A thirst for discovery has always been one of our driving forces along the wine trail. Back in 1977, for example, Kermit made his first foray into the Loire Valley, seeking reprieve from overpriced Burgundy and Bordeaux neither affordable nor mature enough to enjoy. His trip turned up a handful of well-priced reds and whites from then-novel appellations including Chinon, Bourgueil, and Vouvray. He wrote of one such discovery, “The price was painless, the color a promising bluish-purple, the aroma ripe and fruity, the flavors original and delicious.” Now who would refuse this, especially at under four bucks a bottle?
       Many of these appellations are household names today, but we continue to search the depths of France and Italy’s wine regions for “original and delicious” wines to import. We’ve compiled six such selections in this sampler celebrating the esoteric, the off-the-beaten-path, even the downright unusual. Not only are these wines from lesser-known vineyards a welcome cure to jaded palates seeking new thrills, but they often represent great value relative to their more renowned brethren.