1/20/09 Northern Italian Wines

Welcome to vine to wine this is your host Linda Moran. It seems as though we Americans never loose our fascination for all things Italian. Today I am going to answer an inquiry about the wines of Northern Italy. Italy is a country divided into twenty regions that have been grouped into geographic areas. Northern Italy is home to seven of Italy's twenty regions. In the northeast is Valle d'Aosta. It is quite different from most of Italy in geography and in culture. The wines are mostly local varieties and unavailable outside the region. Then just below is the better known region of Piedemonte, which shows off with its famous Barolo and Barbaresco. It is also home to Nebbiolo and the world famed Asti Spumante. Continuing south is the mountainous region of Liguria with a quite small wine production, rarely found outside the area. Lombardy in the center of northern Italy, and although wine is not a major industry they do produce some lovely Chardonnay, Rose's and sparkling wine. As we move to the northern most region Trentino-Alto Adige, the climate is unique and the influence of the neighboring countries on winemaking is evident, resulting in truly beautiful Riesling, Muscat and sparkling wines. Now on to the region of Veneto home to the city of Venice. In this area the best known wines are Valpolocella and Bardolino. Last of the northern regions is Friuli, where it is rumored they were enjoying wine long before the French. The result  over 300 types of wines are made in Friuli  making it a perfect place to visit and enjoy wines that are new to the average American. Visiting northern Italy is diverse and a great wine adventure! Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net and thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.