Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Pinot Grigio

If we take a look at the white wines spread worldwide, we find that Italy is known for Pinot Grigio, much to the chagrin of our native grape varieties.

I consider the readers of DoctorWine to be experts and knowledgeable, so I would like to propose to them a key take on white wines at the international level, stepping out of the Italian-centric world of territories and "native" grape varieties for once. The question is "what is happening in international markets regarding white wines?" 

More or less this happens. The most popular mid- to high-level white is Chardonnay, aged in wood, even for not very long periods, less than a year, and coming mainly from California, Australia, South Africa and only after France. Italy almost has nothing to do with it and so do other European nations. Of course there are such Italian wines, but they have no impact on this type in terms of quantity.

Italy is a tad more present when it comes to Sauvignon, but not that much, which is the second most popular white wine worldwide. In this case, these aromatic and unoaked wines are for the most part from New Zealand. For sure, there are the various Sancerre, Pouilly Fumé, some Graves and Entre Deux from Bordeaux, and even some Italian wines from the northeast, along with some Chilean wines. But these are nothing compared to the global success of New Zealand wines, Marlborough first among them.

The third most popular variety is Pinot Grigio. This is a grape that originated in Burgundy and Alsace, which then spread to Germany and, finally, to Italy, especially in the northeast. So much so, in fact, that the Pinot Grigio delle Venezie appellation has literally monopolized the situation and accounts for over 40% of the wine produced there. Although some may find it strange, Pinot Grigio is now considered to be a typical Italian white wine. No wood is used in making it, it is not too aromatic, has a nice acidity and it is delicious and easy to drink. This is its “recipe” and Italians are the best at making it. Some are sure to think that this analysis is questionable, simplistic and disrespectful towards Italy’s native whites and territories. But that’s the way it is, like it or not.