Travel Through Taste: A Virtual Wine Tour of Italy’s Lesser-Known Regions

Italy has more than 20 official wine regions, each offering a different climate, grape varieties, and historical aspect. From the vineyards of Tuscany and Piedmont to the hills of Veneto, Italian wine regions have no trouble capturing the world's attention. However, we must also seek out a lesser-known and underexplored Italian wine experience, realized in the lesser-known areas producing bold reds, elegant whites, and historical winemaking traditions. 

Think of Campania's volcanic slopes, the alpine stillness of Alto Adige, and the ruggedness of Calabria; these regions may not be featured as much as other areas, but often produce some of Italy's best red wines and unique whites that offer the best value. This is where discovery lives - and where Woodland Hills Wine Company (WHWC) adds the narrative.

At WHWC, we see wine as a journey one can start while one is still at home. We have a curated collection from all over Italy. Our store and online site make it easy to explore Italian wine regions through taste, knowledge, and recommendations. So, let us take you on a short tour of Italy, starting with each region.

Campania: Home of Bold Reds and Volcanic Whites

Situated along the southernmost western part, Campania also produces extremely vigorous wines in volcanic soils. In Campania, the soils endow grapes with a distinct mineral character and brilliant acidity. Additionally, Campania is home to some of Italy's oldest grape varieties.

Among reds, Aglianico from the Taurasi DOCG is one of the best Italian reds to bury in the cellar. Structured, full-bodied, and with profound aromatics, Taurasi wines are known as the "Barolo of the South". They are earthy, leathery, and complex; perfect for aging and special moments, yet so enjoyable right now with roasted meats, or even a mushroom dish. 

Campania is also strong in whites. Fiano di Avellino and Greco di Tufo are both fresh, yet layered wines. We have enjoyed both wines with seafood, poultry, and creamy pastas. Both whites are versatile and fragrant, clean and layered, and as you drink them, you can literally taste the volcanic soil in every sip.

WHWC's Italian wine selection usually includes these Campanian treasures, so you can easily have a taste of this storied region on your table.

Alto Adige & Trentino: Alpine Elegance in Every Glass

In the far north, the alpine Italian wine regions of Alto Adige and Trentino tell a different tale. Steep slopes and cool climate predominate in these mountainous areas, which are influenced by their proximity to Austria and Switzerland. The Germanic grape varieties grown in these areas take a much different expression from those in central and southern Italy.

Here you’ll find bright, clean whites such as Pinot Grigio, Müller-Thurgau, and Gewürztraminer. These wines display clarity and vibrance, showcasing floral and often citrus elements. They show best with grilled vegetables, fondue, roasted poultry, or Alpine cheese.

If you enjoy red wine, Lagrein and Schiava provide good structure without too much tannin. Lagrein is dark, with rich blackberry notes and savory spice. Schiava is lighter and more aromatic; serve it slightly chilled.

These wines are examples of balance and finesse, and they are easy go-to fall meals or comfort foods. Our online tour would not be complete without a tasting of their mountain purity. WHWC has a wide selection from these labels in both seasonal bundles and regional collections.

Basilicata & Calabria: Rustic Beauty and Powerhouse Reds

Southern Italy doesn’t just bring the sunshine—it brings big, bold character. Basilicata is famous for Aglianico del Vulture, which is produced on the volcanic slopes of Mount Vulture. 

Basilicata's Aglianico is different than Campania's Aglianico; it is more rustic, but still complex.

These wines are rich in tannin and dark fruit, and they will be very rewarding to age and pair with hearty food. Basilicata and Calabria are still two of the least-visited Italian wine regions and produce some of the most interesting red wines in Italy.

Calabria's main grape variety is Gaglioppo. Once nearly forgotten, it's experiencing something of a renaissance. Wines from the Cirò DOC are bold and fleshy with notes of dried cherry, spice, and herbs. Their Mediterranean richness makes them a terrific complement to grilled lamb, spicy pasta, or old cheese.

