What is Italian wine? 

Wine has been a part of Italian culture dating all the way back to the 8th century BC when the Greeks first arrived in southern Italy. Because Italy has the perfect climate for growing grapes, they named the country Oenotria, which means the land of wine. France, Spain, and Italy are the largest producers of wine globally and today Italy is the leader in the wine in the world, producing 4,250,000 liters per year. Italy has 20 different regions that produce wine with the most popular Italian wine being Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti, Pinot Grigio, Super Tuscan, and Barolo. 

How does Italian wine benefit you?

Wine keeps the doctor away, as the saying goes…

Wine has been linked to many health benefits including lowering cholesterol, improving eyesight, boosting your immune system, and reducing your risk of cancer. Grapes contain a powerful antioxidant ingredient called resveratrol that is mostly found in the skin and seeds. Resveratrol is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and reduces oxidative stress. In fact, there have been many studies that found those who consume red wine on a regular basis have a longer life span than those who did not, so by all means, drink up!

How do Italian wines differ? 

 An Italian wine is unbeatable. Italy is well known for white wine and red wine, with red tending to be the most sought-after Italian wines among consumers. There are 20 regions in Italy that produce wine but the most popular Italian red wines stem from seven different regions in Italy which include Tuscany, Piedmont, Lombardy, Puglia, Lombardy, Umbria, and Veneto. The list of the different varieties of red wine that come from Italy is overwhelming so we will narrow the list down to the ten most famous types which are Sangiovese, Montelpulciano, Chianti Classico, Barolo and Barberesco, Brunello, Amarone, Super Tuscan, Barbera D’Asti, Calabrese, and Primitivo. 

 Italy also produces a wide variety of white wine with the most famous being Pinot Grigio, Prosecco, Moscato, Pinot Blanc, Vermentino, Grillo, Arneis, and Gavi. The most popular white wines from Italy that most consumers purchase are Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, and Gavi. White wine is mostly produced in the Northern regions of Italy which typically have much cooler climates. 

Why is Italy Famous for wine? 

Italy is famous for wine because it has the perfect environment for growing grapes and it has the highest number of grapes in the world, with around 2,000 different varieties, so it’s a no brainer as to why the country is so well known for wine. Each of these grapes that are native to Italy have a very distinct taste which makes the wine produced there much more unique than any other country. 

What are the best Italian Wines? 

While all of Italy produces some of the most popular wines, the very best Italian wines are reds that are found in the central region of Tuscany and mainly consists of Super Tuscans and Chianti’s. Italian wine from Tuscany is made from the Sangiovese grape, which can adapt to any climate but usually thrives in warmer environments. Chianti Classico, which is probably the most well-known wine from Italy, can be anywhere from light to full bodied and has notes of flowers and cherries. Super Tuscans, which are also produced in Tuscany are rich and full-bodied wines. Super Tuscans are some of the most prestigious and expensive wines around. At Tenuta Casanova, we offer both of these fine Italian wine varieties at affordable prices. Our wines cannot be purchased in stores, restaurants, or supermarkets. It can only be purchased at our online store, and it can be shipped anywhere in the world! You will love our Casanova Chianti Classico Reserva, Sorbereossa and Magnificant, which are our Super Tuscans, Grouse Eye, which is our dessert wine and many other fine wines that we offer. Every day at Tenuta Casanova we open our doors to visitors, and many become lifelong friends. We treat our customers like family, which is why our winery stands out from the rest.  

How do you choose a great Italian Wine? 

Italy has some of the most delicious wines in the world and many of the wines produced there win awards year after year. To know which Italian wine is the best it all comes down to the label. There are four main categories of Italian wine which are DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata), DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), IGT (Vino a Indicazione Geografica Tipica), and Vdt (Vino da Tavola). Each of these categories is clearly identified on every Italian wine label. DOC and DOCG labels require all food and beverage products within a certain region in Italy must be produced to a certain standard, so you don’t need to be an expert in Italian wine to know if you are getting a good bottle since it is so clearly stated on the label! IGT was created to specify the highest class in Italian wines known as Super Tuscans. At Tenuta Casanova, we have a beautiful Super Tuscan called Sorbaia which gets its name from the fruits that enrich its incredible bouquet. Vdt is more popularly known as Italian table wine and is considered a much lower class. The most popular and well-known Italian wine comes from the Chianti region in Tuscany which is where Tenuta Casanova is located. Our Casanova Reserva Chianti Classico has been awarded by Vivino as one of the top Italian Chianti wines. 

What is the most popular wine in Italy? 

Chianti is probably one of the most popular and well-known wines from Italy and like its namesake it comes from the Chianti region of Tuscany. This Italian wine from Tuscany is made from the sangiovese grape. More basic types of Chianti are much lighter in body and acidic while the finer Chianti’s, known as Chianti Reservas, have a medium to full body and an earthy, but smooth flavor. Our Chianti Classico Reserva is the best Italian Chianti wine as a result of the great sun exposure of the Casanova vines and the aromas given by the woods that surround them. Our winery is completely organic with no added sugars, and we are in the Chianti region of Tuscany, so you won’t be able to find a Chianti like ours anywhere else in Italy!

