[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section – Box By 3 Content” module_class=”pixie-content3 pixie-content-text-black” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ custom_margin=”||2.3%||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px|” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Row – Box By 3 Content” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0|0px|16px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px|0px|10px|0px” custom_padding_phone=”10px|0px|30px|0px” use_custom_width=”on” width_unit=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_css_main_element=”margin-bottom: 0 !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text module_id=”christmasmarkets” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||0px|||” custom_padding=”22px||22px||true|” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Did you know that wine is actually good for your health? Studies have shown that moderate consumption of red wine can contribute to a decreased risk of heart disease, most likely due to the antioxidants it contains. These health benefits have contributed to red wine’s popularity, particularly in America, with 49% preferring red wine to white wine or other types of wine.
Although white wine has increased in popularity and production in Italy over the past few decades, red wine production still reigns supreme, accounting for over 60% of Italy’s wine production and 17.3% of total global production—the most of any country.
Red wine is a classic pairing with many hearty Italian dishes, including those with red meats or aged cheeses. In contrast to white wine, red wine uses the grape’s skin in the final product, while white wine separates the skin from the juice before fermentation. The grape skins give red wine its color, which varies from vibrant ruby to deep, inky purples depending on the aging and type of grapes used.
With Veneto, Tuscany, and Piedmont leading red wine production in Italy, a trip to Italy isn’t complete without a taste of the tannins that have defined a large part of our culture for centuries! In this quick guide, we’ll explore the most famous red wines in Italy you need to know before your trip so you can speak the language of a seasoned sommelier while sipping on some of the finest wines in the world.
Chianti
Produced in the iconic Chianti region of Tuscany between Florence and Siena, Chianti remains one of the world’s most famous wines, with millions of liters produced and exported annually. Made with at least 70% Sangiovese grapes, Chianti has tasting notes of dried herbs, red fruits, and balsamic vinegar – but other grape varieties like Canaiolo, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon can also be blended in.
Chianti has several different styles, which indicate the aging and quality of the wine. The most popular and classic iteration, Chianti Classico, is produced in the heart of the Chianti region and is characterized by its medium-bodied flavor and notes of cherry and violet.
Chianti Classico Riserva is a higher-quality category of Classico with a longer aging period, giving it a more full-bodied taste and a smoother texture. While Chianti Classico Riserva must be aged for at least three years, the highest-quality category of the Classico, Gran Selezione, must be aged for at least five years and made from grapes grown in specific vineyards.
Chianti Superiore is a higher-quality category of Chianti. This type of wine must meet strict standards set by the Consorzio del Vino Chianti Classico, including longer aging periods, higher alcohol content, and minimum acidity and sugar levels. Aging often presents more complex flavor profiles, with many Superiore varieties producing hints of spice or leather!
Need to brush up on your wine terminology? Click here for seven key terms you need to know!
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://theitalianontour.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/6-min.png” alt=”A shelf full of bottles of Italian Wine | The Italian On Tour” title_text=”A Quick Guide to Italy’s Most Famous Red Wines” url=”https://theitalianontour.com/group-travel” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”||2.5%|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||40px||true|” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Amarone
Made from the homonymous grape Amarone and produced in the Valpolicella region of Veneto, Amarone is a sweet, complex wine with notes of black fig, plums, chocolate, and cinnamon. Characterized by its bold aroma, Amarone wine is a feast for both the taste buds and the nose!
Amarone is produced differently from most wines using a process called “appassimento,” which uses dried grapes instead of fresh grapes pressed and fermented immediately after harvest. During this process, the grapes are left to dry on racks for several months, concentrating the sugars and flavors and yielding a higher alcohol content.
With a long history of wine production dating back to Roman times, the iconic Valpolicella region is a popular tourist destination with international acclaim for producing this unique wine. Like Chianti, Amarone has different subtypes based on aging and quality, including a Classico and a Classico Riserva.
Discover more about Italy’s Top Wine Regions here!
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://theitalianontour.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/5-min.png” alt=”Two glasses of red wine on a balcony with a building in the background | The Italian On Tour” title_text=”A Quick Guide to Italy’s Most Famous Red Wines” url=”https://theitalianontour.com/group-travel” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”||2.5%|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||40px||true|” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Barbera
Commonly referred to as “The People’s Wine,” Barbera is an approachable, affordable wine with a pleasantly light taste, with notes of blackberries, strawberries, and cherries. Primarily produced in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy, particularly in the provinces of Asti and Alba, Barbera is a versatile, medium-bodied wine that can be paired with many dishes.
Barbera’s styles are based on the specific locations where they are produced. Barbera d’Alba, produced in Alba, Piedmont, is often considered the most prestigious of the three styles, with a more structured flavor and higher aging potential.
Barbera d’Asti, on the other hand, is a more fruit-forward, approachable wine with a lighter body. Barbera del Monferrato is a broader category with various styles from the region, from fruity and smooth to structured and complex.
