The climate in Italy is dominated by mountain ranges, from the French Alps in the North to the Appenines running like a spine from Luguria to the toe of Italy. Northern Italy has a continental climate while the southern part of Italy has Mediterranean climate so their wines tend to be bigger and meatier. However, the combined result is a unique microclimate with plenty of the sun's best rays and just enough rain to nurse the rugged soil of Italy.

Grapes grow everywhere in Italy not just on the plains but they thrive also on the mountains. The grape varieties are many and varied but the Italians have in general chosen varieties which are naturally high in Body, Acidity Tannin* & Colour. Some of Italy's indigenous grape varieties are Nebbiolo, Barbera, Corvina*, Sangiovese*, Negromara* , Rondinella*, Molinara.*, Trebbiano*, Malvasia*, Verdicchio*

The Italian Wine Label

• Italian wines may be named after the principal or sole grape variety used in the production by the geographical area it represents, e.g. Chianti*.

• Classico
  The word Classico* means that the wine comes from the Inner or better part of the District.

• DOC
  Denominazione Di Origine Controllata - Government seal of approval as set out in 1963 by decree as a national control for the wine industry according to EU Law.

• DO CG
  As above but with an additional Guarantee - the highest quality.

These DOC Laws have since been upgraded to make allowances for the fabulous SuperTuscan* wines which for so long were limited to Vin De Table status due to the grape varieties used in their production.