GLOSSARY OF ITALIAN WINE

Wine from the Valpolicella area in the region of Veneto whereby a portion of the grapes is raised before fermentation to create a richer, more robust wine. Corvina is the main varietal.

The Queen to Barolo's King. 100% Nebbiolo from Piemonte, less the 100 miles from Barolo. The wine is named after the commune of Barbaresco.

Known as the King of Italian wines. 100% Nebbiolo from Piemonte. The wine is named after the commune of Barolo

100% Sangiovese from the area of Montalcino in the region of Toscana, about 75 miles South of Florence.

75% - 100% Sangiovese from the Chianti Classico area, about 100 square miles between Florence & Siena in the region of Toscana. Recognized as Chianti Classico by the iconic black rooster.

Denominazione di Origine Controllata (controlled by the destination of origin)

Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Granitia - Both quality assurance labels are given by the Italian government to specify wines. They guarantee that the wines have a specific blend of grapes & are aged for a specific amount of time. DOCG is the more prestigious of the two labels

70% - 100% Garganega harvested from the oldest vineyards in the Soave area of the Veneto region.

Named after the area of Valpolicella in the Veneto region, a red wine from the same blend as Amarone, but aged for a shorter amount of time, producing a lighter-bodied, lower alcohol product.

Wines from the Toscana that do not fall under DOC/G regulation. Typically made from both local & international varietals.

80% - 100% Sangiovese & a favorite of 17th Century Tuscan nobility, from the Montepulciano area of the Toscana region.