Sangiovese
The major grape variety in all the classified red wines of Tuscany. From good vintages, pure Sangiovese wines are rich in body, intricate in flavor, smooth and round.
Cecchi Sangiovese Bonizio Marema (2005), Tuscany
Ruffino Fonte Al Sole (2003), Tuscany [More]
Rocca Delle Macie Sangiovese Rubizzo (2006), Tuscany [More]
Antinori Santa Christina (2005), Tuscany [More]
Chianti
This favorite Italian red is produced from two red grapes, the Sangiovese (75-90%) and Canaiolo (5-10%), and two white grapes,Malvasia and Trebbiano (5-10%). An addition of no more than 10% non-traditional varietals such as Cabernet is allowedPalladio Chianti (2005), Tuscany [More]
Baroncini Chianti Colli Senesi (2005), Tuscany [More]
Cecchi Chianti Classico (2006), Tuscany
Spalletti Chianti (2005), Tuscany [More]
Monrosso Chianti (2006), Tuscany [More]
Castello D'Albola Chianti Classico (2004), Tuscany [More]
Rocca Delle Macie Chianti Classico (2005), Tuscany [More]
Ruffino Chianti (2005), Tuscany [More]
Ruffino Santedame Chianti Classico (2005), Tuscany [More]
Cecchi Villa Cerna Chianti Classico Riserva (2004), Tuscany [More]
Nozzole Chianti Classico Riserva (2003), Tuscany [More]
Nozzole La Forra Chianti Classico Riserva (2001), Tuscany [More]
Rocca Delle Macie Chianti Classico Riserva Fizzano (2000), Tuscany [More]
Ricasoli Chianti Classico Riserva (2000), Tuscany [More]
Cecchi Teuzzo Chianti Classico Riserva (2003), Tuscany
Verrazzano Chianti Classico (2004), Tuscany [More]
Ruffino Riserva Ducale Gold (2003), Tuscany [More]
Antinori Toscana (2003), Tuscany [More]
Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva (2003), Tuscany [More]
Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggio (1999), Tuscany [More]
Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico Berardo Riserva (2000), Tuscany [More]
Fonterutoli Chianti Classico (2000), Tuscany [More]
Barbera
Planted in nearly half of Piedmonts vineyard, Barbera formerly was used in blends, but now is used in red wines ranging from robust and aged to light and youthful.Michele Chiarlo Barbara d'Asti (2005), Piedmont [More]
Ratti Barbera d'Alba (2005), Piedmont
Michele Chiarlo La Court Barbera d'Asti (2004), Piedmont [More]
Rosso di Montalcino
This wine is known as the younger sibling of Brunello; same grape varietal, aged for one year in French oak to impart a full, velvety charm.Col D'Orcia Rosso di Montalcino (2005), Tuscany [More]
Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino (2005), Tuscany [More]
Altesino Rosso di Montalcino (2003), Tuscany [More]
Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscanys wine of greatest stature, a DOCG Sangiovese Grosso clone from a fortress town south of Siena with reds of legendary power and longevity. Conceived originally by the Biondi Santi family in 1860, Brunello is now produced under scores of labels. Rich in texture and fruit, it is truly and aristocratic red wine. It must be aged at least three and a half years in oak or chestnut, followed by at least six months in the bottle.Baroncini Brunello di Montalcino (2000), Tuscany [More]
Col D'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino (2002), Tuscany
Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino (2001), Tuscany [More]
Nardi Brunello di Montalcino (2001), Tuscany [More]
Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino (1998), Tuscany [More]
Col D'Orcia Poggio al Vento Brunello di Montalcino (1993), Tuscany [More]
Altesino Brunello di Montalcino (2000), Tuscany [More]
Nardi Brunello di Montalcino Cru "Manachiara" (1998), Tuscany [More]
Nardi Brunello di Montalcino Cru "Manachiara" (1999), Tuscany [More]
Nardi Brunello di Montalcino Cru Manachiara (2001), Tuscany [More]
Barbaresco
