9 Italian White Wines to Discover

Italy is often associated predominantly with red wine, thanks to renowned wines such as Chianti, Barolo, Brunello and Amarone. However, the country also boasts a wide variety of exceptional white wines.

Notable Italian white wines include Pinot Grigio, Prosecco and Vermentino among others—and the country’s white wines are known for their quality, diversity and unique regional characteristics. Some are even capable of long-term aging.

Here are a few Italian white wines to keep in mind the next time you’re shopping for vino bianco.

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Italian White Wines

There are hundreds of different grape varieties in Italy, but these are some of the most popular dry Italian white wines that folks flock to again and again.

Pinot Grigio

For fish, salads and other light bites, consider a Pinot Grigio. The wine boasts a crisp, citrusy profile and palate-cleansing acidity, which makes it a great wine to enjoy on its own or with a meal.

Pinot Grigio is grown in several regions of Italy, notably Veneto, Lombardy and Alto Adige. Its flavor profile, which typically includes notes of green apple, pear and citrus, pairs well with a variety of foods, making it a flexible choice for different types of cuisine. Many high-quality Pinot Grigio wines are reasonably priced, making it an excellent choice to serve to the white wine drinkers at your party or celebration.

Vermentino

This indigenous Italian grape variety often exhibits stunning complexity that makes it one of Italy’s superior white wines. Vermentino offers plenty of gorgeous aromas and flavors, and impressive adaptability in pairing with various cuisines. A large portion of Vermentino vineyards can be found in Tuscany, as well as on the Italian island of Sardinia. Here, the warm Mediterranean climate helps the grape ripen fully, resulting in rich aromas of grapefruit, peach and pear. These aromatic profiles are often complemented by a distinct minerality reminiscent of a sea breeze, contributing to Vermentino’s unique character.

Trebbiano

Trebbiano (aka Ugni Blanc in France) is notable for being one of the most widely planted grapes worldwide. Though it is frequently categorized as a workhorse grape, in the right hands, it can yield refined, fresh wines. Trebbiano is an ideal choice for outdoor gatherings like picnics or for moments when a light, easy-to-drink wine is desired. It never fails to please, particularly when combined with an antipasti assortment or lightly grilled vegetables.

Cortese

Cortese is found throughout Piedmont, a region also famous for its red Nebbiolo grape, most notably in the subregion of Gavi. Cortese wines are prized for their balanced, refreshing profiles with primary fruit flavors of peach, apple and melon. Resembling Pinot Grigio in their crisp acidity and light to medium body, these elegant wines are excellent as aperitivos or paired with foods that won’t overwhelm their delicate flavors. Typical pairings include light risottos, pasta dishes and a variety of seafood, where the wines’ acidity and fruit characteristics can shine alongside the dishes.

Verdicchio

If you like zesty, refreshing wines like Sauvignon Blanc, say hello to Verdicchio. It’s a strong contender for Italy’s greatest white wine, yet is often unknown outside of the country. The two wines share a similar bright citrus flavor and the same pour-me-another-glass appeal.

Originating from the Marche region in central Italy, Verdicchio is notable for its high acidity, a characteristic that allows winemakers in the region to produce an extensive range of wine styles, including still, sparkling and even sweet variants. The best Verdicchio wines typically come from the sub-region of Castelli di Jesi Classico and can exhibit impressive aging potential, often up to a decade. Regardless of style, Verdicchio wines have pretty almond notes, along with ample ripe citrus and mineral flavors.

Falanghina

Campania in southern Italy is Falanghina country. Often considered a hidden gem among Italian white wine grapes, Falanghina is known for producing wines that are bright, aromatic and possess a unique mineral quality thanks to the region’s rich volcanic soil.

Falanghina wines typically offer a rich bouquet of floral and fruit notes, including apple, pear, citrus and often a hint of tropical, honeyed fruit. Some may also present a subtle almond or spicy note in the background. These flavors make Falanghina the ideal choice for pairing with fish, mussels, scallops and clams linguine. Pork, chicken and certain cured meats wouldn’t be out of place with a glass of Falaghina, either. The best Falanghina wines can benefit from two to three years in the cellar.

Garganega

Grown everywhere from the Alpine foothills to sun-drenched Sicily, Garganega is best known as the main grape used in the production of Soave in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy.

Garganega typically yields medium-bodied, high-acidity wines that display fresh peach, apricot and zesty lemon flavors. Soave wines, however, can range in style from light and crisp to rich and full-bodied, depending largely on the winemaking techniques. The use of oak or maturation on the lees (spent yeast cells) can add complexity and depth to the wines, introducing flavors like honey and vanilla, along with a creamy texture. The best expressions of Soave, typically from Soave Classico DOC or Soave Superiore DOCG regions, display a good balance of ripe fruit flavors, acidity and a distinct minerality—thanks to the volcanic soils in which the grapes are grown. These wines can also age well, often developing more complex nutty and honeyed flavors over time.

Soave pairs excellently with rich seafood, creamy chicken dishes or veal.

Lucido (Catarratto)

Lucido, formerly known as Catarratto, produces one of Sicily’s most famous white wines. It may have recently been renamed, but it’s a long-time favorite among Italian wine lovers. It’s frequently blended with Sicily’s other star fine white wine grape, Carricante.

Lucido wines are often characterized by their light to medium body, refreshing acidity and aromatic profile, which typically include appealing notes of stone fruit, apple and citrus with a touch of honeysuckle, almond and herbal undertones. Some versions may also offer a hint of minerality, reflecting the volcanic soils commonly found in Sicily.

Pair Lucido with roasted or steamed fish, soft cheeses and vegetable-laden vegetarian dishes.

Prosecco

Most of the wines on this list are made in a dry style, but Prosecco comes in dry and off-dry (aka slightly sweet) versions. Prosecco hails from Italy’s Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia in the northeast of Italy, with the best wines produced in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG.

Made from the Glera grape, it’s known simply as Prosecco in Valdobbiadene. This is where you’ll find the boutique Prosecco producers with highly prized wines. Of course, plenty of phenomenal winemakers are making fantastic Prosecco around the region. Prosecco is best served with something salty and fried or with a kick of heat.

Other Italian White Wines to Try

Naturally, it doesn’t end here. There are dozens upon dozens of other Italian white wines to try, like Coda di Volpe, Greco, Arneis and Moscato, to name a few. Wherever you start, there’s a wealth of Italian wine to discover—saluti!

Learn more about the best types of white wines from around the world.

Stephen, Senior Personal Wine Advisor

After 30+ years working in Michelin-starred restaurants with famous chefs in Manhattan, I found that I really do love wine—so for the last 10 years, I’ve worked here, and every day is an adventure!

WSET – Level 2 Wines & Spirits Certified
Certified Restaurant Sommelier for 20+ years, achieving two James Beard awards

Brunello • Amarone • Barolo • Fine Rioja • Top-End Bordeaux

stephen@laithwaites.com | (203) 523-2162

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