Italy

Winemakers Cesare and Natalina are some of the few in the Valley to make their own wines rather than sell to the local co-ops. They farm organically and are committed to renewable energy practices at the winery. Petite Arvine, imported from Switzerland, s

Zibibbo is actually Muscat de Alexandria, but don’t let that scare you away. Yes, the nose is perfumed and aromatic, but the palate is decidedly dry, with excellent minerality and acidity, while retaining those fresh white flowers.

Volcanic soils impart characteristic earthiness and maybe even a hint of smoke. This is one of only two whites Frank makes; it’s relatively rare out here in the wild.

Slightly wild on the nose open opening, but mellowing out into delightful honeycomb, carob, fennel, tangerine zest and allspice. Procanico is a local strain of Trebbiano, a grape that seems in its element when treated with a healthy dose of skin contact.

Look to southern Italy for great value. Falanghina produces a pure, fresh wine with more texture and weight than you might expect, while remaining medium-light. Fresh white flowers, white nectarine, and pleasing mineral.

Importer Neal Rosenthal describes this wine as a “rocket ride”. Get on board if you’re in favor of racy mineral, high energy lift, apricot fruits and a dense array of spices. Still deeply structured while retaining freshness, this is an orange wine for bo

Medium in weight, with clean mineral and hints of white flower. The Cirelli estate is a true “natural” farm; in addition to vineyards, they tend olive trees, horticultural crops, and breed animals. They utilize crop rotation, natural fertilization, and fr

The two brothers that head up Azienda Agricola Bertolino in Sicily focus on two grapes - Catarratto & Parpato (a close relative of Grenache). Theyt use the former for this cuvee, including a touch of skin contact in open stainless steel vats. The result i

Santa Maria la Palma is a co-operative that was formed in 1946 following an agrarian land reform act. The hard-working farmers and skilled winemakers, who had toiled for others were suddenly allowed to shine. And they have continued to make wonderful, foo

Fresh and salty, with subtle dank herbs and touches of white nectarine. The color is vibrantly golden; four days of skin contact imparts texture without going into full-on orange wine territory. These varietals are native to Cinque Terre and not found any

A gorgeously fresh mountain wine, with white flowers, green apple, and a profound mineral and acid structure. At 1100 meters these are the highest vineyards in Europe, meaning the vines were never exposed to phylloxera. This makes them some of the last to

Great value – made in the same manner that they make their Gavi wine, but much less expensive because it’s outside of the DOC. Soft pressed, fermented in stainless steel at relatively cool temperatures. A classically styled crisp, fresh, classic Italian w