Wine, etc.: A pleasant return to Italy; many new regions to explore.

Italy is one of the most popular wine regions, and for good reason. It is the largest wine producer in the world, and its delightful wines are easily found in the United States. While we encourage consumers to try new wines from Georgia, Uruguay, Croatia, and Armenia, it’s always nice to return to the tried-and-true countries like Italy. As Americans increasingly travel to this beautiful country, now is the perfect time to explore its many diverse wine regions. Even if you think you know Italy, you probably haven’t tasted all 350 authorized grape varieties it cultivates. Wine is produced in every region of Italy, so there’s always a new region to explore—Sicily, Campania, and Umbria—or to return to the reliable regions of Tuscany and Piedmont. Here’s an overview of some new wines we recently discovered from Italy:

Lucente Toscana IGT 2020 ($26)

This wine is made from Sangiovese and Merlot. Medium-bodied, smooth on the palate, and well-balanced, it has a taste of blueberries. An excellent wine to serve alongside pasta and veal.

Sapaio Toscana IGT 2019 ($94)

A very serious wine for the consumer who wants to try super-Tuscans. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. Juicy and vibrant notes of cherry, soft tannins, and hints of tobacco box and herbs.

Volpolo Bolgheri DOC 2021 ($36)

The second label, Sapaio, is a wine - a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. It has floral aromas with a taste of cherry.

Luce Toscana IGT ($130)

The partnership between Robert Mondavi and Vittorio Frescobaldi is a colossal wine - a parable of an iron hand in a velvet glove. Complex yet refined, it features multilayered black fruit and silky tannins.

Querciabella Chianti Classico 2018 ($33)

Made exclusively from Sangiovese, this delicious wine features ripe, vibrant red fruits and elegant notes of lavender and spices.

Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2018 ($70)

All Sangiovese Brunello is much more accessible today than it was a few years ago. Although this wine can age for a decade, it is already delicious now with its intense flavors of red berries and a hint of spice.

Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2018 ($35)

Mainly Sangioverse, this wine is aged for 12 months in small French oak barrels. It has notes of black cherry and blackberry with hints of spices and leather.

Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2019 ($30)

You can find this wine much cheaper if you keep an eye on sales. The 10% Merlot softens the often acidic Sangiovese in this pleasant wine. Notes of cherry and blackberry with a hint of spice.

Ruffino Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Riserva 2019 ($40)

One of our constant favorites is a blend of Sangiovese with Merlot and Colorino, making up 20% of the wine. It has been produced only in great years since 1947, with grapes harvested from the producer's estates in Gretole. It features generous aromas of violet, cherry, and cocoa, with flavors of plum and cherry.

Frescobaldi Tenuta Perano Chianti Classico Riserva 2018 ($30-33)

A long-lasting wine on the palate with notes of plum, dried cherry, and cedar. Soft tannins make this wine enjoyable to drink right now.

Carpineto Dogajolo Rosso Toscano IGT 2020 ($15-18)

Great wine from Tuscany at an affordable price, with 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich and round with a significant presence on the palate and notes of plum and cherry. Simple, but truly good wine at an excellent price.

Carpineto Dogajolo Bianco Toscana 2022 ($13-15)

This refreshing blend of Montepulciano, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc is a delightful treat for tasting.

Bertani Valpolicella Ripasso 2020 ($30)

Beautiful notes of cherry, smooth on the palate and well-balanced.

Anyone planning a trip to California's Central Coast will appreciate a copy of "Exploring Wine Regions: California's Central Coast" by Michael S. Higgins. Higgins has previously written similar books about Bordeaux and Argentina, so he is well-acquainted with the format. The book contains a wealth of detailed information about the wine region, focusing on 102 high-quality wineries across its 27 subregions. Readers will learn about the region's attractions—places to stay and eat—as well as grape varieties and climate. There are also good maps to help you navigate the local roads. Higgins took his own photographs, which exceed expectations for mobile phone shots. They make you want to book a trip right now.

C. Mondavi & Family has released the first edition of Aviana wines, aimed at supporting women's empowerment. The producer is primarily owned by women. The price of a bottle is a modest $20, and all three wines are produced outside the United States: Verdejo from Spain, a red blend from Portugal, and Cabernet Sauvignon from southern France. Although Languedoc is not known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, this is the wine we liked the most. The label features augmented reality. Point your camera at the female figure and watch as it changes its identity.

Crossbarn Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2021 ($40)

A very good Pinot Noir in the mid-price range. The taste of cherry and plum predominates, with a hint of oak and pleasant acidity.

El Coto Blanco Unoaked Viura Rioja 2022 ($12)

Fresh, crispy quality with very pleasant citrus flavors. This producer offers some of the best wines at an affordable price today. Try their other varieties.

Mascota Unanime Chardonnay Argentina 2020 ($20)

One of the best Chardonnays we've tried from Argentina. It reminded us of a big, bold Chardonnay with French oak from California, which costs much more. Notes of butterscotch and lemon cream.

Tom Marquardt and Patrick Darr have been writing a weekly syndicated wine column since 1985. Check out their blog at moreaboutwine.com. You can contact them at [email protected].