Piedmont

Located in the North west of Italy, Piedmont literally means “”the foot of the mountains””. It is often described as the Burgundy of Italy, a reputation due to its many small-scale, family wineries and a focus on quality which sometimes borders on obsession. What Burgundy does with Pinot Noir, Piedmont does with Nebbiolo. Barolo and Barbaresco are the most famous wines of the region, but the dark-skinned Barbera is the workhorse red grape and the white Moscato makes oceans of inexpensive, gulpable Asti Spumante, Piedmont’s greatest export volume-wise.

Cuisine in Piedmont reflects its more northern climate, with Bagna Cauda (olive oil-based anchovy and garlic fondue), Brasato al Barolo (beef cooked in red wine) and Agnolotti (small ravioli stuffed with veal) providing comfort and warmth. In Fall, the pungent white truffles of Alba are shaved over pasta, eggs and risotto to pair with an ethereal Barolo.