Contessa Emburga Chardonnay Malvasia 2018

Pinot Grigio may command most of the attention, but for thirsty white wine fans willing to look beyond the ocean of “PG” out there, Italy’s a treasure trove of delicious alternatives.

We fell for one such beauty on our last visit to the Lento family’s estate, deep in the heart of sunny Calabria (the “toe” of Italy’s boot). The family have been a fixture here for decades, leveraging the warm Mediterranean climate and cool sea breezes to produce perfectly ripe, pristine grapes. Today, sisters Manuela and Danila are in charge, and they’re masters at turning the fruit of their family’s vines into lip-smacking wine.

Made in honor of Contessa Emburga—a beloved noblewoman who was integral to the prosperity of region—their luscious Malvasia/Chardonnay blend shows all the elegance and finesse of its namesake. Bursting with elegant floral/exotic fruit aromas and offering up a lush palate of ripe orchard fruits, it’ll be a sophisticated partner for creamy seafood alfredo, roasted chicken and herbs, vegetarian risottos, and more.