Italy
The wines of Italy are renowned for their variety and versatility. Italy produces a diverse array of wines, some of which are rarely seen outside the country. Italian wines have a depth of character not always seen in New World wines.
The northwest of Italy is divided into four regions, Valle d'Aosta, Lombardy, Liguria and Piedmont. The latter may be regarded as the most significant Italian wine region, for it is the origin of perhaps the greatest Italian red wine, Barolo. The central regions of Italy are responsible for what is probably the best known of all Italian red wine, Chianti. In the south, production centres on red wine, some of which may rival the wines of the south of France for interest and good value.