Wine connoisseurs on a regular basis boast about their fine Italian wine collections and rightly so. Even if you’re not a connoisseur, by the end of this post you will have the ability to put your best Italian wine forward.

Italy is best recognized for its Moscato, Barolo, Chianti, and Soave; however there are numerous selections simply waiting to be enjoyed. Italy produces more wine than any other country and it produces the largest selection of wines. When you pick an Italian wine, even if you have no wine buying knowledge, the odds of discovering a poor one are really slim so relax!

Wine from the Piedmont region provides red wines that are light bodied and refreshing. This is where the renowned Barolo and Barbaresco wines come from. The Barbera grape appears in full body reds. The Dolcetto grape is light bodied as well as noticeably dry. The Nebbiolo grape is accountable for the dry, full body wines of the area. The Moscato Bianco is the grape responsible for the sparkling white wines from the area. And then there is the indulgence of Chianti from the Tuscany area. Chances are you’ve enjoyed this beautiful wine if you’ve ever eaten in an Italian restaurant.

The popular region wines consist of Chianti, Brunello, Vino Nobile di Monepulciano, and also Vernaccia de San Giminagno. The Sangiovese grape with its robust taste is used in medium and full bodied red wines. Vernaccia is the grape of choice for a variety of pleasant and dry white wines. You can buy wines from Italy in any color, style, or flavor; yet if you want to be sure you are choosing a great Italian wine, try to find the DOCG category. This does not guarantee a better tasting wine, it simply shows level of quality that has been preserved for a minimum of 5 years which puts the odds in your favor.

Remember this very easy guideline. Reds opt for red meats and whites opt for white meats. Its a straightforward guideline that goes a long way in helping select a wine for your meal. Italians strictly regulate their wines within 4 classification from tightly managed superior wines to lenient regulations and creative innovation. The 4 categories are as follows:
1. DOCG is the strictest of the regulation levels. Output yield is controlled; the wines composition is assessed; there is a minimal alcohol content; and there are minimum aging periods.

2. DOC is the qualification of all high quality wines. Output yield is managed; origin is managed; there is a minimal alcohol content; there are minimum aging periods; and grape selection is controlled.

3. IGT is categorized as outstanding value for the cost. There are less quality restrictions, and larger territories; and grape ratios are not controlled.

4. Table Wine is the wine that is consumed every day in Italy. It consists of some of the most expensive wines and a few of the least costly wines. The amount of alcohol is controlled and so are the wine making techniques. Now wasn’t that simple? You’re on your way to being a connoisseur of Italian wine!