A Guide to Italian Wine Regions
Discover the flavours & landscapes of Italy
In Italy, wine is not just a drink but a way of life, flowing through its history, culture, and daily rituals. With over 20 official wine regions, each with its own traditions, grape varieties, and unique landscapes, Italy offers a treasure trove for wine lovers. From crisp whites in the north to bold reds in the south, every bottle tells a story of place and passion.
At Rosmarino in Fortitude Valley, we celebrate this diversity with a wine list that brings the best Italian wine regions to Brisbane. With more than 350 labels carefully curated by owner Andrea, our cellar is a map of Italy’s finest wines, designed to be explored one glass (or bottle) at a time.
Italy’s Wine Regions at a Glance
Picture Italy divided into three broad areas: Northern, Central, and Southern Italy. Each has its own climate, terrain, and signature wine styles. From the hilly terrain of the Apennine mountains to the rolling hills of Tuscany and the volcanic soils of Sicily, Italy’s landscapes shape its wines in profound ways.
Looking at an Italian wine regions map reveals not just geography but culture, shaped by centuries of grape growing, winemaking, and tradition. This is what makes Italy one of the world’s most captivating wine destinations.
Northern Italy – Elegant Whites & Mountain Reds
Northern Italy is known for its alpine freshness and elegant wines. Regions like Trentino-Alto Adige, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Piedmont, and Veneto are celebrated worldwide.
Trentino-Alto Adige produces crisp sparkling wines such as Ferrari ‘Perlé’ Trento DOC, made from Chardonnay at high altitudes where cool breezes create world-class sparkling wines.
Friuli Venezia Giulia is home to some of Italy’s best Pinot Grigio, offering bright, fruity wine styles that are a favourite among wine enthusiasts.
Piedmont delivers Italy’s greatest wines like Barolo and Barbaresco, crafted from the Nebbiolo grape. These reds are renowned for their strong tannins, complex flavours, and ageing potential. On Rosmarino’s list, you’ll find treasures like Gaja Barbaresco and Manuel Marinacci Barbaresco.
Veneto is famous for Amarone della Valpolicella, an intense red wine made from partially dried grapes. Our cellar proudly features Amarone from producers such as Quintarelli, offering a taste of one region that defines richness.
Central Italy – The Heart of Sangiovese
Central Italy is synonymous with Sangiovese, the red grape behind some of the most famous wines in the world.
Tuscany is home to Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and the modern “Super Tuscans”, blending Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Guests at Rosmarino can enjoy wines such as La Togata Brunello di Montalcino, Crociani Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Fontodi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione.
Umbria produces bold reds like Sagrantino di Montefalco alongside elegant whites such as Grechetto blends. Wines like Tenute Lunelli’s Rosso di Montefalco showcase the region’s power and finesse.
Marche is known for Verdicchio, a versatile white with crisp, mineral-driven character – ideal with fresh seafood dishes.
Abruzzo is famous for Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, a widely planted red grape producing approachable yet structured wines. Our list features Montepulciano from iconic producers like Emidio Pepe.
These regions represent the heart of Italy, where medieval villages, rolling vineyards, and rich traditions are captured in every bottle.
Southern Italy & Islands – Bold, Sun-Kissed Flavours
In Southern Italy, the wines are as warm and generous as the climate. Regions like Sicily, Campania, Sardinia, and Puglia offer bold, characterful wines from native grapes.
Sicily is renowned for Nero d’Avola and the volcanic wines of Mount Etna, where Nerello Mascalese and Carricante thrive in mineral-rich soils. At Rosmarino, our collection of Etna wines includes standouts from Graci and Frank Cornelissen, offering guests a direct taste of the island’s fiery terroir.
Campania shines with Aglianico, particularly Taurasi DOCG, often called the “Barolo of the South” for its depth and strong tannins.
Sardinia is celebrated for Vermentino, a refreshing white, as well as robust reds with a distinctly Mediterranean character.
Puglia produces generous reds from Primitivo and Negroamaro, wines that are fruity, full-bodied, and perfect for hearty meals.
These wines are full of personality and perfect for wine lovers eager to discover unique wines beyond the classics.
Understanding Labels
When exploring, you’ll often see terms like DOC, DOCG, and IGT. These designations – Denominazione di Origine Controllata and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita – reflect strict quality standards tied to specific regions and grape varieties.
At Rosmarino, our cellar is a reflection of the Italian wine regions map. It includes many DOCG wines, from Brunello di Montalcino to Barolo and Amarone della Valpolicella, assuring guests that they are enjoying some of Italy’s highest quality wines.
Bringing Italy to Brisbane – Rosmarino’s Wine List
Andrea’s award-winning list balances famous wines with hidden gems. From powerful Barolos to elegant Pinot Grigios, from Super Tuscans to natural wines from Sicily, each bottle is chosen with care. It’s a collection designed not just for connoisseurs but for anyone who loves discovering the beauty of Italian wine.
For those who want to dive deeper, we’ve created a guide to pairing Italian food and wine. Explore it here: Italian food and wine pairing.
A Journey in Every Glass
Exploring the wine regions of Italy is like taking a journey through the country itself. Each glass tells a story of history, landscape, and passion from each of the Italian wine regions. At Rosmarino, we’re proud to share these stories with our guests in Brisbane, offering a cellar that reflects Italy’s greatest wines.
Whether you’re enjoying a bold Brunello, a crisp Pinot Grigio, or a volcanic red from Etna, you’re not just tasting wine. You’re tasting Italy.
Feeling thirsty? Make a booking with Rosmarino today.
