The north of Italy is a wondrous place, with the effortless style and elegance of Italy blended with the impeccable precision and freshness of its Swiss and Austrian neighbors. My husband’s family hails from the Tyrolean region, where both Italian and German are widely spoken. (The Dallabridas, in fact, have cousins named Helmut and Werther, mingled with the Dinos and Daniellas.)

It’s a special place, drenched in sun, with spectacular views of the Dolomites and fertile soil, rich with minerals, that produces  youthfully fresh wines. I was introduced to one of my favorites, made in Trentino’s Alto Adige, here in the U.S.

Tiefenbrunner’s Pinot Blanco 2012 is clear, bright yellow in color, with apple  and floral aromas and a pleasing level of acidity. It has a pleasant, flinty finish that reflects its mountain roots.

Don’t think of it as a summer fresher. Enjoy this lovely white all year ’round. Pinot Blanco is the ideal accompaniment to grilled asparagus, with or without ravioli and butter. (MSRP: $17.99)