If we go by historical evidence, Italy is considered to be the oldest wine producing regions in the world. Archaeologists believe that people in the region were into wine making even 2000 years ago. If we look at the writings of those times, there is a mention of Chianti and Sangiovese varieties of wine that is available these days too.

Let us now take a look at the three best areas to visit in Italy for wine tasting:

Valpolicella, Chianti and Langhe (Piedmont).

Valpolicella

Travel to Valpolicella for Wine Tasting

Valpolicella lies to the east of Lake Garda and is very well known for its wine production. The red wine named Valpolicella is made from Rondinella, Molinara and Corvina Veronese varieties of grapes. The area excels in producing varieties of wine which also includes recioto, a dessert wine and Amarone, comparatively strong wine prepared out of dried grapes. Basically Valpolicella is considered to be light wine and is not aged for long but only a year. It has a cherry fragrance attached to it and it goes best with beef, turkey, chocolate cookie and even pepperoni pizza.

Valpolicella received DOC designation in 1968 and it was then that the production area was expanded so that more and more wine could be produced easily. In the recent times the economy of the region of Valpolicella depends to a great extent on the wine production. Don’t forget to make Valpolicella a part of your itinerary while visiting Italy for Wine Tasting.

Chianti

Travel to Chianti for Wine Tasting

The Chianti region in Central Tuscany is famous for exquisite variety of Chianti wine and is made of Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Malvasia Bianca varieties of grapes. Chianti gained DOC designation in 1967. Though 1970’s saw a downfall in Chianti wines but in 1984 it was promoted to DOCG designation. Today, Chianti is considered to have its own class and is in demand among wine lovers.

Chianti is a red wine which is generally dry and it goes well with noodles, beef and also chicken. This wine is made from ageing for around 5 to 10 years. It has a cheery and sometimes rose fragrance attached to it and has high acidity. So Chianti is a must visit place for Wine Tasting while on a tour of Italy.

Langhe

Travel to Langhe for Wine Tasting

Langhe, as the name suggests is a hilly area that lies in the Piedmont region of northern Italy and is well known for its wines. Langhe wine was introduced in 1994 and since then it has soared great heights by becoming the favorite of many wine lovers till date. It has been compared to wines of high quality like Super Tuscans. You can get some great wines like Barbaresco, Dogliani, Asti and Barolo in Langhe region.

Wine making has been carried on in Langhe area since ages and the wines made here are from grape varieties like Arneis and Favorita which is white in color and Dolcetto, Freisa and Nebbiolo which are red in color. These wines have to be aged for a minimum of 3 years. It goes well with meat dishes and dishes with cheese. As far as the taste is concerned, it is smooth and not very acidic. Thus Langhe, a scenic place, is also a must visit wine tasting destination while on a tour of Italy.

Italy is surely a treat for wine lovers as you get the opportunity to taste the region’s best wines combined with the delicious food and beautiful view of countryside. So, wine lovers if you have not visited Italy, what are you waiting for? Go discover the varieties of the mystical wine land.

Gabriele Monti is a dedicated writer about wine and food in Italy.