DISCOVER ITALY WINE REGIONS
Discover Italy Wine Regions

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
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.
Buy Now
Get delivery right to your door. Or use our locator to find Ruffino wine in stores and restaurants near you.
Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device