From north to south, Italy is home to 20 wine regions that grow a rich variety of grapes and the country has the largest number of indigenous grape varietals. As a result, Italy produces a vast diversity of styles. Italian wines are typically food-friendly and, quite often, a great value. This week, we will taste three very different wines from around the country:

Ferlat Ribolla Gialla, Venezia — 100% Ribolla Gialla. Silvano Ferlat, which was founded in 1950, is located, produces, and harvests its fruits in the eastern area of ​​Friuli Venezia Giulia, in the renowned DOC Friuli Isonzo. Two young Friulian winemakers — Federica Tabacchi and Moreno Ferlat — have been at the helm in its most recent history. The company is certified organic and uses minimum environmental impact in the cultivation of plants. Ribolla Gialla, one of the lesser-known grapes in Italy, is indigenous to Italy’s far northeast. This wine is an intense yellow with light green reflections. Fruity aroma, citrus fruits (lemon and lime) and Williams pear. The taste stands out with a rich mineral vein and an elegant, almost spicy acidity. 13% ABV. $27/9

La Casaccia “Giuanìn” Barbera 2021, Monferrato, Piedmont — 100% Barbera. The Barbera vine is believed to be native to Piedmont, indeed, to the Monferrato hills themselves and is the most widely planted red wine grape in Piedmont. The Rava family have organically farmed a 13-hectare hillside near their home in Cella Monte for over two decades. La Casaccia, roughly translated, means "ruined house". All the fruit for their red wines comes from one hill. Barbera is planted mid-slope. This Giuanìn is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel in an 18th century carved stone cellar underneath the family home. Ruby red with lilac tones. The bouquet is fairly intense with scents of ripe fruit. Notes of hazelnut and blackberry. Lush with a long, well-structured finish. 14.5% ABV. $19.50/6.50

Poggio di Bortolone “Poggio di Bortolone” Red 2021, Sicily — This seventh-generation family estate on the banks of the Para Para River was one of the original five wineries of the Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG. This wine is a blend of Nero d’Avola (60%) and Frappato (40%) grapes, which produces a deeply intense and rich red color. The nose is dominated by the aroma of cherries that is accompanied by notes of plums and ripe blackberries. It has a well-balanced palate with strong tannins. 13.5% ABV. $24/8