Know This Grape First.

Italy has historically thought to have been the home of nearly 1,500 types of grapes (aka grape varieties or varietals), but science has over recent years proven that many of these grapes were the same and just known by different names in various parts of the country. The fact is, there are about 800 grape varieties in Italy and, of them, about 200 that are used to produce commercially viable wines.
 The single most grown grape in Italy is Sangiovese. With this variety several wines are made which include Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and several lesser-known wines. Sangiovese is mostly grown in Tuscany, or Toscana in Italian, but it does also appear in half of Italy's 20 regions and is blended into many Italian wines. Take it slowly and you'll find your way through to the wines that stick with you. It's ok if the rest fall away from your memory. I don't know anyone who knows all there is to know about Italian wines, and not even the most accomplished professionals could claim that they do.