Italian vs French

[Innkeeper]

Hi Cuervogold, and welcome to the Wine Board. With a number of exceptions its the grapes. Close to 100 times more diversity in Italy. Another major difference is the climate. Italy is much warmer meaning varieties that do better in cooler climates don't do so well there and vice versa. French wines for the most part, and that is changing, come from about half a dozen major regions. Partically all of Italy is a wine region. There are prestigious wines from both countries. France has Champagne, Burgundy, and Bordeaux. Italy has Barolo, Barberesco, Brunello, and the Super Tuscans. White Burgundy (made from chardonnay) has no equivelent in Italy. Most New World (all regions outside of Western Europe) wines are made from French grapes. With the exception of barbera, very little success has been achieved outside of Italy with Italian grapes. Everything I have written here will be challenged by somebody.