Italy is among the world's oldest wine-growing areas with traces of wild grapes dating back to about 5700 BC and evidence that Sicilians cultivated vines and wine production around 2,000 BC, followed by a history of flourishing Italian wine production during the Roman Empire.

The production of high-quality, well-structured wines has continued to the present in Italy, thanks to its varied geological structures found between the hills, close relationship between the mountains and sea, variety of soil types and myriad microclimates. This means that the same vines can produce wines with different characteristics within even a few kilometers.

A combination of wine culture and tradition in various Italian regions and continuous wine research has made Italy one of the world's leading regions for wine production and quality. Every single region has its vineyards—north to south, in the hills and on the plains, in the mountains and even on smaller islands. Thanks to its geographical location and its history, Italy boasts the world's largest variety of vines—over 500.

Credit for this reputation also goes to counfless small winemakers that have worked hard to preserve family traditions and territory.

While there are too many to mention in this space, a quick overview of some basic world-renowned Italian grape and wine varieties includes Piedmont's Nebbiolo grape and famous Barolo and Moscato Asti Spumante Bianco; and the Tuscan native Sangiovese grape variety, from which comes Chianti and the famous Brunello di Montalcino. The Clera grapes (Prosecco), Pino Grigio and Chardonnay grapes of northeastern Italy make great white wines and Spumante, while central Italy is known for the original Montepulciano grape from the Abruzzo region. The south has the Primitivo grape variety.

Look for specific introductions to some of these Italian specialties, starting with the Montepulciano D'Abrozzo grape and the wine it produces in next month's edition of "Wine Connection".

Ciao!