This is a fantastic crash course covering the more prominent Italian grape varietals? used to make Italian wine today. Tom Hyland (wineloverspage.com) writes:

At the heart and soul of Italian viticulture? are the wines made from indigenous varieties. These grapes - many of which are native to only one or just a few Italian regions and nowhere else - offer this country's bold answer to the claim that too many wines around the world taste? alike these days.
Everyone's familiar with Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvingon and Merlot. While these are widely planted in Italy, they are not dominant and do not represent any particular region? or district?. Rather, varieties such as Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Greco and Fiano tell the story of Italian wines in detail and with great complexity?.
In today's world, where it seems everyone wants information at their fingertips in an instant, it's no surprise that the wines of the world have been dumbed down to the Big? Six, as I like to call them; the six varieties that dominate plantings in many countries around the world. These six are Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc? for white and Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Syrah for red. All are wonderful varieties, but as you don't eat the same foods all the time, I'm assuming you want something different in your glass of wine as well.
So turn to Italy, as foreign sounding and as unusual their varieties may be. To help ease the confusion, here is a brief guide to some major Italian varieties (not all 2,000!) from A to Z. This is just a brief list, remember; we won't even get into some of the more exotic varieties such as Sciascinoso, Caprettone or Freisa!
Goes on to mention the following classics: Aglianico, Barbera, Coda di Volpe, Corvina, Dolcetto, Erbaluce, Favorita, Falanghina, Fiano, Garganega, Greco, Incrocio Manzoni, Kerner, Lagrein, Montepulciano, Nebbiolo, Oseleta, Picolit, Pignolo, Pinot Bianco?, Pinot Grigio, Prosecco, Rondinella, Sagrantino, Sangiovese, Schiava, Schioppettino, Tazzelenghe, Uva?? di Troia, Vermentino, Vernaccia, Verduzzo and Zibbibo.
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