Da Terreno a Vitigno: A Guide to Italian Wine Terms

Written By Alper Billik

Dive into 'Da Terreno a Vitigno: The Essence of Italian Wine in 100 Terms'. Forget the fluff – this is your insider's espresso shot to Italian wine culture. We're slicing through the vineyards and barrels, serving up Italian wine knowledge that's as rich and varied as the regions themselves.

From the crisp Alps down to Sicily's sun-soaked vines, swirl, sniff, and sip your way through Italy's wine vocabulary. Unique? Absolutely. Essential? Without a doubt. Let's uncork the magic together.

Viticulture (Viticoltura)

  1. Vigneto - Vineyard

  2. Vitigno - Grape variety

  3. Terreno - Soil

  4. Uva - Grape

  5. Innesto - Grafting

  6. Potatura - Pruning

  7. Vendemmia - Harvest

  8. Raccolto - Crop, Harvest

  9. Maturazione - Ripening

  10. Diradamento - Thinning

  11. Zona DOC - Designated wine region

  12. Clima - Climate

  13. Esposizione - Exposure

  14. Altitudine - Altitude

  15. Biologico - Organic

  16. Biodinamico - Biodynamic

  17. Sostenibile - Sustainable

  18. Pergola - Trellis system

  19. Guyot - A type of vine training

  20. Resa - Yield

  21. Irrigazione - Irrigation

  22. Cepage - Blend of grapes

  23. Clone - Vine clone

  24. Portainnesto - Rootstock

  25. Foglia - Leaf

Winemaking (Vinificazione)

  1. Cantina - Winery or cellar

  2. Fermentazione - Fermentation

  3. Macerazione - Maceration

  4. Affinamento - Aging

  5. Botte - Large barrel

  6. Barrique - Small barrel

  7. Inox - Stainless steel vat

  8. Pigiatura - Crushing

  9. Pressatura - Pressing

  10. Mosto - Must

  11. Lievi - Yeasts

  12. Malolattica - Malolactic fermentation

  13. Sulfitti - Sulphites

  14. Filtrazione - Filtration

  15. Clarificazione - Clarification

  16. Assemblaggio - Blending

  17. Bottiglia - Bottle

  18. Tappo - Cork

  19. Etichetta - Label

  20. Tappo a vite - Screw cap

  21. Decantazione - Decanting

  22. Degustazione - Tasting

  23. Rosato - Rosé

  24. Frizzante - Semi-sparkling

  25. Spumante - Sparkling wine

Labeling (Etichettatura)

  1. Annata - Vintage year

  2. Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) - Controlled Designation of Origin

  3. Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) - Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin

  4. Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) - Typical Geographical Indication

  5. Vino da Tavola - Table wine

  6. Produttore - Producer

  7. Gradazione Alcolica - Alcohol content

  8. Volume - Volume

  9. Contiene solfiti - Contains sulfites

  10. Regione - Region

  11. Varietà - Variety

  12. Classico - Classic (from the historic center of the region)

  13. Riserva - Reserved (aged for a longer period)

  14. Superiore - Superior (higher alcohol content)

  15. Passito - Sweet wine from dried grapes

  16. Vendemmia tardiva - Late harvest

  17. Secco - Dry

  18. Dolce - Sweet

  19. Amaro - Bitter

  20. Corpo - Body

North Italian Wine Terms

  • Barolo: A powerful, tannic red wine from Piedmont, made exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes. Known for its depth, complexity, and aging potential.

  • Franciacorta: Lombardy's prestigious sparkling wine, produced using the traditional method. It offers complexity and elegance, rivaling the best champagnes.

  • Amarone della Valpolicella: A rich, full-bodied red wine from Veneto, made from partially dried grapes, which concentrate their flavor.

  • Prosecco: Italy's beloved sparkling wine from Veneto, light and refreshing, with a fruity and floral bouquet.

  • Soave: A crisp, aromatic white wine from Veneto, made primarily from Garganega grapes, known for its minerality and freshness.

  • Barbaresco: A noble red wine from Piedmont, akin to Barolo but generally more delicate, made exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes. It's known for its finesse and aromatic complexity.

  • Dolcetto d'Alba: A fruity, slightly bitter red wine from Piedmont, made from Dolcetto grapes. It's appreciated for its approachability and early drinking window.

  • Gavi: A crisp, refreshing white wine from Piedmont, made from Cortese grapes. Gavi is noted for its minerality and sharp acidity.

  • Lugana: A fragrant, refreshing white wine from the southern shore of Lake Garda, primarily made from Trebbiano di Lugana (Turbiana) grapes. It balances acidity with a plush texture.

  • Valtellina Superiore: A distinctive red wine from Lombardy, made from Nebbiolo grapes (locally known as Chiavennasca), noted for its finesse, elegance, and capacity for aging.

  • Trento DOC: A sparkling wine from Trentino, made using the traditional method with Chardonnay and/or Pinot Noir grapes. It's celebrated for its fine bubbles and complex flavors.

  • Amarone della Valpolicella: Already mentioned but worth reiterating for its significance, this is a rich, powerful wine made from dried grapes, offering a unique concentration of flavors.

