Idiots' Intro to Italian Wines?

[Auburnwine]

Poor, poor pitiful me.

It looks as though I may have to spend the summer in Italy doing research. Just south of Rome, if you were wondering.

Since I know nothing about Italian wines, I wonder if anyone can suggest a good resource to aid me in learning the fundamentals of Italian wines.

Oh, and if you know Italy, what are your suggestions of "must do" sites or activities -- on a relatively modest budget.

P.S. I can now count to ten in Italian. Tis an achievement of which I am most proud!