PARTNERSHIP

Rediscovering Italian Wine

With at least 4,000 years of winemaking history, Italy is a cornerstone of the wine world. Today the country’s 20 regions, more than 400 appellations, and nearly 600 grape varieties—and those are only the officially recognized ones!—are undergoing a true renaissance, with a range of high-quality wines unmatched by any other nation. Sommeliers and wine buyers in the United States, Italy’s top export market, are soaking up this bounty and creating an environment in which Italian wine is increasingly essential rather than optional to a well-rounded wine list or retail shop selection. By understanding the state of Italian wine today and embracing its value on wine lists across the country, U.S. wine professionals can rediscover why this winemaking country is so special.