Tuscany and Piedmont are great, but click here to learn about Italy’s most underrated wine region.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://theitalianontour.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/7-min.png” alt=”Red grapes on the vine with a red bucket in the background | The Italian On Tour” title_text=”A Quick Guide to Italy’s Most Famous Red Wines” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ custom_margin=”||5px|||” custom_padding=”23px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||40px||true|” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Barolo
Grown in the same region as Barbera, Barolo is a bold and refined red wine made with the highest-quality Nebbiolo grapes and aged for at least three years, with at least half that time in oak barrels. Often considered one of the greatest wines in the world and a “King of Italian Wines,” Barolo is widely celebrated for its elegance, complexity, and aging potential.
Recognizable by its transparent ruby color and astonishing flavor bouquet of red berries, hazelnuts, and truffles, Barolo has earned its spot as the top pairing choice for the famous Alba White Truffle.
The Barolo region is known for its calcareous clay soils, contributing to the wine’s elegance and longevity. With its warm summers and foggy autumns, the climate helps the Nebbiolo grapes ripen slowly, enhancing their flavor and complexity and contributing to the bold profile of one of Italy’s most prestigious DOCG wines.
Trying to decide when to visit Italy? Here’s the best times for wine lovers to plan a trip.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://theitalianontour.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/3-min.png” alt=”Zoomed in image of the neck of red wine bottles | The Italian On Tour” title_text=”A Quick Guide to Italy’s Most Famous Red Wines” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ custom_margin=”||6px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||40px||true|” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Brunello di Montalcino
Hailing from Montalcino in Tuscany, just south of Siena, Brunello di Montalcino is the purest expression of the Sangiovese grape. Considered by many as the Holy Grail of Italian red wines, it is hard to match the elegant preserve of red fruits and earthy, complex notes.
Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy’s most regulated wines in terms of aging requirements. It must be aged for at least five years before release, with a minimum of two years in oak barrels and four months in the bottle.
For a “Riserva” Brunello, the aging requirement increases to six years. This extended aging period helps soften the wine’s strong tannins and makes the flavors more integrated and balanced.
Like Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino holds DOCG status, the highest classification for Italian wines. This guarantees that it follows strict production rules, including using only Sangiovese grapes and adhering to aging requirements. Because of its high aging potential, Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy’s most collectible wines and a favorite for special occasions.
Exploring Italian wine country on your own may be challenging without someone on the inside to translate the experience – read here to learn the seven benefits of taking a wine tour!
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://theitalianontour.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/4-min.png” alt=”Red wine being poured into glasses | The Italian On Tour” title_text=”A Quick Guide to Italy’s Most Famous Red Wines” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ custom_margin=”||11px|||” custom_padding=”21px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||9px||false|” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Montepulciano D’Abruzzo
Produced in the hilly region of Abruzzo, this widely beloved red wine is known for its fruity aromas and soft tannins. Despite the name, it is made from the Montepulciano grape, not to be confused with the Tuscan town of Montepulciano, which produces Vino Nobile di Montepulciano from Sangiovese grapes!
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo can be enjoyed young, offering fresh fruitiness, but it also has the potential to age, particularly the Riserva versions, which are aged for a minimum of two years, including at least nine months in wood. Aged versions tend to develop more complexity, with earthy and spicy flavors emerging over time.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo holds DOC status, which sets rules for where the wine can be produced and the use of Montepulciano grapes. There are also specific subzones within the region, such as Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane DOCG, which is known for producing higher-quality and more refined wines with more significant aging potential.
The best way to experience Italy’s finest wines is to go straight to the source! Join us on Italy’s Epicurean Journey, where you’ll visit two Gambero-award-winning wineries to try Montepulciano paired with expert-chosen dishes.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||9px||false|” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Primitivo di Manduria
One of the oldest DOC wines in Italy’s boot, Primitivo di Manduria is made from 100% Primitivo grapes, a variety known for ripening early, resulting in high sugar content and full-bodied, high-alcohol wines.
The Manduria area of Puglia enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine, allowing the Primitivo grapes to ripen fully. This results in rich, ripe fruit flavors with notes of jammy blackberries, black cherries, figs, and sometimes licorice, along with hints of sweet spices and chocolate.
While many Primitivo wines are meant to be enjoyed young for their fruity intensity, Riserva and higher-quality versions can age for several years, developing more complexity, with notes of dried fruit, spices, and earthiness emerging over time.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://theitalianontour.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/8-min.png” alt=”top red wine regions italy” title_text=”top red wine regions italy” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ custom_margin=”||11px|||” custom_padding=”21px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||9px||false|” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Nero d’Avola
Nero d’Avola is one of Sicily’s most important and widely grown red wine grapes, often regarded as the “king” of Sicilian wines but not widely known on the international market. Known for its bold, fruit-forward profile, Nero d’Avola produces wines that range from easy-drinking to complex, age-worthy bottles.
Fragrant like Pinot Noir but with the body of Syrah, Nero d’Avola (which means “Black of Avola”) is a native Sicilian grape named after the town of Avola in the southeastern part of the island.
