Piedmont, in the northwest of Italy, is bordered by mountains on three sides and has a climate similar to the Burgundy region of France, with which the wines also bear comparison. Home to arguably the finest quality wines in the whole of the Italian peninsula, the landscape is dominated by hills, including Le Langhe, southeast of Turin, where some of the best wines in the world are crafted. Barolo and Barbaresco are the big names here, though there are others that wine lovers can appreciate. Barolo and Barbaresco are produced from the Nebbiolo grape, which takes its name from the fog hanging over the region in autumn. Notoriously tricky to grow, it’s not inclined to flourish anywhere else beyond these steeply stacked vineyards – and Langhe Nebbiolo is an appellation in its own right, so keep an eye open for it.
Barolo and Barbaresco are the big names but there are others to enjoy