October 10 is Columbus Day, the celebration of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492.  In honor of the famed Italian-born explorer, colonizer, and navigator, I’m highlighting 5 neat and affordable Italian wines I’ve sampled in the last few months.

• La Marca Di Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco
• Prosecco Valdobbiadene Drusian
• 2008 Enzo Boglietti Dolcetto d’Alba
• 2004 Fattoria La Lecciaia Brunello di Montalcino
• 2005 Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva