DISCOVER ITALY WINE REGIONS

This one small country contains an overwhelming diversity of natural features—an immense coastline, three major mountain ranges, foothills, and relatively little flat land.

Valdobbiadene

wine bottle

Ruffino wine grown here:

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Discover Italy Wine Regions

This one small country contains an overwhelming diversity of natural features—an immense coastline, three major mountain ranges, foothills, and relatively little flat land.

Della Venezie

wine bottle

Ruffino wine grown here:

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DISCOVER ITALY WINE REGIONS

Ruffino wine grown here:

Discover Italy Wine Regions

Ruffino wine grown here:

Italian Wine Varietals

Glera

The heart of Prosecco wines Mostly planted in Italy's northeastern Veneto region

Characteristics: Subtle fruit character and light, refreshing acidity Aromas & Flavors: Fresh apple, white peach, pears, stone fruits and florals

Canaiolo

Traditionally blended with Sangiovese in order to soften intensity and texture.

Characteristics: Less tannin, less acidity than Sangiovese; by itself, produces light reds and rosés Aromas & Flavors: Slightly bitter with berry and earthy undertones.

Canaiolo Bianco

Also called Drupeggio. Mostly planted in Umbria where it is an important blending variety in Orvieto wines.

Characteristics: Soft with a touch of sweetness Aromas & Flavors: Apple, pear, citrus

Cabernet Sauvignon

Frequently blended with Sangiovese in order to balance tannins

Characteristics: Dark color, firm tannins Aromas & Flavors: Black currants, cedar, tobacco, occasional vegetal undertones

Chardonnay

The principal white grape variety of Burgundy, France; grown in Tuscany for more than 150 years

Characteristics: Lean, crisp Aromas & Flavors: Citrus fruits, creamy vanilla, caramel, honey, peaches

Colorino

Known for its intensely dark skins, which impart deep color to wines Little-known indigenous variety containing powerful antioxidants

Characteristics: Highly colored, dry Aromas & Flavors: Black cherries, cassis, vanilla, chocolate

Grechetto

The most typical white variety used in Orvieto Classico DOC wines Primarily a blending grape, although some varietal wines can be found

Characteristics: Provides structure, fruit and balance Aromas & Flavors: Floral and nutty flavors

Merlot

Often blended with Sangiovese in order to provide color and fleshiness

Characteristics: Medium body and color Aromas & Flavors: Black currants, cherries, herbs, vegetal undertones

Moscato Bianco

Thought to be the oldest domesticated grape varietal The primary grape used in Moscato d'Asti wines

Characteristics: Light bodied, aromatic Aromas & Flavors: Peach, citrus and floral notes

Pinot Grigio

'Grigio' means 'gray' in Italian-the fruit is commonly grayish blue A popular grape variety in northeastern Italy

Characteristics: Light bodied and acidic Aromas & Flavors: Tropical fruit notes of melon and mango

Procanico

A specific clone of Trebbiano Toscano Primarily a blending grape

Characteristics: Fresh and fruity with high acid Aromas & Flavors: Citrus and almonds

Classifications

All Italian wines are assigned to one of four government-regulated classifications. The three regulated categories become increasingly strict, with IGT being the most lenient to give winemakers flexibility, and DOCG being the most controlled. The fourth category, table wine, is unregulated. Ruffino makes no wine in this unregulated category.

IGT

Typical geographical place

The IGT classification includes wines that are typical to a large geographic area (for example, Tuscany) by way of color, grape varieties and/or wine type. Growers must apply for IGT status and wine labels must declare a specific region. IGT wines are subject to some production limitations, but no taste or quality tests are required.

DOC

Controlled (or protected) place of origin

The DOC classification includes wines from specified grape varieties in officially designated and registered geographic areas. Producers in each region determine the regulations, which cover every phase of grape-growing and winemaking including origin of the fruit, grape varieties, production methods, wine color, aromas and flavors. The government oversees the regulations, but no taste or quality tests are required.

DOCG

Controlled and guaranteed place of origin

The DOCG classification is the most stringent. It requires producers to control and guarantee everything that is claimed on the wine label. Sample lots must be approved by a tasting panel of experts. DOCG wines are also subject to legal analysis at any time.

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