What types of wines are Italian? 

Wines produced in Italy are typically red and white wines, but there are varieties of rosè that are produced there as well. Italian red wine can have a light, medium, or full body and this is all determined by how much alcohol content it has. Lighter and medium bodied wines tend to have less alcohol content than fuller bodied wines, so the Italian red wines that have a much more robust flavor such as a Super Tuscan will have a much higher alcohol content compared to a lighter body such as an Italian Chianti wine. 

Italian white wines are extremely popular as well and have a much lighter body. You will often hear an Italian white wine being described as dry, crisp and refreshing. A good example of this would be an Italian pinot grigio or an Italian prosecco which is a sparkling wine commonly used in a cocktail such as an Aperol Spritz or Mimosa. 

What is Italian Red Wine Called? 

 If you are a newbie in the red wine game, Italian wine can’t be beat! You should start with any of these red wines called Barberesco, Barolo, Chianti, Super Tuscan, Brunello di Montalcino and Amarone. Tuscany and Piedmont are the most famous regions in Italy for red wines. Tuscany is well known for their red wines that are mostly made from the sangiovese grape, which grows very well in this region. This is the grape mainly found in Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino. Super Tuscan’s, which are also made in Tuscany are a bit pricier than a chianti or Brunello because they are a blend from non-indigenous grapes but you must try a Super Tuscan. At Tenuta Casanova, our Super Tuscan and Chianti’s are completely organic and our Italian wine prices are very affordable.

What is the King of Italian Wines? 

The highly rated Italian red wine known as Barolo is considered the “King of Wines”, which falls under the DOCG category. Barolo wines are held to a much higher standard than many other Italian red wines. Barolo must meet certain aging requirements and must test a government testing panel as well. Barolo is created from 100% Nebbiolo grapes and it must be aged for at least five years, three of which are in oak and two in the bottle. Some of the best producers of this Italian red wine will age it for even longer that what is required. Barolos often have notes of cherry, roses, tobacco, licorice, leather and white truffle. Barolo wine pairs perfectly with braised meats, truffle risotto, and gorgonzola cheese. 

What makes Italian wine different?

 Italy’s climate and geography make it the most ideal place for wine production and many of its grape varieties are native to the region. Italians have also been making and perfecting wine for thousands of years and they put a lot of time and care into creating each and every bottle. The varieties of wine found in Italy could never be duplicated anywhere else in the world which is why it is so special. At Tenuto Casanova, we are family owned and very passionate about the way we produce all our organic Italian wines. We also hand pick every grape at our vineyard! 

What is the most popular white wine in Italy? 

 Italy is not only known for its incredible red wine, but the white wines made in this region of the world are unbelievable too. While there are many varieties of white wine, Pinot Grigio is probably the most popular and widely known Italian white wine. Pinot grigio is mainly produced in Northern Italy and not only is this light bodied wine easy to sip on, it is also extremely affordable. Pinot grigio has notes of light citrus like lemon or lime with hints of crisp green apple, pears, and flowers such as honeysuckle. To enjoy pinot grigio properly it must be chilled and served in a high-quality wine glass. You can’t go wrong with this highly produced Italian white wine! 

How many Italian wines are there? 

Today, there are around 350 varieties of Italian wine, so the list is quite extensive. Italy is home to over 2,000 types of grapes, which is why the wine that is produced there is so unique. You can’t find certain grapes that are native to the region anywhere else in the world. The highest quality of these wine varieties is found in Piedmont and Tuscany. The Piedmont region is most famous for wines like Barolo, also known as the “king of wines” and Moscato di Asti which is a sparkling and lightly sweeter wine. Tuscany is home to the Chianti region of Italy which is most famous for the sangiovese grapes that grow there. Super Tuscans and Chiantis are the most popular wines found in this region. Tuscany also has one of the best varieties of white wine called Vermentino which is very similar to Sauvignon Blanc. 

Does Italy have the best wines in the world? 

While many countries around the globe produce and make delicious wine including France, Spain, and the US, Italian wine still stands apart from the rest. The Italians have been perfecting the wine making process for more than 4,000 years and they are constantly innovating wine while still using a traditional approach. Since Italy has such a vast variety of grapes, more than any place in the world, wine producers continue to look for the rarest grapes in different regions. Italians are always pushing the envelope in the wine industry, especially when it comes to pairing the perfect wine with the incredible food. At Tenuta Casanova, we offer food and wine tastings as well as traditional Tuscan cooking classes for many of our visitors. We also offer virtual wine tastings so you can experience our fine wine at home. You can also find all our fine Italian wines online. 

