Italy

Northern Italy is synonymous with quality Italian wine. There are really fresh and exciting white wines coming from Alto Adige, Friuli, Gavi and Soave, and some truly elegant Italian Pinot Grigio. Then there are the big red wines from Northern Italy and Tuscany. Valpolicella is superlatively represented at all different levels and in all different styles from the simple Classico to the tremendously complex Amarone. Then, of course, there's the beauty of the Tuscan rolling hills and the great Sangiovese, giving us the historic Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and top Brunellos, not to mention our new baby Tuscans from Ceppaiano - well worth a try.

Southern Italian wine making is also looking good. Many producers have invested hugely in modern technology and this is supplemented by the well established plantings of indigenous and interesting grapes like the full flavoured Aglianico or the fresh and floral Fiano as well as regulars like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Bibendum Fact

Italy officially recognises 350 different grape varieties, but estimates put the true figure at closer to a 1000 - slightly fewer than the number of dents in the average car in Rome.