A Low-Stakes, High-Reward Italian Sampler

12-Bottle Sampler

by Jane Augustine

The experience of coming up with a fresh dinner plan each night is universal. What to cook, order, or revisit plagues us all, even the most enthusiastic home chef. But there is one way to break up the drill, to bring a bit of thrill to the equation: a plentiful variety of wines for pairing. When options abound, possibilities arise. Having an array of styles and colors on hand, each entirely unique, sets us on the path toward an inspired meal. The exercise, akin to a wine roulette—which bottle will I land on?—brings an element of surprise to an otherwise tired routine, a glimmer of mystery to what may feel predictable!
Focusing our sights on Italy, a country with seemingly as many grape varieties as inhabitants, we’ve curated a twelve-bottle sampler in which no two regions, blends, or growers are alike, to optimize your chances of having a novel experience at each meal. Reach for a Riesling from Alto Adige with a platter of sushi, or a prickly Verdicchio to bring aperitivo hour to life. From Sardinia, we’ve included Deperu Holler’s rustic, full-bodied rosso for meatier cravings, in contrast to the plummy and versatile Torrette from Château Feuillet in the Valle d’Aosta. For any range of comfort dishes, you’ll find classics like Geggiano’s cherry-pitted, peppery Chianti, or a vibrant and earthy Etna Rosso from Vigneti Vecchio.
While we don’t encourage gambling, wine roulette is a low-stakes game; every bet placed will reap a handsome reward.