Sicilian Insolia (or Inzolia, as some wine bottles have it) is indigenous to the western half of Sicily, though it has also been favored in Tuscany, where it tends to be known as Ansonica. It's a grape with an ancient pedigree, one that goes all the way back to the Classical era. Insolia is largely a grape that finds a place in Marsala production today, but you can find this light golden-yellow pleasantly dry white wine on its own, and, more likely, in an imported Italian blend.

The customary descriptive references writers make regarding Insolia mention the "buttery" or "nut like" qualities, and there's usually a reference to a slightly bitter or citrus finish. What they typically forget to mention is how genuinely different and delightful Insolia is. That said, it isn't an easy wine to find outside of Italy. Martorana is a small family estate known for growing Insolia, producing about 20,000 bottles a year, very little of which is available outside of Italy. Feudo Principi di Butera is a small label owned by Zonin, a major producer, and their Insolia can be found at larger wine retailers for around $13.00. Cusumano makes a 70% Chardonnay-Insolia blend. Odisseo Insolia is available on some shelves as well. Vini Corvo Insolia is showing up on shelves in the east, as well, to some acclaim, for about $9.00 a bottle.