Minutes from the Mediterranean coast of southeast Sicily, Massimo Padova crafts this white wine from Grillo, Grecanico, Inzolia, Moscato Giallo, and a smattering of heirloom varieties. The magic of these grapes, planted on the area’s chalky, windswept hillsides, is their striking ability to retain bright acidity in a ferociously hot, dry climate. The sun only seems to enhance the zesty fragrance of fresh-squeezed Sicilian citrus and intensify the mouthwatering sensation of crushed stone. You’ll see with each sip of this fragrant livewire why we consider Massimo among the very best in the business.

The exotic perfume of this white, made from the rare Minutolo grape, will take you straight to the sunny shores of Puglia, savoring a crisp aperitivo in an enchanting seaside village where worries and cares seem to drift right up into the clear blue sky. Minutolo nearly went extinct decades ago, but dedicated local farmers replanted to ensure its survival. Crudo is my favorite pairing, but a bowl of Castelvetrano olives will more than do the trick with this salty, invigorating white scented of jasmine and lemon verbena.

Verdicchio, from Le Marche on the Adriatic coast, is responsible for some of Italy’s finest white wines. Its expressions range from light and grassy to deeply layered and complex, with an impressive capacity to age in bottle. This example, from sustainably grown Verdicchio high in the hills, showcases a hint of the variety’s herbaceous side, then reveals a sensuous creamy texture underscored by an energizing flinty note. Verdicchio’s greatest quality is perhaps how well it works at table, enhancing anything from linguine with clams to sliced prosciutto to grilled fish and spring greens.