Italy, once called Enotria (land of wine), is one of the most blessed countries in the world for winegrowing. Sheltered by the Alps in the north, surrounded by the sea and crossed by the Apennines, it is a large mosaic of microclimates and soils that makes the cultivation of vine so varied and interesting. If we add to the mix the number of local cultural influences and the myriad of native varieties available we have a good picture of the richness of the Italian winemaking heritage – a land that sometimes feels as if it was designed by the gods for a single purpose: wine.