France 44 is a family-owned and operated shop that features an extensive selection of wine, beer, spirits, and gourmet food.
01/24/2025
THIS WEEKEND: 10% OFF ALL SOUTHERN ITALIAN WINES!
Shop Online Here: https://shop.france44.com/products/Italy-South-c148036590
When you think of Italian wine, no doubt your mind goes to Tuscany and Piedmont. But further south—in Puglia, Sicily, Campania—winemaking traditions date back over 3,000 years.
Though made in the warmest, most tropical Mediterranean regions of Italy, these bold, full bodied wines are perfect for warming up cold winter nights—and there’s so much more to them than meets the eye.
The vineyards of Southern Italy date back to Etruscan times, predating the Roman Empire. Many of the country’s first vineyards were established in its sunny south.
But it’s not just history that makes this area special—it's also the land itself. Some of Italy’s most unique wines come from the volcanic soils of Mt. Etna and Mt. Vesuvius. These rich soils give the wines a vibrancy and complexity, with distinct smokiness and minerality—expressing their terroir like no other. And there’s nothing quite like living on the edge of an active volcano to keep these winemakers on their toes.
Not long ago, Southern Italy had a reputation for producing simple, cheap, bulk wines. But in the past couple decades, independent wineries have reclaimed their heritage. Today, winemakers in the south place a huge emphasis on native varietals like Primitivo and Nero D’Avola, and on organic and natural winemaking practices.
This return to tradition has elevated the quality of these wines and brought a new wave of exceptional bottles at a surprisingly approachable price.
So Why Should You Care?
Southern Italy offers something rare in wine world: incredible quality at affordable prices. These wines bring together history, terroir, and bold flavors at a fraction of what you’d pay for wines from better-known regions.
We’ll have a selection of our favorites (pictured) on the tasting bar tomorrow afternoon from 1-6pm, stop in and try them for yourself!