WHWC's Italian wine collection frequently selects these off-the-beaten-track red varieties, providing curious drinkers with a rustic but equally satisfying experience.

Sardinia & Sicily: Island Wines with Ancient Roots

Termed off the mainland, the islands of Sardinia and Sicily have their own terroir and wine identity. Each island is full of sun and potential sea breeze and lends itself to varieties grown in Italy, by the ancients, for centuries.

Sardinia's Cannonau (called Grenache in most markets), is known for its depth and drinkability, and it would be the go-to wine for most people looking for the best Italian red wines that display a Mediterranean essence. Drink it with roast pork or grilled octopus, and it will deliver. Carignano from Sulcis adds a whole other dimension of silky, ripe wine, great with slow-cooked food! 

Sicily is a playground for the curious drinker! Taste full-on nero d’Avola and its ripe fruit and spice, or the elegant Burgundian style of Nerello Mascalese growing on the side of Mount Etna in Sicily. It even has that volcanic aspect to it. If you like pinot noir, you need to try a glass!

Don’t forget about the whites! Vermentino and Grillo offer bright acidity, floral notes, and are perfect for enjoying outside in warm weather. WHWC carries many of these unique wines from the Italian islands in its curated collections.

How to Take This Wine Tour from Your Home

You don’t have to buy a plane ticket to enjoy the variety of hidden regions in Italy. A well-curated wine package brings the whole experience right to your door!

WHWC has made it easy to explore Italy this winter with pre-selected 3-bottle collections categorized by region or style. For example:

• Picariello Fiano di Avellino 2022 from Campania
• Cantina Terlano Pinot Bianco Alto Adige Vorberg Riserva 2022 Sampler from Alto Adige
• Cherchi Cannonau di Sardegna Sardinia 2023 from Sardinia 

Make them easy recipes - roast chicken with Greco di Tufo, mushroom risotto with Nerello Mascalese, or seafood pasta with Vermentino. Add some tasting fun by inviting friends to join you online or sharing your tasting notes on Zoom.

With WHWC’s thorough shipping methods and temperature-controlled storage, you can rest easy knowing your bottles will arrive in great shape. 

WHWC Picks: Hidden Gem Bottles to Add to Your Cellar

We’ve chosen a handful of exceptional bottles that demonstrate the breadth and diversity of lesser-known Italian wine regions—available now through WHWC

1. Quintodecimo Taurasi Vigna Quintodecimo Riserva 2019 (Campania): An exceptional and well age-worthy wine from Campania, the black fruit, spice, and volcanic minerality blend in an intricate harmony. 
2. Cantina Terlano Pinot Bianco Alto Adige Vorberg Riserva 2022 (Alto Adige):  This Alto Adige white delivers texture and depth. 
3. Elena Fucci Aglianico del Vulture Superiore Titolo Riserva 2018 (Basilicata): An Aglianico from Basilicata that is bold, structured, with brooding black fruit, smoky earth, and aging potential. 
4. Occhipinti Terre Siciliane Il Frappato 2022 (Sicily): An ethereal and lively Sicilian red bursting with red berries, floral tones, and silky tannins.
5. Mancini Vermentino di Gallura 2024 (Sardinia): A crisply coastal Vermentino from Sardinia, full of zesty citrus, saline minerality, and bright acidity.

Discover these and more under WHWC's Italian wine collection. However big or small your collection is, we are here for you to take on that wine journey with every bottle.

Discover Italy One Region at a Time

Italy's wine regions are not limited to just Tuscany and Piedmont. Many less well-known regions, from Campania's craggy volcanic slopes to Sardinia's breezy shores, await to be added to your table. These wines are rich in history, flavor, and character.

Woodland Hills Wine Company is proud to connect our community with Italy's hidden gems. We have over 3,500 premium selections and expert recommendations, plus fast and secure shipping throughout the United States. You can enjoy these new favorites from home!

Ready to get started? Check out our Italian wine collection now. Let your palate travel, no passport required.

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