Italy, with its rolling hills and centuries-old winemaking tradition, is home to an incredible array of grape varietals. Italy boasts over 350 official grape varieties, more than any other country. These grapes have been cultivated for thousands of years, with each region offering its unique take on winemaking. From the alpine north to the sun-drenched south, these varietals reflect Italy’s diverse terroirs, climates, and winemaking traditions. Italian wines are more than just beverages—they are expressions of the land, culture, and history that produced them.
Sangiovese
Sangiovese is perhaps the most well-known of the Italian grape varietals, deeply rooted in Tuscany, where it forms the backbone of famous wines like Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Its name derives from the Latin “Sanguis Jovis,” meaning “Blood of Jupiter,” giving this grape a mythical resonance.
Sangiovese typically has bright red fruit flavours, such as cherry and plum, with hints of earth, herbs, and tobacco. It has a medium body and can be quite tannic, depending on how it is aged. This makes it so Sangiovese pairs well with tomato-based dishes, making it a natural companion for pasta with marinara sauce, pizza, and rich meat dishes like osso buco.
While some Sangiovese wines can be consumed young, they can age beautifully for 10-20 years, developing complex aromas of leather, dried fruits, and forest floor.
Shiraz
Shiraz, also known as Syrah in France, has a long history and is known for producing full-bodied wines. In Italy, Shiraz is grown predominantly in southern regions such as Puglia and Sicily, where the warm climate helps the grape to thrive.
Shiraz is known for its bold and spicy character, with deep flavours of blackberries, plums, and black pepper. It often has hints of smoke, chocolate, and even liquorice, giving it a complex and layered profile. The texture is rich and velvety, with medium to high tannins and a long, warming finish. Shiraz pairs beautifully with bold and flavourful dishes like grilled meats, barbecue, and hearty stews. It also complements aged cheeses and dishes with a smoky or spicy element.
Shiraz has excellent ageing potential, with many bottles improving over 10-15 years. As it ages, the tannins soften, and the wine develops more complex flavours of dried fruits, leather, and earthy spices.
Merlot
Merlot is one of the most widely grown grape varietals in the world and is especially popular in Italy’s central and southern regions, such as Abruzzo and Puglia. Known for its smoothness and approachability, Merlot is often blended with other varietals to create well-balanced wines.
Merlot typically features flavours of ripe plums, blackberries, and cherries, with undertones of chocolate and herbs. It is medium-bodied, with soft, supple tannins and a smooth, rounded finish, making it an easy-drinking wine that appeals to a wide range of palates. Merlot’s versatility makes it a great match for a variety of dishes. It pairs well with roasted meats, poultry, and pasta with rich, creamy sauces. It also goes nicely with grilled vegetables and mild cheeses.
Merlot can be enjoyed young for its fruity freshness, but premium bottles can age for up to 10 years, developing deeper, more complex flavours of dried fruit, tobacco, and spices over time.
Montepulciano
Montepulciano is grown mainly in the Abruzzo region of central Italy. Often confused with the town of Montepulciano in Tuscany (where Vino Nobile is made from Sangiovese), this grape produces full-bodied, rustic wines.
Montepulciano is known for its deep colour, medium tannins, and flavours of black cherry, blackberry, and earthy spices. It has a smooth, velvety texture, making it an easy-to-drink yet powerful wine. This grape is a great match for hearty fare, such as lamb, sausages, and rich pasta dishes like lasagna. It also pairs well with grilled vegetables and robust cheeses.
Montepulciano wines can age for up to 10 years, developing more intense earthy and spicy notes over time, though many are meant to be enjoyed young and fresh.
Moscato
Moscato, or Muscat, is a fragrant white grape grown throughout Italy, particularly in the regions of Piedmont and Sicily. It is best known for producing lightly sparkling, sweet wines like Moscato d’Asti.
Moscato is celebrated for its aromatic qualities, offering intense notes of orange blossom, peach, and apricot. It is light-bodied and typically sweet, with a slight spritz that adds to its refreshing, playful character. Moscato’s sweetness and light effervescence make it an excellent choice for pairing with desserts, particularly fruit-based treats like tarts or sorbets. It also pairs beautifully with soft cheeses, spicy dishes, or as a standalone aperitif.
Moscato is best enjoyed young, within 1-3 years of bottling, to fully appreciate its fresh, floral notes and vibrant acidity. It’s not typically a wine for long ageing, as its charm lies in its youthful exuberance.
Trebbiano
Trebbiano is one of the most widely planted white grape varietals in Italy, particularly in regions like Abruzzo, Tuscany, and Umbria. It has a long history in Italian winemaking, known for its high yields and versatility. This grape is used not only in wine production but also in making balsamic vinegar and brandy.
Trebbiano produces light, crisp, and refreshing wines. Its flavour profile typically includes notes of green apple, lemon and sometimes a subtle nuttiness. The wine is dry, with high acidity and a clean, straightforward taste, making it perfect for easy, everyday drinking. Trebbiano’s fresh and zesty nature makes it an ideal companion for light dishes such as seafood, salads, and grilled vegetables. It pairs particularly well with shellfish like prawns or clams and is a great match for mild cheeses and light pasta dishes with olive oil or lemon-based sauces.
Trebbiano is best consumed young, within 1-2 years, to maintain its fresh, vibrant character. While not typically known for ageing, some higher-quality Trebbiano wines can develop more complex flavours if aged for a few years. However, the wine is generally appreciated for its crisp and refreshing qualities when fresh.
Discover Italy’s Rich Wine Heritage for Yourself
Exploring Italian grape varietals is just the beginning of the world of Italian wines. From Sangiovese’s bold tannins to Vermentino’s refreshing acidity, Italy’s diverse range of varietals offers something for every palate.
At CM Watermelons, for over 40 years, Chris Charalambides has been the leading importer of premium wine grapes from Italy to the UK. His dedication to working with the best producers and vineyards across Abruzzo, Puglia, Bari, and Sicily ensures that wine enthusiasts and winemakers alike can access grapes of the highest quality. Now, his daughter Aliki Charalambides and her experienced team continue this proud tradition, ensuring timely deliveries and exceptional service.
To discover more about our premium Italian wine grapes and how they can elevate your winemaking, contact us for expert advice and service.