Episode Two: Friuli, in the northeastern-most region of Italy, has long been characterized as a hybrid between Italian, Austrian, and Slavic wine traditions. It is primarily famous for its production of light, fruity white wines.
Episode Three: The Veneto is the most important wine region of northeastern Italy, with an annual production of over 200 million gallons. Among its more famous wines are the incredibly concentrated Amarone and Recioto, as well as the lighter, fruitier, and better known Soave and Valpolicella.
Episode Four: Piedmont is arguably one of Italy's most distinguished and important wine regions. Wine production centers around the Nebbiolo, Piedmont's most noble grape. Along with Tuscany's Sangiovese, it is the grape that has given the largest number of distinguished wines to Italy. The region's legendary red wines include Barolo, Barbaresco, and Gattinara, but equally famous is its Asti Spumante.
Episode Five: Lombardy, in north-central Italy, is the country's largest and most populous region. Although no single grape or varietal style predominates, excellent wine is nonetheless produced in the regions of Valtellina, Oltrepo Pavese, and Franciacorta.
Episode Six: Emilia Romagna stretches across north-central Italy from the Adriatic Sea in the east to Liguria. Among the regions best-known varietal wines is the Lambrusco, a light sparkling red that is often a perfect accompaniment to a summer meal.
Apprx: 2 hrs, color.
