MAIN Wine Europe Italy Piedmont

Better known in English as Piedmont, Piemont in Italian means "at the foot of the mountain" which describes the landscape where the vines are grown. This region makes more than 40 officially recognized wines known the world over with most produced on small, family-run estates.

The Nebbiolo is the main grape grown in this Northern Italian region, resulting in rich, hearty reds like Barbaresco, Gattinara and Barolo. Here, also, is where their sparkling white, Asti Spumante, was developed from the Muscato grape by an Italian vintner who trained in France.

In 2006, the full variety of Piedmont wines was introduced to many wine drinkers when Turin - the major city within the region - hosted the Winter Olympics.

For grateful cocktail drinkers everywhere, Piedmont is also where Vermouth got its start.

Piedmont is often called "the Burgundy of Italy" for its melding of both wine and cuisine for an unforgettable gastronomic experience and, even for non-drinkers on holiday in Italy, a Piedmont travel tour usually proves a richly cultural experience...

More about Piedmont wineries around the Web:

Piedmont (Piemonte) Wine Region Guide - Discover all that Piedmont has to offer in terms of gourmet food and wine, including a list of recommended wine producers, photos and regional map.

Essential Guide to Piedmont Wine (with Maps) - Check Wine Folly for a complete guide to the region, its top reds and whites, recommended food parings, maps and photos.