The Italian Connection

ITALY'S art, music and fashion have always attracted global attention and its wines continue to attract plenty of interest. This is particularly the case at the quality end of production. Italy's sheer diversity of wine styles means that it should come as no surprise that of the 30 wines shortlisted in this competition, a solid contingent would be Italian, including four from Piedmont.

The sense of disillusionment among lovers of expensive top-end Bordeaux meant their gaze has been diverted to Burg…