Da quale vitigno è prodotto questo vino?

Which grape variety is this wine made from?

Pronunciation

Vitigno: vee-TEEN-yo. The gn makes the 'ny' sound. Stress on the second syllable.

When to use it

Ask your host or sommelier when you want to understand the grape behind the wine. Italy has over 500 native grape varieties — many are unique to a single region.

What it means

Da quale vitigno means 'from which grape variety'. È prodotto means 'is produced'. Vitigno is the Italian word for grape variety or vine — more precise than uva (grape).

Variations

È un vino monovitigno o un blend?

Is it a single varietal wine or a blend?

Monovitigno — single variety. Blend/assemblaggio — multiple varieties.

Questo vitigno è autoctono?

Is this grape variety native to this area?

Autoctono — indigenous/native. A key concept in Italian wine.

Il Sangiovese è tipico di questa zona?

Is Sangiovese typical of this area?

Naming a specific variety shows knowledge — winemakers appreciate it.

Mini Dialogue

— Da quale vitigno è prodotto questo vino? — È Nerello Mascalese, autoctono dell'Etna. — È un vitigno antico? — Antichissimo. Risale ai Greci. Qui sull'Etna ha trovato il suo terroir ideale.

— Which grape variety is this wine made from? — It's Nerello Mascalese, native to Etna. — Is it an ancient variety? — Very ancient. It dates back to the Greeks. Here on Etna it found its ideal terroir.

Cultural Note

Italy has more native grape varieties than any other country — estimates range from 350 to 500+ documented varieties. Many, like Timorasso, Pecorino, or Coda di Volpe, were nearly extinct and have been rescued by passionate winemakers in the last 30 years.

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Questo vino è secco o abboccato?

Di che annata è?

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