A glowing culinary star in the Italian firmament, Piedmont is home to some of Italy's most interesting and long-lived wines. Situated in Italy's north-west and surrounded on three sides by the Alps, its capital Turin is wrapped in a mantle of majestic mountains. A treasure trove of varying delights, it is home to Barolo, Barbaresco, truffles, hazelnuts and the Fiat car. The predominant red grapes are the indigenous varieties, Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto, the whites, Arneis and Moscato. A few of the international varieties - Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay - are permitted here. Perhaps more than in any other part of Italy, the wines are distinctly regional and oozing flair.