North

Friuli Venezia Guilia The area in the North East corner of Italy, bordering Slovenia, produces some of the finest white wines from the whole of the peninsula. The emphasis is on wines of structure, elegance and concentration, some made from varieties indigenous to the region (Fruilano, Ribolla Gialla) and others using French varieties (Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay). This is also an area where truly fine Pinot Grigio can be found. Geographically, the Collio and Colli Orientale dei Friuli in the northern part of the region is hilly and in sight of the Alps, whilst Friuli Isonzo is to be found in the lower lying parts.

Lombardy Not the most renowned region of Italy in terms of wine production - the emphasis in Lombardy is on consumption. Nevertheless, the area does hold the accolade for producing Italy's finest champagne method wine, Franciacorta, made from Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Nero. Reds from the Valtellina area, close to the Alps, are also highly regarded, made from the Nebbiolo clone, Chiavvenesca. Oltropo Pavese, in the lower lying half of the region, produces wines that exhibit fine balance.

Piedmont Famous for Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera, Piedmont is replete with styles of wines from fresh everyday reds and whites to the long lived classics of Barolo - the king of wines and the wine of kings. Blessed with a natural rolling terrain and a climate influenced by Mediterranean warmth and Alpine coolness, the area is planted to predominantly native vines. For red wines, in addition to those mentioned above, look out for Dolcetto and Freisa; and for whites, the Cortese of Gavi, Arneis from Roero, and delicate, light and sweet Moscatos from Asti.

Trentino Alto Adige Stretching from the middle part of Lake Garda to the German border, this is an area of dramatic alpine scenery, with grapes grown on vertiginous slopes and in valley floors filled with glacial deposits. Principally white wines are produced, with a climate that enhances flavour and aroma, although there are some pockets of red wine production. The most widely planted white varietals are Gewurztraminer, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Muller Thurgau, Riesling and Moscato Giallo. Reds are represented by Teroldego in Trentino and Lagrein in Alto Adige.

Veneto An area filled with beautiful lakes, cities, hills, mountains and vineyards. With careful selection, the wine drinker's rewards are many in this fascinating region - Valpolicella in all its various styles from a vibrant, juicy style to the most luxurious and sweet red recioto; the wonders of Soave, especially those produced from volcanic soils on the hills overlooking Soave and Monteforte d'Alpone; Bardolino cherry freshness, from the slopes adjacent to Lake Garda; pure and precise whites from Lugana; and sparkling Prosecco from Valdobbiadene.