A journey through rediscovery, from the sun-drenched vineyards of Spain to the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna.

Some of the world's most exciting wines are coming from regions with ancient roots but a modern-day renaissance. These "comeback kids" are historic terroirs, once famous but later forgotten, now being rediscovered and revitalized by a new generation of visionary winemakers. This collection celebrates four such producers who are putting their forgotten regions back on the map, crafting wines of incredible character and sense of place.

2021 Frontonio, "Telescopico" Garnacha

The Comeback: For years, the ancient, high-altitude vineyards of Aragón were largely abandoned or used for bulk wine. Winemaker Fernando Mora, a Master of Wine, is a leader in the movement to rescue these old-vine Garnacha vineyards. He works with minimal intervention to create wines that are pure, vibrant, and speak of their unique terroir. "Telescopico" is a testament to the incredible potential of this noble grape in a forgotten land.

• Producer: Frontonio
• Farming Method: Organic
• Grape: Garnacha
• Tasting Notes: Wild raspberry, cherry, violet, and a spicy, mineral-inflected finish. It's a vibrant, perfumed expression of old-vine Garnacha.
• Pairing: Jamón Ibérico, grilled chorizo, lamb chops.

2021 Dominio de Atuata, "Parada de Atuata", Ribera del Duero

The Comeback: Once overshadowed by its famous neighbor, Rioja, Ribera del Duero was a nearly forgotten region whose old-vine Tempranillo was often sold to cooperatives. A modern renaissance, which began in the 1980s, has seen producers like Dominio de Atauta rediscover the area's incredible potential. By farming some of the oldest, highest-altitude vineyards in Spain, they are now producing world-class Tempranillo (known locally as Tinto Fino) that combines power, purity, and elegance.

• Producer: Dominio de Atauta
• Farming Method: Organic
• Grape: Tempranillo (Tinto Fino)
• Tasting Notes: A powerful and structured red with a core of dark cherry, plum, and licorice, all framed by a smoky, mineral-driven finish that speaks to its high-altitude origins.
• Pairing: Roasted lamb, grilled steak, aged Manchego cheese.

2016 Tenuta Fessina, Il Musmeci Etna Rosso Riserva

The Comeback: The volcanic slopes of Mount Etna are one of the oldest wine regions in the world, but they were largely abandoned for much of the 20th century. Today, Etna is arguably the most exciting wine region in Italy. The late Silvia Maestrelli, founder of Tenuta Fessina, was a true pioneer, one of the first to recognize the potential of these high-altitude, old-vine Nerello Mascalese vineyards.

• Producer: Tenuta Fessina
• Farming Method: Organic
• Grape: Nerello Mascalese
• Tasting Notes: From 70-110 year-old vines, this is a wine of profound complexity and elegance. It reveals a mesmerizing array of aromas: dried cherry, blood orange, rose petal, volcanic ash, and exotic spice. The palate is silky and ethereal, with a firm tannic structure and a long, savory, mineral-inflected finish.
• Pairing: Duck breast with a cherry sauce, mushroom risotto, or aged cheeses.

2023 Tenuta delle Terre Nere, Etna Rosso "San Lorenzo"

The Comeback: We stay on the slopes of Mt. Etna to showcase another legendary producer, Tenuta delle Terre Nere. Marco de Grazia is another key figure in Etna's modern renaissance, and his single-vineyard 'cru' bottlings are some of the most sought-after wines in Italy. The "San Lorenzo" vineyard is one of the most historic and revered sites on the volcano.

• Producer: Tenuta delle Terre Nere
• Farming Method: Organic
• Grape: Nerello Mascalese
• Tasting Notes: This wine offers a different but equally profound expression of Nerello Mascalese, with a focus on structure and power. Expect dark cherry, licorice, and a deep, smoky minerality.
• Pairing: Grilled steak, braised pork shank, aged pecorino cheese.