Jewels of the earth

DRIVING through Piedmont, the countryside in late October is gloriously autumnal. This is Barolo and Barbaresco region. Most of the grapes have already been picked and the leaves on the vines are turning a variety of orange.

The vineyards are interspersed with hazelnut groves

During the truffle season, tartufo are Piedmont's greatest gastronomic treasure and aficionados come from all over the world to savour them.