Wine Made Simple

Wine Made Simple

French & Italian Wine Education

🍷 Ultimate Guide to Italian Red Wines – From North to South! 🇮🇹

Italy isn’t just a country; it’s a wine lover’s paradise. 🍇 Every region has its own traditions, grapes, and signature flavors.

Whether you’re sipping on an elegant Nebbiolo from the foggy hills of Piemonte or a bold Nero d’Avola from sun-soaked Sicily, Italian red wines tell stories of land, culture, and passion.

I’ve created a 3-part video series to take you on this delicious journey. In this guide, you’ll find all three videos — plus quick highlights to help you choose your next bottle. 🍷✨

🍇 Northern Italy’s Red Wines – Barolo, Amarone & More!

Northern Italy is where elegance meets structure. Think alpine freshness, volcanic soils, and wines that age like fine art.

🌟 Highlights:

Barolo & Barbaresco – Nebbiolo royalty 👑, with roses, tar, and truffle notes.
Barbera & Dolcetto – Juicy, food-friendly, and perfect for everyday sipping.
Amarone della Valpolicella – Made from dried grapes, bold and dramatic.
Valtellina & Alto Piemonte – Mountain Nebbiolo like Sassella, Inferno, and Gattinara.
Other gems – Lagrein, Refosco, Rossese, Petit Rouge, Schiava… lesser-known but delicious.

❤️ Central Italy’s Red Wines – Chianti, Brunello & Super Tuscans

Welcome to the heart of Italian wine. Central Italy, especially Tuscany, is home to Sangiovese, Italy’s most famous red grape — plus a few rebels that changed history.

🌟 Highlights:

Chianti, Chianti Classico & Riserva – Learn the difference and spot the black rooster 🐓.
Brunello di Montalcino – Powerful, elegant, and age-worthy.
Rosso di Montalcino – Brunello’s younger, fresher sibling.
Super Tuscans (Sassicaia, Tignanello, Ornellaia) – Rule-breaking wines that put Italy back on the global wine map.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano – Noble, smooth, and underrated.
Lambrusco – Yes, a sparkling red — dry, fresh, and perfect with Emilia’s food.
Sagrantino di Montefalco – A tannic beast with incredible depth.

🌞 Southern Italy & Islands – Bold, Volcanic & Sun-Soaked Reds

The south brings the heat — literally! Here, ancient vines grow under blazing sun and on volcanic soils, producing bold, rustic, and unforgettable reds.

🌟 Highlights:

Aglianico (Taurasi & del Vulture) – The “Barolo of the South,” smoky and powerful.
Primitivo – Jammy, fruity, and your BBQ’s best friend. 🍔
Negroamaro – Dark, earthy, and full of personality.
Nero d’Avola – Sicily’s bold beauty.
Etna Rosso – Elegant and smoky, grown on an active volcano 🌋.
Cannonau di Sardegna – Sardinia’s antioxidant-rich secret to long life. 🧬

🥂 Conclusion – Why Italian Reds Deserve a Place in Your Glass

From the refined structure of Northern Nebbiolo to the volcanic power of Southern Aglianico, Italian red wines offer something for every taste, every meal, and every mood.

📺 Watch the full videos above, and don’t forget to: