culture and history.

Cannonau

Cannonau, known elsewhere as Grenache or Garnacha, has a long history in Sardinia. Some studies suggest that its consumption contributes to the island’s notable longevity.

This robust red wine is known for its high antioxidant content, full body, and flavors of red fruits, spice, and herbs.

Cannonau’s structure makes it a perfect match for the rich and hearty flavors of Sardinian cuisine, such as roasted meats, aged cheeses, and pasta with bold sauces.

Cortese

Cortese is the grape behind the crisp and refreshing white wine known as Gavi, from Piedmont. It offers a delicate balance of acidity and fruitiness, with notes of green apple, citrus, and mineral undertones.

Served chilled, Cortese pairs wonderfully with light appetizers, seafood, and poultry, enhancing the meal without overwhelming the flavors.

Garganega

Garganega is the primary grape used in the production of Soave, a white wine from the Veneto region. It’s celebrated for its ability to balance acidity with a gentle almond note.

Traditional Soave showcases the varietal’s freshness, while more modern interpretations may use oak aging to add complexity.

Its versatility makes Garganega a companion to a wide array of dishes, from seafood to chicken and from salads to lightly spiced Asian cuisines. The wine’s crispness makes it a refreshing choice, especially in warmer months.

Rising Stars and Under-appreciated Gems

Beyond the classics, Italy’s vineyards are full of rising stars and hidden treasures, grape varieties that may not dominate global markets but are deeply cherished by connoisseurs and local enthusiasts alike.

Fiano

Fiano finds its roots in the sun-kissed landscapes of Campania and Sicily, where it produces some of the most aromatic whites in southern Italy.

Fiano wines are noted for their floral and honeyed aromas, with flavors ranging from spicy to nutty, often with a hint of citrus or tropical fruit. The best examples showcase complexity and ageability, developing richer textures and more profound flavors over time.

Corvina Veronese

Corvina Veronese is the key grape in the renowned red wines of the Valpolicella region, including Amarone and Ripasso. It lends these wines their characteristic cherry notes and potential for aging.

Corvina-based wines can range from light and fresh in simple Valpolicella to rich and full-bodied in Amarone. The drying process (appassimento) used for Amarone concentrates flavors and sugars, resulting in a robust wine with potential for aging, developing complex flavors of dried fruit, leather, and spices over time.

These two varietals represent just a fraction of Italy’s viticultural wealth, demonstrating the country’s ability to produce a vast spectrum of wine styles. Fiano and Corvina Veronese, with their distinct characteristics and contributions to Italian wine culture, underscore the depth and diversity of Italian winemaking.

As the wine world continues to evolve, these varieties remind us of the ever-present opportunity to explore and discover new favorites among Italy’s vinous offerings.

The Sparkling and Sweet Varieties

Italy’s viticultural landscape is not only about robust reds and refreshing whites but also includes an array of sparkling and sweet wines that capture the imagination and palate of wine lovers worldwide.

Prosecco (Glera)

Gleba grapes for prosecco — Gleba grapes (photo by: @tenutasantamaria)

Originating from the Veneto region, Prosecco is made from the Glera grape and is cherished for its light, frothy bubbles and approachable flavor profile. From the rolling hills of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene to the plains of Treviso, Prosecco can vary from dry (Brut) to sweeter (Dry and Extra Dry), catering to a wide range of tastes.

Prosecco’s versatility makes it perfect for celebrations or as an aperitif. Its crisp acidity pairs well with light appetizers, seafood, and mildly spiced dishes, enhancing the dining experience without overwhelming the flavors.

Moscato

Moscato, grown throughout Italy, is most famously produced in the Piedmont region. It is renowned for its sweet, fragrant profile, often with a light fizz.

Moscato is an excellent companion to desserts, particularly fruit-based sweets and creamy dishes. Served chilled, it can also be enjoyed alone as a delightful conclusion to a meal.

FAQ on Italian Grape Varieties

How many grape varieties are there in Italy?

Italy boasts over 350 officially recognized grape varieties, making it one of the most biodiverse wine countries in the world.

What’s the difference between Sangiovese from Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino?

Both wines are made from Sangiovese, but Brunello typically comes from a specific clone called Sangiovese Grosso, offering a denser, more powerful wine due to Montalcino’s warmer climate and longer aging requirements. Chianti offers more variation in style and is generally lighter and ready to drink sooner.

Which Italian grape variety is known for aging potential?

Nebbiolo, the grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco, is renowned for its remarkable aging potential, with top wines maturing well over several decades.

Can you name an Italian white wine grape with significant aging potential?

Nebbiolo, the grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco, is renowned for its remarkable aging potential, with top wines maturing well over several decades.

Which region is Cannonau from, and what is its international equivalent?

Cannonau is predominantly from Sardinia and is the same grape as Grenache in France and Garnacha in Spain, known for robust red wines.

What’s the typical flavor profile of Corvina Veronese wines?

Corvina Veronese, key to Valpolicella wines, offers flavors of sour cherry, almond, and herbs, with a distinctively bright acidity and light tannins, making it versatile for both fresh and aged wines like Amarone.

Are there Italian grape varieties that produce both red and white wines?

Yes, for example, Malvasia and Trebbiano are families of grapes that include both red and white varietals, used in a range of wine styles across Italy.

How does terroir affect Italian wine styles?

Italy’s diverse climate and geography, from the Alps to the Mediterranean coastlines, create varied terroirs that significantly influence the flavor profiles, acidity, and body of the wines produced, making Italian wines remarkably diverse and distinctive.