Italian Wine Regions

Italy has 20 wine regions. Each region produces a unique style of wine. Many of these varieties are so climate-specific that they cannot be transplanted to another region. That is why wines produced from each of these regions have their own distinctive aromas.

The list of wine regions in Italy includes Abruzzo, Aosta Valley, Apulia, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Latium, Liguria, Lombardy, Marches, Molise, Piedmont, Sardinia, Sicily, Trentino-Alto Adige, Tuscany, Umbria, Veneto. These 20 wine regions are generally classified into four geographical categories-the northwest, the northeast, central Italy and south and islands.

The regions in northwest and north central Italy produce wines that match the topography in terms of flavor. Though all the five wine regions in this area have their own distinctive style, they are more on the extreme side.

The three wine regions in northeast Italy are known for using modern techniques for preparing wines. The area hosts the world's largest vine nursery also. These three regions are collectively known as ""Tre Venezie"".

Central Italy, with six wine regions, produces almost one-fifth of Italy's wine. Led by Tuscany, this area has emerged as a leader in the Italian wine industry. Central Italy can boast of some of the best climatic conditions with moderate temperature and abundant sunshine.

There are six regions in Italy's south which together produce around 40 percent of country's total wine output. Some of the best-known red wines come from this area. This area has been a hot destination for investors in the wine industry. Its vineyards are always sunbathed, and a blend of traditional and modern techniques produces the best wines here.

Italian wine producers, in all 20 wine regions, have upgraded their wine manufacturing techniques over the last couple of decades. Though in some areas, rustic techniques are still used, most Italian wine regions exhibit a mix of modernity and tradition in the field of wine making.