  • Ripasso della Valpolicella: A unique red wine from Veneto, made by re-fermenting Valpolicella wine on the lees of Amarone, giving it more body and richness.

  • Recioto della Valpolicella: A sweet, dessert-style wine from Veneto, made from partially dried grapes, showcasing concentrated fruit flavors and a velvety texture.

  • Friuli Venezia Giulia: While not a wine, this northeastern region is renowned for its white wines, including Friulano and Ribolla Gialla, which are known for their aromatic complexity and crisp acidity.

Central Italian Wine Terms

  • Chianti Classico: The heart of Tuscany's Chianti region, this red wine is primarily made from Sangiovese grapes, offering a balance of fruit, tannin, and acidity.

  • Brunello di Montalcino: A robust, age-worthy red from Tuscany, made entirely from Sangiovese grapes, known for its depth and complexity.

  • Vernaccia di San Gimignano: A refreshing, dry white wine from Tuscany, characterized by its crisp acidity and subtle floral notes.

  • Montepulciano d'Abruzzo: A versatile red from Abruzzo, known for its medium-bodied profile, ripe berry flavors, and smooth tannins.

  • Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: A distinguished red wine from Tuscany, primarily made from Sangiovese grapes. It's known for its robust structure and rich, complex flavors.

  • Morellino di Scansano: A vibrant, ruby-red wine from Maremma, Tuscany, made predominantly from Sangiovese grapes. It offers a more approachable alternative with its fruity profile and soft tannins.

  • Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi: A high-quality white wine from the Marche region, made from the Verdicchio grape. It's celebrated for its crisp acidity, citrus flavors, and almond finish.

  • Sagrantino di Montefalco: A powerful, tannic red wine from Umbria, made exclusively from Sagrantino grapes. It's known for its dense structure and potential for aging.

  • Orvieto: A versatile white wine from Umbria, made from a blend including Grechetto and Trebbiano grapes. It ranges from dry to sweet, showcasing floral and fruity notes.

  • Rosso di Montalcino: A younger, more accessible version of Brunello, made from 100% Sangiovese in Tuscany. It offers similar characteristics but is ready to drink sooner.

  • Carmignano: A historic red wine blend from Tuscany, combining Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon and other varieties, known for its balance and elegance.

  • Trebbiano Toscano: A widely planted white grape variety in Tuscany and throughout Central Italy, producing light-bodied, crisp wines with high acidity.

  • Montefalco Rosso: A red blend from Umbria, incorporating Sangiovese, Sagrantino, and other grapes. It's a versatile wine, offering a balance of fruit, tannin, and acidity.

  • Offida Pecorino: A white wine from the Marche and Abruzzo regions, made from the Pecorino grape. It's gaining popularity for its aromatic complexity and structured palate, featuring floral, citrus, and mineral notes.

South Italy & Islands Wine Terms

  • Nero d'Avola: Sicily's most important red grape, producing wines with rich fruit flavors, smooth tannins, and a hint of spice.

  • Primitivo: Known internationally as Zinfandel, this red grape from Puglia produces robust, fruit-forward wines with a warm alcohol content.

  • Aglianico del Vulture: A bold, structured red wine from Basilicata, made from Aglianico grapes, noted for its firm tannins and aging potential.

  • Cannonau di Sardegna: Sardinia's flagship red, made from Grenache (locally known as Cannonau), offering generous fruit and spice notes.

  • Etna Rosso: A vibrant red wine from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, primarily made from the Nerello Mascalese grape. It's known for its elegance, minerality, and aromatic complexity.

  • Greco di Tufo: A distinguished white wine from Campania, made from the Greco grape. It offers a rich texture and flavors of ripe citrus and stone fruits, underpinned by a striking minerality.

  • Taurasi: A powerful and age-worthy red wine from Campania, made primarily from the Aglianico grape. It is often referred to as the "Barolo of the South," showcasing deep flavors and firm tannins.

  • Fiano di Avellino: Another standout white from Campania, made from the Fiano grape. It's appreciated for its aromatic floral and honeyed notes, with a full body and potential for aging.

  • Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo: A rosé wine from Abruzzo, made from the Montepulciano grape. It stands out for its cherry-pink color, red fruit flavors, and refreshing acidity.

  • Salice Salentino: A robust red wine from Puglia, made from Negroamaro (sometimes blended with Malvasia Nera). It offers rich berry flavors, spice, and a smooth finish.

  • Vermentino di Sardegna: A crisp and aromatic white wine from Sardinia, made from the Vermentino grape. It's known for its bright acidity, citrus, and herbal flavors.

  • Nero d'Avola: Sicily's signature red grape produces wines with rich tannins, plum and peppery flavors, and a certain earthiness. It's versatile, used in both varietal wines and blends.

  • Passito di Pantelleria: A sweet dessert wine from the island of Pantelleria, made from dried Zibibbo grapes. It's celebrated for its intense aromas of apricot and citrus, with a rich, honeyed palate.

  • Marsala: A fortified wine from Sicily, available in dry and sweet styles. It's known for its rich amber color, complex flavor profile (including notes of apricot, vanilla, and nuts), and versatility in cooking and drinking.