Enjoy wine? Become a member of the Wine Forum at http://www.DiscussFineWine.com today!
Italian wine has a long and interesting history. In fact, Greek settlers were producing wine in the region way before the Romans started planting and harvesting their own vineyards in the second century before Christ. While the Greeks may have started it, the Romans perfected it, organizing large scale productions and developing their own storing techniques.
Indeed, if it weren't for the Romans, we wouldn't have wine made in barrels or bottles of the beverage. Even though it's been more two thousand years since the Romans took over wine making, Italy remains one of the world's greatest producers of wine. In fact, Italy was responsible for around 20 percent of the world's wine production in 2005.
Grapes are grown in nearly every part of Italy, and there are more than 1 million vineyards being cultivated this year. While each winery produces a different wine, overall Italian wine can be characterized as acidic and dry. They have a subdued flavor and aroma, which makes them better with food than enjoyed alone.
Italian culture is centered around wine. Many Italians drink it with every meal; almost as many drink it in between meals, too. It is customary for visitors to be offered a glass of wine upon arriving to the host's house.
There are four classes of Italian wine, falling under two different categories. The first category is Table Wine, the other is Quality Wine Produced in a Specific Region (QWPSR). Under table wine, there is Vino de Tavola and Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT). The former just means that it's made in Italy, while the latter denotes wine from a specific region within the country.
In the QWPSR category, there are two subcategories. Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) refer to very specific zones in Italy. These are more specific than the aformentioned IGT wines. Who knew there was so much to Italian wine?
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
maxwine the wine making at home experts guide
By: max | 03/07/2009Every one loves to make home made wine.Just some times it doen't turn out like we wanted it to. when we start the process we want our wine to be the best tasting wine we ever had. In return all our freinds can in joy the new flavors we have mastered.With http://maxwine.totalwarehouse.com you to can benifit from all the hiddin secrets of wine making at home.
Canberra wines and wineries
By: Jerry Wiser | 03/07/2009Canberra wines and wineries are becoming famous throughout the world. This is because Canberra wineries have become very successful at isolating the specific strains of grapes that are ideally suited for growing in this region, and focused on producing those wine varieties.
Learn How to Find the Best Red Wines - Do a Wine Tasting to Try Great Red Wines
By: Bryan Burbank | 03/07/2009If you are like most people you have tried wine before and you may be confused because there are so many red wines to choose from. One of the best ways to find great red wines is to go to a wine tasting. You want to check with the place that you buy wine from and see if they offer a wine tasting because this will allow you to try a lot of different wines so you can find the ones you like the best. There is nothing worse than buying a bottle of wine at the store and you open it only to find out y
"Unique Wines of the World" A Summer Wine Tasting Mixer
By: Bookkeeping & More Services, Llc | 02/07/2009Westchester Networking for Professionals (WNFP), a sophisticated social networking for professional men and women. Attendees include business owners, sales professionals, executives and entrepreneurs. Announces its next event “Unique Wines of the World” A Summer Wine Tasting Mixer to be held on Wednesday, July, 29, 2009 5:30pm to 8:00pm at Vino100 in White Plains, NY.
Choosing the Best Wine
By: Shawn Phillips | 02/07/2009There is no fixed answer as to what can be called the best wine. What can be classified to be the best? Although, the sheer variety of wines makes it such a dazzling drink, the issue of selecting the better or designating one superior over the other crops up every now and then.Those keen to understand the answer, luckily there are a set of rules, which are set for a wine to qualify as quality wine. A wine that looks more presentable has a pleasing effect.
Coffee, Alcohol, and the Acid Reflux Connection: Do these drinks cause Heartburn?
By: Michael Alexander | 02/07/2009Drinking coffee and alcohol probably does not cause acid reflux, according to recent findings. However, they can make an existing condition worse unless you take the proper precautions.
Summer Wines - Sage and Rosemary Shrimp and an Italian White
By: Markco Polo | 01/07/2009See why Spain and Italy can provide excellent white wines for fine dining this summer. Easy to create meals and wine pairings from Momma Explains.
Tasting vs. Drinking
By: Jenny Park | 01/07/2009Wine tastings should not be confused with enjoying a bottle of wine with a couple of friends. Those who can't keep that straight? Please don't buy tickets to wine tastings!
Wine Online - How to Learn About Wine Online
By: Jennifer Waite | 21/12/2007 | Wines & SpiritsYou can learn a lot about wine online. The internet is a great resource to utilize before going into an actual wine store and making a purchase, as well as a wine tasting event. This is particularly true if you aren't familiar with proper wine...
Wine Gifts - Reasons Why Wine Gifts are a Great Idea
By: Jennifer Waite | 21/12/2007 | Wines & SpiritsWine gifts can be appropriate for just about any occasion. From housewarming presents to birthday surprises, the gift of a good bottle of wine is always fashionable. However, if you're not a wine connoisseur choosing the best bottle can be a...
Wine Club - Reasons Why you Should Join a Wine Club
By: Jennifer Waite | 21/12/2007 | Wines & SpiritsIf you love wine but hate going to the wine store, you may want to consider joining a wine club. This is also great if you're a novice wine drinker, because along with the monthly...
Shiraz - the History of Shiraz Wine
By: Jennifer Waite | 21/12/2007 | Wines & SpiritsShiraz, known as syrah in France, Chile, Argentina and most parts of the United States, is a type of grape. This grape, used to make wine, has a deep purple color. Shiraz is a unique wine, and has one of the highest serving temperatures of them all, 65 degrees Fahrenheit...
Red Wine - a Guide to Red Wine
By: Jennifer Waite | 19/12/2007 | Wines & SpiritsThere are several different kinds of red wine. Most wines are made from grapes, including syrah, cabernet and zinfandel varieties. If only one variety (merlot, for example) is listed on the label, the wine is varietal and is named after the grape with a capital letter...
Napa Valley Wine - What you Probably Don't Know About Napa Valley Wine
By: Jennifer Waite | 19/12/2007 | Wines & SpiritsNapa Valley wine doesn't just come from one of the top wine regions in California, but in all of the United States. The climate, geography and geology trifecta come together to make the perfect environment for growing quality wine grapes...
Italian Wine - the Long History of Italian Wine
By: Jennifer Waite | 19/12/2007 | Wines & SpiritsItalian wine has a long and interesting history. In fact, Greek settlers were producing wine in the region way before the Romans started planting and harvesting their own vineyards in the second century before Christ. While the Greeks may...