Italy is one of the world’s most exciting wine destinations, offering a rich diversity of styles and regions. From the sunny vineyards of Sicily producing bold Sicilian wine, Etna Rosso, and fragrant orange wine, to the rolling hills of Tuscany with classic Chianti, and iconic Piedmont Barolo, Italian wines are full of character and history. Coastal regions like Puglia bring us Primitivo and other full-bodied reds, while northern areas showcase crisp Vermentino whites and elegant sparkling wines like Prosecco and Franciacorta.
At Forest Wines, we curate a collection of natural Italian wines, organic Italian wine, and traditional classics, highlighting both heritage producers and smaller family estates. Whether you’re seeking a versatile red for dinner, a refreshing white for summer, or a unique orange wine to explore, our Italian wines bring the authenticity and diversity of Italy straight to your glass.
Here you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions for this category.
What are the main regions for Italian wine?
Italy has diverse wine regions, each with its own signature styles. Key areas include Tuscany, Piedmont, Sicily, Veneto, and Puglia, producing everything from robust reds like Chianti and Primitivo to crisp whites like Vermentino and Gavi.
What is Italian orange wine?
Orange wine is made from white grapes fermented on their skins, giving it an amber hue and more complex texture. It’s becoming increasingly popular in regions like Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Sicily for its bold, aromatic profile.
What’s the difference between Prosecco and Frizzante?
Prosecco is a sparkling wine that can come in both fully sparkling (Spumante) or lightly sparkling (Frizzante) styles. Frizzante wines have gentler bubbles and lower pressure, making them softer and slightly less fizzy than traditional sparkling wines like Spumante.
What are the key Italian red grape varieties?
Popular red grapes include Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Primitivo, Nero d’Avola, and Aglianico, used to craft wines such as Chianti, Barolo, Etna Rosso, and Primitivo.
What are some popular Italian red wines?
Popular Italian reds include Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino from Tuscany, Barolo and Barbaresco from Piedmont, Primitivo from Puglia, and Etna Rosso from Sicily. These wines range from medium-bodied, food-friendly reds to age-worthy, structured wines.
What are some popular Italian white wines?
Italy produces many celebrated whites like Vermentino, Soave, Fiano, and Greco di Tufo, as well as sparkling whites such as Prosecco. Whites from cooler regions tend to be crisp and mineral-driven, while southern whites often have richer, fruitier profiles.
What foods pair well with Italian wines?
Italian wines are famously food-friendly. Chianti and Brunello go well with pasta, roast meats, or pizza, Primitivo pairs nicely with BBQ or cured meats, and Vermentino complements seafood, salads, and light pasta dishes.