This cover several regions and many different styles of wine, from the plains of Veneto itself, to the rolling hills of Friuli and onward to the alps and their foothills represented by Trentino and Alto Adige, the latter also known as Sud Tirol to its formerly Austrian inhabitants. It only became part of Italy less than a century ago. Wine styles encompass everything you can think of from the weediest and most dilute wines from those plains, to the most vibrant whites and intense and concentrated reds from the hills. Around the food capital of Italy, Bologna, there is Lambrusco – yes, I know, but the best is a great accompaniment to the local food. Being Italian of course, this immense area boasts many indigenous grape varieties and provides wines for every occasion and some of the best known in Italy and most obscure too. (CW 23/01/12)