On the palate, Nero d’Avola is bold and full-bodied, with flavors of juicy dark fruits (black cherries, plums) accompanied by earthy, herbal, and sometimes smoky undertones. The wine can range from fresh and fruity to more complex, with aging adding layers of spice, leather, and chocolate. It has moderate to high tannins and acidity, which give it structure and aging potential.
Many Nero d’Avola wines are produced as part of Sicily’s IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) category, allowing for some winemaking flexibility. However, the grape is also found in higher classifications such as DOC wines, particularly in areas like Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG, where it is blended with Frappato to produce more elegant and aromatic wines.
While it’s certainly not hard to find Italian red wines on the shelves of most grocery stores, there’s nothing like the experience of sipping a glass on the land where the grapes are harvested! Many think you have to go to Tuscany to experience Italy’s finest wine, but Umbria and Marche are two of Italy’s hidden wine regions producing numerous Gambero Rosso award-winning reds and wines that will give any Tuscan wine a run for its money.
To savor the top in these territories, when you join us on our Italy Uncorked tour, you’ll get to enjoy multiple tasting experiences at award-winning wineries – plus a wine taste at a regional Enoteca!
You’ll also be introduced to one of Le Marche’s Top Wine Producers to discover the latest innovations in wine production and dine on a curated seafood tasting menu overlooking the hills that produce Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi – the DOCG wine region that won top white wine in the world in 2021!
From North to South, no matter which tour you choose, you’ll skip the crowds of the big industrial producers in favor of top small boutique wineries. Get to learn from the winemakers themselves and truly get in touch with the people behind the wine in Italy’s untouched territory away from the tourist track. Click here to discover all the food & wine soaked trips to choose your perfect fit!
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”christmaseve” _builder_version=”4.26.1″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_3_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”40px||9px||false|” global_colors_info=”{}”]
SAVE THIS POST FOR the next time you need a quick guide to
italy’s Most famous red wines!
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”"||divi||400″ icon_color=”#cc9933″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_image src=”https://theitalianontour.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Most-Famous-Red-Wines-of-Italy.png” alt=”Pinterest Pin of The Most Famous Red Wines of Italy | The Italian On Tour” title_text=”Most Famous Red Wines of Italy” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||74px|||” custom_padding=”||50px||false|false” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_post_nav in_same_term=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font=”whitney-book|||on|||||” title_font_size=”16px” title_font_size_tablet=”16px” title_font_size_phone=”14px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_links=”color: #333333″ use_border_color=”off” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_post_nav][et_pb_heading title=”EXPERIENCE THE REAL ITALY WITH THESE TRIPS” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”mostra-regular|600|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#333333″ title_font_size=”33px” custom_padding=”58px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_heading][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||62px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_portfolio posts_number=”1″ include_categories=”1067″ show_categories=”off” show_pagination=”off” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”|||on|||||” title_text_align=”center” custom_padding=”21px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_portfolio][et_pb_portfolio posts_number=”1″ include_categories=”1064″ show_categories=”off” show_pagination=”off” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”|||on|||||” title_text_align=”center” custom_padding=”21px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_portfolio][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_portfolio posts_number=”1″ include_categories=”1065″ show_categories=”off” show_pagination=”off” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”|||on|||||” title_text_align=”center” custom_padding=”21px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_portfolio][et_pb_portfolio posts_number=”1″ show_categories=”off” show_pagination=”off” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”|||on|||||” title_text_align=”center” custom_padding=”21px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_portfolio][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f9f9f9″ width=”90%” max_width=”95%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|auto|2px|auto||” custom_padding=”50px|10px|50px|10px|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://theitalianontour.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/best-italy-tours-for-food-and-wine-lovers-to-escape-the-crowds-the-italian-on-tour-min.png” alt=”best italy tours for food and wine lovers” title_text=”best italy tours for food and wine lovers to escape the crowds the italian on tour-min” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_signup provider=”mailerlite” mailerlite_list=”info@theitalianontour.com|42767274″ last_name_field=”off” success_action=”redirect” success_redirect_url=”https://theitalianontour.com/thank-you-page-top-10-mistakes-even-smart-travellers-make/” button_text=”Yes! I want my FREE ITALY INSIDER GUIDE!” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”14px” button_text_color=”#333333″ button_bg_color=”#cc9933″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|700||on|||||” border_style_all=”none” box_shadow_style_button=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_signup][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||0px|||” use_custom_width=”on” width_unit=”off” custom_width_percent=”60%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]
Related Posts
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_comments show_count=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ header_level=”h6″ header_font=”Open Sans|||on|||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#333333″ meta_font=”darkwoman-regular||||||||” meta_text_align=”left” meta_text_color=”#cc9933″ meta_font_size=”28px” body_font=”whitney-book||||||||” body_text_align=”left” form_field_font=”whitney-book||||||||” form_field_text_align=”left” form_field_font_size=”16px” background_color=”#ffffff” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”14px” button_text_color=”#333333″ button_bg_color=”#f9f9f9″ button_font=”||||||||” text_orientation=”left” body_font_size_tablet=”14px” body_font_size_phone=”” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_message_field=”background-color: #f9f9f9;” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_comments][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
