This month’s Explorer Wine Club focuses on Italy, a cornerstone of the wine world where regional identity and everyday drinkability go hand in hand. Italian wines are defined by place first — shaped by local grapes, long-standing traditions, and an enduring connection to food. This selection reflects that philosophy through a crisp southern white from limestone-rich vineyards, a bright and approachable red from Piedmont’s rolling hills, and a classic Tuscan bottling rooted in centuries of Chianti tradition. Together, these wines highlight Italy’s remarkable regional diversity and its enduring strength in producing balanced, expressive wines meant to be enjoyed at the table.
I Pástini Locorotondo Bianco ‘Antico’ 2024
Lively and refreshing, this southern Italian white blend offers zesty citrus, white peach, and hints of wild herbs. The palate is crisp and mineral, with a whisper of salinity and a clean, vibrant finish. 60% Verdeca, 35% Bianco d’Alessano, 5% Minutolo. Serve on its own as an aperitivo or with grilled branzino.
The Producer: I Pástini
Founded in 1996 by the Carparelli family, I Pástini is a small estate dedicated to reviving and championing Puglia’s indigenous white grapes. The family farms organically on limestone soils in the Valle d’Itria, harvesting at night to preserve freshness and fermenting at low temperatures to highlight aromatic purity. Their commitment has helped bring new attention to once-overlooked local varieties as they link the area’s deep-rooted traditions to a new generation of southern Italian wine.
The Region: Locorotondo DOC (Puglia)
Locorotondo DOC lies in the heel of Italy’s boot, within the larger region of Puglia, renowned for its sun-soaked landscapes and whitewashed hill towns. The area is especially famous for its unique round village (locorotondo means “round place”) and its limestone soils, which help create crisp, aromatic white wines. Here, vineyards benefit from cooling Adriatic Sea breezes, making this a rare southern Italian zone where whites have thrived for centuries.
This fresh and approachable red is made from 100% Barbera grown in the hills around La Morra. It has notes of juicy cherry and wild berry fruit with a gentle backbone of acidity. The palate is medium-bodied and plush, with soft tannins and a clean, mouthwatering finish. It’s a versatile table wine – pair it with casual pizza night or step it up with an herb-crusted rack of lamb for a more elevated meal.
The Producer: Ellena Giuseppe
The Ellena family has been tending vines in Barolo country for generations, but officially began bottling under their own label in 1966. Now led by third-generation Matteo Ellena, the estate farms sustainably in La Morra, focusing on traditional Piedmontese varieties. Their Barbera vines are rooted in the same clay and limestone soils as their Barolo parcels, and the family’s hands-on, small-scale approach emphasizes freshness and a pure sense of place.
The Region: Barbera d’Alba DOC (Piedmont)
Barbera d’Alba DOC covers the rolling hills surrounding the city of Alba, in the heart of Piedmont. Marked by clay and limestone soils and a continental climate with warm days and cool nights, the region is ideal for producing lively, expressive reds. Barbera (the grape) thrives here, accounting for the majority of vineyard plantings. Generations of local growers have championed Barbera as the region’s staple. The varietal is valued for its versatility at the table and ability to reflect the character of Alba’s unique landscape.
This is classic, easygoing Chianti: bright, ruby-colored, and bursting with tart cherry, dried herbs, and a hint of earth. The wine is fermented with native yeasts in concrete, then aged briefly in large, old oak casks to preserve freshness and purity. It is lively and medium-bodied, with bright acidity and fine, silky tannins. Approachable in style but authentically Tuscan, it’s a natural pairing for a classic meat ragú served over your favorite pasta shape.
The Producer: Fattoria di Sammontana
Fattoria di Sammontana is a small, family-run estate located just south of Florence, with roots stretching back to the Renaissance. The current family took over in the 19th century and have since farmed organically, respecting both tradition and the environment. Their approach highlights native Tuscan grapes, low-intervention cellar work, and a clear sense of place; each bottle is a reflection of centuries-old winemaking culture in the hills of Montelupo Fiorentino.
The Region: Chianti DOCG (Tuscany)
Chianti DOCG covers a broad swath of central Tuscany, a landscape of gentle hills, sun-soaked vineyards, and medieval villages. The region’s diverse soils and temperate climate favor Sangiovese, Chianti’s signature grape, producing wines known for their vibrant acidity and food-friendliness. With a history dating back to the 13th century, Chianti remains one of Italy’s best-known and most enduring wine regions, celebrated both at home and around the world for its timeless character.
