Italy

Among the great wine countries of the world, Italy is one of the most diverse based on the sheer variety of grapes and styles it offers. Some indigenous varieties, often specific to single provinces, deserve greater attention to fully appreciate the regional nuances they showcase, from the Southern Mediterranean coast and Sicilian volcanic isle to the Northern Alpine ranges. In addition to the stunning environmental assets, Italy owes its reputation to the people whose very family fabric is intricately meshed with the land and the vines. The wines they craft taste of terroirs and traditions in a way that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world.

While the whole country held its breath, the vines carried on. 2021 was full of contrast, with tumbling yields and outstanding quality fruit to offset scarcity, making it one of the best and most in demand vintages in recent years. So much so that the Consortium of Chianti requested that the release of the 2021 vintage be forwarded to January 2022, to avoid shortages considering the dip in production and to cater to an ever-increasing demand from export markets. Despite the heterogeneity of the regions, it is safe to say that most initial worries from poor climatic conditions dissipated, as most producers reported exceptional combinations of high acidity, balanced natural alcoholic content, and optimum flavour intensity across the board.