Ubiquitous, “comfort zone” white wines like chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, and pinot grigio tend to have cult-like followings. But if you’re a white-wine lover in a rut, Italy has a treasure trove of “under the radar” varieties.
The country is home to over 1,000 native grape varieties, but my favorite Italian regions to look for on menus include Sicily, Collio, and Lugana.
My favorite brands in Sicily include Planeta and Monteleone. Primosic and Terre del Faet are top producers in Collio. And in Lugana (an all-white wine region), Ottella and Selva Capuzza reign supreme.