Help!

[Randy Caparoso]

Orvieto is the name of one of those stunning little hilltop towns in Italy's Umbria district, and it also is the name of a soft, dry, easy drinking white wine made from grapes (mostly Trebbiano with some Grechetto) grown within the locale. It is not a difficult wine to find in the U.S. -- although these days, more likely in wine stores specializing in European wines than in ordinary grocery stores.

One major high quality brand of Orvieto seen across the U.S. is Antinori. I like one made by Falesco. Other brands -- such as Ruffino and Fontana Candida -- are as decent as they are ubiquitous; and for asking prices of $8 to $13, I'd say they are some of the better wine values to be found today.

There is nothing like Orvieto, by the way, than with pasta (especially those little "ears") in simple fruity marinaras or white cream or butter sauces. Put on some Puccini, and you'll enjoy some wonderful "El Fresco" dining in the dead of winter.