Learning About Italian Wine

Whether your goal is to become a capable wine connoisseur, or simply to better understand what kind of wines you like so you can select wines with confidence, to learn about wine is a worthwhile and valuable process. Italy is fortunate to have the most diverse wine selection of any country. This can be intimidating for the amateur wine enthusiast but they need not worry – to learn about Italian wine is not only rewarding but it will provide an excellent grounding for understanding wines produced in the rest of the world.

Tasting and evaluating wine in a cellar. © Tay Jnr/Photodisc/Thinkstock

How to get started

To begin your journey into learning about Italian wine, the first step is to understand the Italian wine classification and appellation system – this will provide a basic guide to where the wine comes from, and what classification it holds in the Italian scheme, and this in turn will reveal more about the quality of the wine. We can also learn all about wine tasting – far beyond a simple sniff and slurp, getting the most out of wine is an important skill that begins with knowing how to purchase a wine that is in good condition, storing it properly, serving it correctly, and knowing how to taste it in order to truly appreciate its flavour. Once you can start to identify the nuances of Italian wines that make them so unique and special, there will be no turning back.

We can go on to learn about the Italian vineyards, how the grapes are grown traditionally and how modern trends have improved viticulture. The way in which the grapes are treated in the winery is also crucial – and this is often what imparts character and personality to Italian wines. And let us not forget that like most European countries, Italy’s climate can vary from year to year, which influences the harvest and the quality of grapes – so when it comes to tasting the best wines, we need to know a bit about vintages. This is also crucial if you are considering becoming a wine investor.

The final step in learning about wine is the one that you can experiment with and enjoy the most – and this is pairing red and white wine with food. Every wine producing country will have wine and food combinations that the local population is very proud of, and Italy is no exception. Choosing the right bottle, something that compliments the meal perfectly, can be the difference between a pleasant experience and one that is truly exceptional and memorable.

Lush vineyard shrouded by morning summer fog — Wine poetry: a lush grape vineyard shrouded by morning summer fog. © iStockphoto/Thinkstock

There are many fine books that can help you on your journey, and we have provided some advice on the best ones to choose. So what are you waiting for?