Essential Wine Terms
Italy is home to some of the world’s best wines, but ordering one shouldn’t feel like deciphering a medieval manuscript. Here’s the vocabulary you need:
Vino
/ˈvi.no/“Wine”
The foundation of any Italian meal. Red, white, or rosé - start here.
Rosso
/ˈros.so/“Red”
Refers to red wine. Think bold Barolo or Chianti.
Bianco
/ˈbjan.ko/“White”
White wine. Crisp Pinot Grigio or buttery Vermentino.
Rosato
/roˈzaːto/“Rosé”
Pink wine, often from Puglia or Sicily.
Ordering Like a Pro
Want to skip the tourist menu? Use these phrases:
- “Un calice di vino della casa, per favore” – A glass of house wine, please.
- “Avete un vino locale da consigliare?” – Do you have a local wine to recommend?
- “Preferisco qualcosa di strutturato” – I prefer something full-bodied.
Tip: If you’re pairing wine with food, check out our guide on Italian food vocabulary for seamless ordering.
Wine Characteristics
Describing wine in Italian earns you instant credibility:
| Italian | English | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Secco | Dry | No residual sugar, like a classic Prosecco. |
| Frizzante | Slightly sparkling | Light bubbles, not full spumante. |
| Tannico | Tannic | For bold reds like Brunello. |
Regions to Know
Drop these names to show you’ve done your homework:
- Piemonte – Home of Barolo and Barbaresco.
- Toscana – Chianti, Brunello, and Super Tuscans.
- Veneto – Prosecco and Amarone territory.
Next time you’re in Italy (or at an Italian restaurant), skip the awkward pointing and order with confidence. Salute! 🍷
