The Hidden Treasure of Italian WineFor many people, Italian wine evokes visions of wicker-clad bottles of Chianti purchased to compliment a lasagna, spaghetti, or pizza dinner. For others, Italian wine may mean a Lambrusco, Asti or Prosecco. Yet, tucked away in the northernmost part of Italy lies  the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia which produces such varied Italian wine that they can be enjoyed regardless if you’re dining Italian tonight.Situated in the northeast corner of Italy, the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region rests in the foothills of the Alps bordering Slovenia (the former Yugoslavia) to the east and Austria to the north. It is not the tourist attraction that some of the other areas of Italy enjoy, but with its attitude for the gastronomic world of la cucina italiana, serene beauty and small town characteristics, it should be. The Italian wine produced and their culinary delights alone, would make a trip here well worth the effort.Although this region produces smaller yields of wine than the other Italian wine regions, quality prevails. Of the 20 Italian wine regions, the borderlands of Friuli has experienced a more varied culinary influence than most. Such diversity would naturally reflect in their taste of wine. Austrian, Croatian, Hungarian and Slovenian cuisine have left their mark on Friuli. Uncomplicated, hearty dishes prevail. Hungarian goulash, bean soups and stuffed cabbage rolls are common. Pork from this region is world renown, producing top-grade sausage, hams, bacon and of course, Prosciutto. The southern Adriatic ports of this region add a variety of fish and seafood into the mix. This wide spectrum of cuisine-styles encouraged more diversity in wine production than that of the other Italian wine regions. The Friuli-Venezia Giulia region is one of the few Italian wine regions that has had major success in the production of decent white Italian wine.