A bit of Grand Torino

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: Italy is one country that I find stunningly similar to India: mountains in the north, drama in the east, spicy food in the south and the loudest people in the capital city. Sure they thrash us at city architecture but that is just the exception to test the rule.

I have most often been to the Venice region and this time around I managed to get to Torino for their famed wine show (which could use some sprucing up if you ask me). It is to be found right at the foothills of the Alps, the centre for European Winter sports (think Olympics), the centre for chocolate (Ferrero Rocher), design (Pinninfarina, anyone!), cars (Fiat: they have a lot better models than what we will ever get) and even pens (Aurora: don’t know them? don’t feel bad; four out of five is still pretty good).

Needless to add that a hedonist like me was absolutely and uncontrollably excited at the prospect of being in one place that could provide so many avenues for anticipatory amusement. And then, the real fun thing (for me that is) was the local food and wine. At first you may think you don’t know the wines here but if I asked you to name four wine producing regions from Italy, chances are you would mention two from here. Very popular for the red wines called Barolo and Barbaresco, (Barbera too), Piedmont is sure a good place to please the palate.