Barolo
100% Nebbiolo grapes
Must have greater than 12.5 percent alcohol
Must be aged a minimum of 3 years, with two of those in oak or chestnut casks
Barbaresco
100% Nebbiolo grapes
Must have greater than 12.5 percent alcohol
Must be aged 2 years, with one year in oark or chestnut casks
Barbara
Barbara grapes produce this vibrant wine that is naturally high in acidity but low in tannins.
Chianti
At least 75% Sangiovese grapes
Chianti - Light tannin, light to medium body and fruit
Chianti Classico - A bit more full bodied, very fruit forward, more complex
Chianti Classico Riserva - Highest bodied and most complex. Requires aging of 2 years and 3 months in the bottle
Dolcetto
Dolcetto grapes
Amarone
Corvina, Rodinella, Molinara and other grapes
Valpolicella
Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes
Bardolino
Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara and Negrara grapes
Montepulciano
Sangiovese grapes with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
Must be barrel aged for at least one year and matured in the bottle for at least 3 years
Super Tuscans
Super Tuscan wines, produced in the region of Tuscany, do not have to adhere to traditional local DOC regulations.
Some super Tuscans contain Sangiovese, either 100 percent or in blends. Others are made solely from Merlot, others from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, or from even more unusual blends, like Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc grapes are used for whites
Most super Tuscans use the legal appellation of Toscana IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) that gives producers more flexibility than Chianti and other Tuscan DOCs