Often better known for red varieties, Northern Italy has a number of delicious and drinkable white wines. To know Northern Italian wines is to know the influences of the wines of the countries that border Italy.

Old World wines tend to be far less about fruit-forward flavors, and more about the effect that the climate, soil, and adjacently growing flora (terroir) have on the grapes during their growth.

The most widely recognizable varietal is Pinot Grigio which is very rustic, medium-bodied, with medium to high acidity. Chardonnay seems to grow anywhere grapes can grow; although Italian varieties are not normally coveted quality.

Gewürztraminer usually makes us think of Germany, but it's also thriving in Northern Italy. The warmer climate imparts a little less sugar and little more acidity than its German cousin.

Then there is Moscato. From the northwest Piedmont region, this wine is sweet and very popular in North America, and comes in both still and sparkling varieties.

Whatever your choice, taking a tour of Italian white wines is an enjoyable experience that you will be thankful you took.