Italy is best explored through regions and local grapes. Piedmont Nebbiolo and Tuscan Sangiovese offer a comparison of tannins and freshness. These two regions do not represent the whole country; origins and styles vary widely.
Names and label clues
DOC and DOCG identify regulated denominations; IGT a geographical origin. Riserva and Superiore depend on each denomination’s rules, not universal ageing periods.
A route to start exploring
- Piedmont ↗ — Nebbiolo, Langhe hills and fragrant reds with impressive longevity.
- Tuscany ↗ — Hills, Sangiovese and vibrant reds, from Chianti Classico to Montalcino.
The selection covers profiles published in this guide, not an exhaustive inventory.
