I mixed up Valle dell’Acate’s wonderful, cherrylike Frappato (consider it the Italian Beaujolais, if you like) with someone else’s nero d’Avola.

I neglected to mention a little-known gem: Contini’s fantastic Nieddera (that’s a local variety)–a huge favorite of mine for under $20 from Sardinia.

Jancis and I both like the falanghina by Feudi San Gregorio, and I have a real soft spot for the slightly less expensive and slightly more exuberant (and less oaky) whites from Petilia, which is in the same area as Feudi S. G. Both of them make good fiano, and I am crazy about their Greco di Tufo. Ocone’s falanghina is also great.

Try Sella & Mosca’s lovely, dry, light vermentino. Inexpensive, a fine everyday wine for hot-weather drinking.

As to reds, where do I begin? Well, here are a couple to start…

I’ve had a number of nice aglianicos, and Ocone’s is a good one to try. Inexpensive and fantastic price/quality. Nero d’Avola? Valle dell’Acate has a nice one, but I have to credit the wonderful Jancis Robinson for tipping me to the sensational nero d’Avola from Ceuso (Scurati–one od their secondary lines, and according to JR and Gambero Rosso, about as fine as their more exalted ones).

Finally, sticking to South, try one of the Argiolas reds from cannonau or monica (Sardinia). Again, good value and loaded with character.

There’s more, much more, but…

As to me, I’m crazy about the Italian whites she mentioned (fiano/falanghina/grechetto) and, sticking with the Italian theme, am equally keen on grillo, frappato and teroldego. All great to drink on their own but, of course, shine when paired with the regional cuisines.