In Italy there are more than 300 varieties of grapes, but most have only a limited growing area.

Italian wine is above all based on native grapes, however foreign grape varieties (such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc) are increasingly common, especially to improve local wines.

The most planted grapes are the reds Sangiovese and Barbera, and of the whites Trebbiano.