We’ve already focused our attention on central Italy ’s Sangiovese, but now we’re going to turn our attention to the southern portion of the country.  Italy is one of the world’s leading producers of wine, and what is unique about Italy is that vines are cultivated nearly everywhere in the country, not just in pocketed regions.  Italian wines range widely due to a diversity of climates and grapes.  Southern Italy has a sun-baked Mediterranean climate where local grapes thrive, producing potent reds and vibrant whites. Wines from Southern Italy are probably a group that you haven’t explored in depth, so this is a good opportunity to get acquainted with them.  

Regions

Sardinia -- (Sardegna in Italian) northern Mediterranean island
Sicily —(Sicilia on an Italian wine label) Mediteranean island at the tip of Italy ’s boot, produces mostly white wine and Marsala
Calabria – the toe of the boot
Basilicata —arch of boot
Apulia --( Puglia in Italian) the heel of the boot, Salento is located in this region
Campania – ankle region, Fiano di Avellio is the gem from this area

Grapes grown in Southern Italy

Italy is home to very many different grapes, which can be quite confusing. 

Numerous indigenous varietals are grown in Southern Italy .  These are well-suited for the climate, and many of them originated in Greece and Turkey .   Growers and winemakers are also experimenting with international varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. 

White Grapes:

Falanghina—vibrant and flavor-packed
Fiano di Avellino—floral scented, delicate, subtle white from Campania combining lightness and firmness
Greco di Tufo—Substantial white from Campania with flavors of apple peel with mineral depths
Grillo—Sicilian grape with an impressively rich character
Vermentino—light, lemony white from Sardinia

Red Grapes:

Aglianico—dark-skinned grape producing wines with a powerful brooding character
Negroamaro—makes rich, roasted red wine, esp. important in Puglia
Nero D’Avola-- Sicily ’s most important red grape produces a smoky wine rich with character
Primitivo (same as Zinfandel)—Big red grown throughout Puglia , much earthier and more structured than Californian Zins
Monica, Malvasia Nero, Calabrese, Prugnolo, Cannonau (same as Grenache), and many more…

Pairing Southern Italian wines with Food

Pair southern Italian wines with Mediterranean cuisine, and they’ll be terrific together.  The acidity and mineral tones found in Southern Italian whites makes them a great accompaniment for seafood.