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There is a good reason why individuals cannot help but fall in love with Italian wines. What reason? Well, that will be answered as you read your way through the passages of this article.

Wine making is most likely as old as civilization itself, and among the oldest regions making such nectar of the gods, the boot-shaped nation produces one of the best. Historically speaking, Italian wines trace back its roots in the Roman Empire. And it was the locals of Rome who started bottling their wines to facilitate transportation and storage, and of course, consumption! To date, wines originating from Italy account for approximately one-fifth of all the wines produced worldwide.

Old Fashioned vis-'-vis Modern Technique

Thousands of vineyards line the landscape of Italy. Many wines are produced utilizing modern distilleries and machines, while a few still prefers to make wine the old fashion way---with pants rolled up to the knee and stomping the goodness out of every single grape. It was said that the rustic way creates better tasting wines. You be the judge. But if you have hygienic issues, you may opt to purchase a bottle of wine from your local grocery or speciality store.

The Environment

The auspicious climate and weather condition existing in the Mediterranean play a huge part in producing quality Italian wines. Actually, the environment (land, irrigation, and weather) largely affects the outcome of any wine in any part of the world. And this is a fact that wine connoisseurs understand. There are things that only nature can provide, no amount of equipment or machine can reproduce the quality harvest nurtured by Mother Nature herself.

Also, the Italian terrain shows various elevations and depressions allowing the nation to grow quite a number of grapes, and consequently produce different types of wines.

Matching The Palate

Generally, Italian wines are less sweet and is a tad bit acidic and dry as compared to the wines produced elsewhere. These characteristics make Italian wine a much better accompaniment for dishes than any other. It is because the latter may hold a stronger or fruitier taste that may interfere with the flavours of a certain meal or cuisine. That is why most restaurants carry an assortment of Italian wines to pair with the menu.

The Grapes

Italian boasts three hundred fifty certified grapes that can be used in making excellent wines; and some five hundred other varieties and fusions of grapes find their way to Italian wines as well. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are two of the more popular grapes used for red wine, while Chardonnay and Riesling are used for their white counterparts.

The Laws

For a nation that prides itself with the quality and the variety of their wines, the government deems it fit that strict labeling and reference be observed. Though, a few winemakers take it upon themselves to steer away from the traditional grapes and customary combinations to create fuller, richer, and more palatable wines. This is labeled 'Super Tuscan' referring to the non-conventional blending of grapes that would usually exist in the various areas throughout the country. Some non-traditional blends are even tagged as 'table wines' which is somewhat belittling. So they choose to use 'Super Tuscan' rather than 'table wines'.

The quality of Italian wines is nothing but excellent. If you are looking to develop your wine list and tantalize your taste buds, try out an Italian wine. With its vast assortment and range, you will surely find one that you will fall in love with.