Nebbiolo grapes grown around the town of Barbaresco have recently become better balanced and more approachable than ever before. Oak aged for one or two years, then aged in bottle for six months. Dry mellow and full-bodied.Colli dei Venti Barbaresco (2003), Piedmont [More]
Ceretto Barbaresco Bricco Asili Faset (1998), Piedmont [More]
Poderi Colla Barbaresco (1996), Piedmont [More]
Cavit Cabernet Sauvignon (2005), Trentino
Barolo
"The king of wines, the wine of kings" is Nebbiolo aged at least two years in oak and one year in bottle. Velvety with big tannins, this wine is an excellent accompaniment to hearty beef entrees and game dishes.Michele Chiarlo Barolo Tortoniano (2000), Piedmont [More]
Ceretto Barolo Zonchera (2003), Piedmont [More]
Marchesi di Barolo Barolo (2003), Piedmont [More]
Ceretto Bricco Rocche Brunate Barolo Riserva (1996), Piedmont [More]
Michele Chiarlo Barolo Cannubi Riserva (1998), Piedmont [More]
Michele Chiarlo Barolo Cannubi Riserva (1999), Piedmont [More]
Michele Chiarlo Cerequio Barolo (1996), Piedmont [More]
Michele Chiarlo Cerequio Barolo (1997), Piedmont [More]
Michele Chiarlo Cerequio Barolo (1998), Piedmont [More]
Michele Chiarlo Cerequio Barolo (1999), Piedmont [More]
Michele Chiarlo Brunate Barolo (2000), Piedmont [More]
Super Tuscan
Stylish, upscale vini da tavola, which began as a trend in the 1970s, is now an established fact. Sangiovese is blended with non-traditional varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon of Merlot.Tommasi Poggio Al Tufo (2005), Tuscany [More]
Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia "Le Volte" (2005), Tuscany [More]
Poggio Al Tesoro "Sondraia" (2004), Tuscany [More]
Tenuta del Cabreo "Il Borgo" (2001), Tuscany [More]
Banfi "Tavernelle" Cabernet Sauvignon (2001), Tuscany [More]
Villa La Selva "Selvamaggio" (1998), Tuscany [More]
Monsanto "Nemo" Cabernet Sauvignon (1998), Tuscany [More]
Col D'Orcia "Olmaia" Cabernet Sauvignon (2000), Tuscany [More]
Rocca Delle Macie "Roccato" (1999), Tuscany [More]
Tenuta San Guido "Guidalberto" (2000), Tuscany [More]
Tenuta San Guido "Guidalberto" (2001), Tuscany [More]
Nozzole "Il Pareto" Cabernet Sauvignon (1998), Tuscany [More]
Nozzole "Il Pareto" Cabernet Sauvignon (1999), Tuscany [More]
Nozzole "Il Pareto" Cabernet Sauvignon (2000), Tuscany [More]
Nozzole "Il Pareto" Cabernet Sauvignon (2001), Tuscany [More]
Antinori "Tignanello" (1997), Tuscany [More]
Antinori "Tignanello" (1998), Tuscany [More]
Antinori "Tignanello" (1999), Tuscany [More]
Antinori "Tignanello" (2000), Tuscany [More]
Antinori "Tignanello" (2001), Tuscany [More]
Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia "Ornellaia" (1996), Tuscany [More]
Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia "Ornellaia" (1997), Tuscany [More]
Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia "Ornellaia" (1998), Tuscany [More]
Tenuta San Guido "Sassicaia" (1996), Tuscany [More]
Tenuta San Guido "Sassicaia" (1997), Tuscany [More]
Tenuta San Guido "Sassicaia" (1998), Tuscany [More]
Tenuta San Guido "Sassicaia" (1999), Tuscany [More]
Tenuta San Guido "Sassicaia" (2000), Tuscany [More]
Tenuta San Guido "Sassicaia" (2001), Tuscany [More]
Tenuta San Guido "Sassicaia" (2002), Tuscany [More]
Tenuta San Guido "Sassicaia" (2003), Tuscany [More]
Tenuta San Guido "Sassicaia" (2004), Tuscany [More]
Antinori "Solaia" (1996), Tuscany [More]
Antinori "Solaia" (1997), Tuscany [More]
Antinori "Solaia" (1998), Tuscany [More]
Antinori "Solaia" (1999), Tuscany [More]
Antinori "Solaia" (2000), Tuscany [More]
Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia "Masseto" (1994), Tuscany [More]
Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia "Masseto" (1997), Tuscany [More]
Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia "Masseto" (1998), Tuscany [More]
Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia "Masseto" (1999), Tuscany [More]
Tenuta Sette Ponti "Oreno" (1999), Tuscany [More]
Tenuta Sette Ponti "Oreno" (2000), Tuscany [More]
Tenuta Sette Ponti "Oreno" (2001), Tuscany [More]
Tenuta Sette Ponti "Oreno" (2003), Tuscany [More]
Antinori "Guado Al Tasso" (1999), Tuscany [More]
Antinori "Guado Al Tasso" (2000), Tuscany [More]
Castello di Ama "L'Aparita" Merlot (1996), Tuscany [More]
Valpolicella & Amarone
Valpolicella is a warm, hearty and cheerful red blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes. Amarone is made from perfectly ripe bunches of the same blend of grapes as Valpolicella, but left to gry out and go through a long, cool fermentation. The resulting wine is dry, round, velvety, higher in alcohol, and has a wonderful dried fruit bouquet.Secco Bertani Valpolicella Valpantena (2004), Veneto [More]
Palazzo della Torre Valpolicella (2004), Veneto [More]
Sartori Amarone (2003), Veneto [More]
Masi Serego Alighieri Vaio Armaron Amarone (1996), Veneto
Masi Campolongo di Torbe Amarone (1995), Veneto
Masi Mazzano Amarone Classico (1995), Veneto
Masi Costasera Amarone Classico (1997), Veneto
Bertani Amarone (1997), Veneto [More]
Tommasi Amarone 375ml (2000), Veneto [More]
Allegrini Amarone Classico DOC 375ml (2000), Veneto [More]
Zenato Amarone Classico DOC 375ml (2001), Veneto [More]
Selected Reds
Masciarelli Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (2004), Abruzzi
Feudo Monaci Primitivo (2004), Apulia
Taurino Salice Salentino Riserva (2003), Apulia [More]
Copertino Riserva (2001), Apulia [More]
Bollini Merlot (2003), Trentino [More]
Zenato Merlot delle Venezie IGT (2005), Trentino [More]
Santa Anastasia Passomaggio (2002), Sicilia
Falesco Merlot (2004), Umbria [More]
Lungarotti Rubesco (2001), Umbria
Capezzana Carmignano (2003), Tuscany
Travaglini Gattinara (2000), Piedmont [More]
Morgante Nero D'Avola (2005), Sicilia [More]
Argiolas Perdera (2006), Sardinia [More]
Osar Rosso del Veronese (1997), Veneto
Ratti Dolcetto D'Alba "Colombe" (2005), Piedmont [More]
Ratti Nebbiolo D'Alba "Ochetti" (2005), Piedmont [More]
Calvano Nobile de Montepulciano (2004), Tuscany [More]
Gaja Ca' Marcanda Promis (2001), Tuscany
Di Majo Norante Ramitello (2003), Molise [More]
Di Majo Norante Cabernet (2006), Molise [More]
Terre Primitivo (2003), Apulia [More]
Feudi di San Gregorio Rubrato IGT (2004), Campania [More]
Feudi di San Gregorio Serpico IGT (2001), Campania [More]
Feudi di San Gregorio Patrimo IGT (2001), Campania [More]
Librandi Ciro Rosso Classico DOC (2005), Calabria [More]
Librandi Ciro Rosato (2006), Calabria [More]
Saia (2003), Sicilia [More]
Falesco Vitiano (2005), Umbria [More]
Taurino Notapanaro (2001), Apulia [More]
Taurino Patriglione (1997), Apulia [More]
Allegrini La Poja Riserva IGT (2000), Veneto [More]
Allegrini La Poja Riserva IGT (2001), Veneto [More]
Maculan Fratta IGT (2003), Veneto [More]
Allegrini La Grola IGT (2001), Veneto [More]
Allegrini Villa Giona (2003), Veneto [More]
Bottega Vinaia Pinot Noir (), Trentino [More]
Pinot Grigio
Deliciously crisp, delicate yet fruity whites from the Northeast region called "Tre Venezie" (Friuly, Venezia Guilia, Veneto, and Alto Adige). Lighter style whites are perfect with white meats, antipasti, and of course, fresh seafood.Stella Pinot Grigio (2006), Umbria [More]
Bollini Pinot Grigio (2006), Trentino [More]
Ruffino Lumina Pinot Grigio (2006), Friuli [More]
Zenato Pinot Grigio della Venezie (2005), Veneto [More]
Livio Felluga Pinot Grigio (2003), Friuli [More]
Santi Pinot Grigio (2006), Trentino
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio (2006), Alto Adige [More]
Selected Whites
Argiolas Vermentino Costa (2006), Sardinia [More]
Allegrini Soave (2005), Veneto [More]
Bollini Chardonnay (2004), Trentino [More]
Colonnara Lyricus Verdicchio Castello Di Jesi' (2004), Le Marche [More]
La Cala Vermentino di Sardegna (2005), Sardinia