Does Italian wine have less alcohol? 

This is a good question, and it’s a little bit more complex than you would think. The alcohol content in Italian wine all depends on aging, the type of wine you are drinking, and the sugar content in the wine. A lot of Italian wine makers will let their grapes ripen on the vine for a longer period of time which not only contributes to the flavor but also increases the alcohol content. 

During the fermentation process, a chemical reaction occurs that converts the sugars in the juice made from grapes to alcohol. The longer the wine is aged and the longer the grape is on the vine, the more alcohol content Italian wine will have because the sugar content is higher. 

The lowest alcohol content in Italian wine will be anywhere from 6-12% alcohol by volume. The Italian wines that would fall into this category would be Italian sparkling wines such as Prosecco or Moscato d’Asti, some Chianti’s, and Italian table wine. Italian wines that have a moderate level of alcohol content will be anywhere from 13.5-14.5% alcohol by volume. You would usually find this in most Chianti Classicos, Nobile di Mentepulciano, Barbera, Gavi, Pinot Grigio, or Vermentino. Italian wines that have the highest alcohol content are usually 15% alcohol by volume or more. These tend to be more sophisticated Italian wines such as Super Tuscans, Brunello’s, Montalcinos, and Barolos. 

Does Italian wine give you a headache? 

Sometimes the sulfites, tannins, and added sugars in wine can give you a headache, especially if you are allergic to sulfites, which many people are. 

Italian white wine like a Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, or Gavi will usually have less tannins and sulfites in it because it isn’t produced with the skin and seeds on, which is where these two ingredients naturally occur. Italian white wine also does not have as much alcohol content in it so you most likely won’t wake up with a wine hangover the next day, but again this all depends on how much you drink. 

Italian red wine is made with the skin and seeds on so you will see a higher content of sulfites and tannins in it. Red wine made in Italy usually also contains a higher alcohol content as well so this can attribute to having a hangover the next day. To avoid getting a headache you should always drink wine in moderation and stick to Italian white wines and reds that don’t have a higher sugar content. The more sugar, the higher the alcohol content. 

While it is usually difficult to find wines without sulfites or added sugars, we at Tenuta Casanova only produce organic Italian wine without any added sulfites and we do not add any sugars to it. We are one of 7 or 8 vineyards in Italy that are completely sulfite free. So, this makes our finest Italian wine extremely special and rare. Our website is also one of the best places to buy Italian wines online. 

Are Italian wines healthier? 

Italian wine, especially red wine contains polyphenols which are antioxidants. Antioxidants have a lot of benefits like protecting our cells from free radicals which can cause oxidative stress in our bodies. Italian wine also has anti-aging properties because it has resveratrol in it, which naturally occurs in grapes. Today, you will even find a lot of beauty products like face serums, moisturizers, and body lotions that have resveratrol and polyphenols added, which help eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. So, this is a great added benefit for Italian wine lovers out there! Italian red wine is also known to lower cholesterol and boost your immune system. At Tenuta Casanova, we only sell Italian organic wine, that has no added sulfites or sugars. 

Why is Italian wine so popular? 

 Simply put, Italy is in the perfect location and has the best climate for grapes to flourish.  Also, because there are more varieties of grapes that our grown there than any other country, it has its own unique character. Many people that have traveled to Italy, especially the Piedmont and Tuscany regions are usually only drinking Italian wines and because it is like no other wine in the world, people come back from their travels and prefer it over other wines. Italian wine also pairs so perfectly with Italian food. Italian winemakers have always kept food in mind when designing their wines. Italian wines tend to open your taste buds and senses which can turn a good meal into a great one! Italian wines are very popular because they are not only delicious, but they are also often very affordable. In Italy, you have such a variety of different wines that you can find great wine for every palate and budget. 

 In conclusion, when it comes to Italian wine you can’t go wrong! The Italian wine industry is constantly evolving and finding new ways to make wine even better. 

 Here at Tenuta Casanova, we are always finding new, innovative ways to produce our wine while keeping the traditions of making Tuscan wines in mind. Our wine is organically grown and because we are a family winery, we are very passionate about what we do. We not only produce wine at our vineyard, but we also make our own extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, which can also be purchased at our online store along with all our beautiful wines. Our balsamic vinegar is made on our farm with standards of classic Modena traditions. Our balsamic vinegar has two ingredients, grapes and vinegar. We do not add anything else to it so you can experience balsamic vinegar in its purest form. We are surrounded by the flavors and aromas of traditional Tuscan wine and food. Our vineyard is enclosed in the middle of the forest in Chianti Classico, tucked away from anything that could potentially contaminate our wine. This is unlike any other vineyard in Italy. 

 If you do not get the opportunity to visit our beautiful vineyard, you can experience our Tuscan traditions at home. Our wines are available to purchase online and can be shipped anywhere in the world.