A FIELD GUIDE TO ITALIAN WINE
Discover wine.
Explore the land behind it.
From the slopes of the Alps to the southern volcanoes.
Trace the grape varieties and winemaking of each location,
Learn about the differences in Italian wine.
Start with your current interests.
Start with review →
Reorganize geography, grape varieties, and appellations into four stages.
Compare regions using the map →
From the geography of all 20 provinces, to their individual regions and producers.
consider with a case study →
Compare methods and regions to consider the conditions that result in differences.
Wines from the same grape variety,
Understand why things change depending on the location and the production method.
THE LEARNING PATH
Deepen your knowledge in four stages.
Regain a clear sense of the overview
Review the influence of mountains and sea, regional history, classification and label meanings.
↗02CONNECTIONSConnecting major regions and grape varieties
Learn about Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, and Aglianico by considering the differences among their key regions.
↗03EXPLORATIONUnderstanding the 20 regions and winemaking
Learn about the geography and wines of all 20 provinces, and confirm the differences between drying, sparkling, extraction, and maturation.
↗04DEEPER READINGLearn about the style of each producer from their vineyards.
Understand individual wines by considering vineyard conditions in Etna and the history and winemaking of producers.
↗AN ATLAS OF 20 REGIONS
One country.
Many landscapes and grape varieties.
From the steep slopes of the Alps to volcanic zones of the Mediterranean.
Compare topography, leading grape varieties, and appellations for each region.
START WITH A QUESTION
Understand classification and winemaking through concrete examples.
Understanding appellations
DOCG, DOC, IGT and EU Geographical Indications
DOCG, DOC, and IGT are familiar indicators on labels. Comparing them with the EU's DOP and IGP makes it easier to organize which names are protected and what is required to use them.
Appassimento & Ripasso
Production methods for Amarone, Recioto, and Ripasso
From dried grapes, both dry Amarone and sweet Recioto can be made. The difference is not explained by drying alone—it is necessary to also follow what happens to the sugar during fermentation.
Land, people & history
The history of viticulture and the path to today's wine regions
Even in regions with a long winemaking history, the current grape varieties or appellations have not necessarily been carried through unchanged. Different evidence is needed both for the history of viticulture and for the origins of today's wines.
THE LEARNING WORKSHOP
Interactively study maps and processes.
A map for grape selection, production method comparisons, label explanations, and a 10-question quiz.
SIDE BY SIDE
Compare the same variety from different regions.
Compare the zones, rules, and vineyards of Barolo and Barbaresco in a comparison table.