Wine in Italy

Perhaps the Greeks' greatest gifts to Italy - and the Italian lifestyle - were grapes and olives, which arrived about 450 BC. Colonizing Greeks called Italy Oenotria, "the land of staked vines." Today, grapes are grown and wine produced in nearly every part of Italy, from the Alps to the toe and the islands, Sicily and Sardinia. Only France produces more wine, and not in every year.

Italy produces wine from some 2000 grape varieties, although 20 of those account for most of the wine produced. International varieties such as Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay are making their way into production, and into blends with traditional Italian varieties.

For me, Italian wines are quite memorable, often from morning-after headaches. However, many Italian wines are exceptionally tasty, and quality is steadily improving. I've heard it said they kept the best wines for themselves, and we hope to find out if that's true.

Actually, Italy produces more white wine than red. In all cases Italians consider wine a part of the meal, and nearly always eat something along with their wine. That's another part we're looking forward to.

Enjoy a nice Chianti or Vernaccia while we're in Tuscany. I'm sure we will.