The white grape Grechetto has a long history in Umbria in central Italy. It’s an essential part of the blend for the region’s best-known white, Orvieto. But winemakers in Todi, a medieval hill town near Perugia, use the native grape on its own to make Grechetto di Todi. One of the best is made by the Roccafiore estate. Fiorfiore, as it‘s called, is pale gold with a scent of tropical fruit and flowers. The 2009 is rich and round, but with a nice snap of acidity. It stands out for its elegance.

When you want something more than a simple white wine but don’t want to break the bank, this could be it. Serve the 2009 Roccafiore Fiorfiore with antipasti, vegetable or seafood pasta dishes, or a simple roast chicken.

Region: Umbria, Italy

Price: About $16

Style: Elegant and complex

What it goes with: antipasti, pasta dishes, roast chicken, white meats

By S. Irene Virbila

(Los Angeles Times)

(MCT Information Services)