True to the meaning of its name - foot of the mountain - Piedmont is a land of mountains and rolling hills. The region's provinces include Turin, the regional capital, Alessandria, Asti and Vercelli. A motor trip through its foodie towns and vine-clad hills will bring you to rustic trattorias, drives through long stretches of poplars and old farmhouses, ancient villas surrounded by beautiful gardens and medieval castles.
Piedmont is known for its Barolo and Barbaresco, wines made from the Nebbiolo grape that are amongst some of the most coveted wines in the world. Here truffles reign supreme. Local cooking rely on butter and lard; local gamey meats and root vegetables are slow-cooked allowing flavours to develop slowly giving a rich tasty character to Piedmontese dishes - think risotto, polenta and cheese fondue. A driving trip in this region is really the best way to enjoy and appreciate all it has to offer, enjoying the magnificent scenery along the way of sloping vineyards, savouring delicious meals, and going at your own pace. Here are some highlights.
TURIN
The Province of Turin lies on the border with France and Val d'Aosta and is characterized by its varied landscapes: magnificent alpine resorts, vast pasturelands, woods and large stretches of vineyards. In Turin itself enjoy historic cafes and elegant shops in Piazza San Carlo and Via Roma; the recently refurbished stunning Egyptian Museum and the Automobile Museum. Unique examples of religious architecture abound, such as the Renaissance Duomo, dating back to the Renaissance; and the Sindone Chapel (Shroud of Turin). Magnificent public buildings include Palazzo Carignano, Palazzo Madama and Palazzo Reale, as well as the prestigious Savoy residences. Turin is also home to the Juventus Stadiu and Juventus F.C. The hills to the south of Turin are perfect driving, offering enchanting views and expanses of vineyards and countryside.
ASTI, CUNEO AND ALESSANDRIA
The three neighbouring Provinces of Asti, Cuneo, and Alessandria incorporate the Langhe and Monferrato hill region in the centre of Piedmont. The area around Asti is renowned for its cheeses, such as robiola of Roccaverano and robiola di Cocconato. Typical dishes include agnolotti, Monferrato-style potato gnocchi, ciotola di trifulau (cheese fondue with polenta and truffles) and Piedmont-style boiled meats. The region has rich limestone and sandstone deposits laid down by the retreating Adriatic some 5 million years ago and is home to some of Italy's finest red wines and some famous whites. The town of Asti is at the centre of this area and is the major city of this notable wine district. The wine most famously associated with Asti worldwide is the sparkling Asti (DOCG) made solely from the moscato bianco grape. Vineyard upon vineyard litter the terrain around Asti and Alessandria producing some of the most famous wines including Barbera d'Asti, Barbera del Monferrato, Dolcetto, Cortese di Gavi, Brachetto, and Grignolino.
One of the most famous events held in Asti is the Palio di Asti, in which all the old town "Rioni" and "Borghi" compete in a bare-back horse race. Originating from a victory in battle against Alba in the Middle Ages, Asti's Palio is the oldest recorded in Italy, and is held in the triangular Piazza Alfieri on the 3rd Sunday of September.
VERCELLI AND NOVARRA A spectacular panorama of rice paddies in the Po Valley characterize Vercelli and Novara, one of Europe's leading rice producers with rows of poplar trees dividing the plain symmetrically. The countryside is varied from the summits of the Alpine to the gentle slopes of the Gattinara Gattinara Hills, covered by vines, woods and rivers and the vast plains.