"Wine is sunlight, held together by water." – Galileo Galilei.
Five Italian Red Grapes You Need to Know? Italy is the heart of the wine world.
I mean, there’s a reason Italians say "In vino veritas" (In wine, there’s truth).
And when it comes to red wines, Italy is an absolute treasure trove.
There are hundreds of indigenous red grape varieties across the country.
But today, let’s highlight five that stand out for their character, versatility, and the stories they tell.
Here are my top five favorites:
1. Nebbiolo – The King of Piedmont
2. Sangiovese – The Heart of Tuscany
3. Cesanese – The Hidden Gem of Lazio
4. Aglianico – The Barolo of the South
5. Nerello Mascalese – Sicily’s Best-Kept Secret
The best part?
There are hundreds more Italian red grapes out there, each one waiting for you to discover it.
So next time you’re picking out a bottle, step beyond the usual suspects, and explore Italy’s hidden gems.