Antinori Orvieto Classico (2006), Umbria [More]
Castello Montauto Vernaccia di San Gimignano (2006), Tuscany [More]
Ruffino Labaio Chardonnay (2005), Tuscany [More]
Le Bruniche Chardonnay (2004), Tuscany [More]
Ceretto Arneis Blange (2006), Piedmont [More]
Michele Chiarlo Gavi (2005), Piedmont [More]
Principessa Gavia Perlante (2004), Piedmont [More]
La Carraia Orvieto Classico (2006), Veneto [More]
Bertani Due Uve (2006), Veneto [More]
Feudi di San Gregorio Greco Di Tufo (2005), Campania [More]
Zenato Lugana San Benedetto (2005), Veneto [More]
Fontana Candida Frascati (2005), Latium [More]
Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina DOC (2006), Campania [More]
Feudi di San Gregorio Fiana di Avellino DOC (2004), Campania [More]
Rocca Delle Macie Vernaccia di San Gimignano (2006), Tuscany [More]
Sparkling & Moscato
Zardetto Prosecco (n/v), Veneto [More]
Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato 375 ml (2006), Piedmont [More]
Cinzano Asti Spumante (n/v), Piedmont
Banfi Brut (n/v), Piedmont [More]
Ceretto Moscato D'Asti (2005), Piedmont [More]
Bellavista Cuvee Brut (n/v), Lombardy
Vin Santo & Late Harvest Wine
Vigna Del Papa Vin Santo (2002), Tuscany [More]
Capezzana Vin Santo (1996), Tuscany
Banfi Moscadello Florus (2003), Tuscany [More]
Grappa & Liqueur
Grappa Julia (n/v), Veneto
Chocolate Grappa (n/v), Veneto [More]
Limoncino (n/v), Veneto [More]
Alexander Grappa (n/v), Veneto [More]
Sassicaia Grappa (n/v), Tuscany
Sangiovese
Chianti
Barbera
Rosso di Montalcino
Brunello di Montalcino
Barbaresco
Barolo
Super Tuscan
Valpolicella & Amarone
Selected Reds
Pinot Grigio
Selected Whites
Sparkling & Moscato
Vin Santo & Late Harvest Wine
Grappa & Liqueur
Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence
Glossary of Italian Wine Terms
| Abbocatto - Lightly Sweet. |
| Agronomo dr. - Agronomist with a University Degree. |
| Alcool - Alcohol, usually stated by % of volume. |
| Amabile - Semisweet. |
| Annata - Vintage year. |
| Azienda Agricola - Farm or estate which produces all or most of the grapes for wine sold under its labels. |
| Bianco - White. |
| Botte - Cask or bottle. |
| Brute - Dry (sparkling white). |
| Cantina - Cellar or winery. |
| Cantina Sociale - Cooperative winery. |
| Casa Vinicola - Wine house or merchant whose bottlings come mainly from purchased grapes. |
| Cascina - Farmhouse, often used for "estate". |
| Classico - The historic core of a DOC/DOCG zone. |
| Clone - Clone. |
| Consorzio - Consortium of producers. |
| Dolce - Sweet |
| Enologo - Enologist with long wine making experience. |
| Enoteca - Wine shop, literally wine library. |
| Etichetta - Label. |
| Ettaro - Hectare or 2.471 acres. |
| Ettolitro - Hectoliter or 100 liters. |
| Fattoria - Farm or estate. |
| Frizzante - Fizzy. |
| Imbottigliata - Bottled. |
| Invecchiato - Aged. |
| Passito - Partially dried grapes and the strong, usually sweet wines made from them. |
| Podere - Small farm or estate. |
| Prodotto - Produced, the producer grew his own grapes and processed the wine all the way through bottling and labeling. |
| Produttore - Producer. |
| Recioto - Wine made from partly dried grapes. |
| Riserva - Reserve, for DOC/DOCG wine aged for a specific amount of time. |
| Rosato - Rose. |
| Rosso - Red. |
| Secco - Dry. |
| Spumante - Sparkling in dry or sweet wines. |
| Superiore - Denotes DOC/DOCG wine that meets standards above the basic level. |
| Tenuta - Farm or estate. |
| Terreno - Soil. |
| Terroir - Interaction of climate and soil and its effect on the growing of vine. |
| Uva - Grape. |
| Vecchio - Old. |
| Vendemmia - Harvest or vintage. |
| Vendemmia Tardiva - Late Harvest. |
| Vigna or vigneto - Vinyard. |
| Vino Novello - New wine, usually a red that must be bottled and sold within the year of harvest. |
| Vitigno - Vine or grape variety. |
| Vivace - Lively. |