While most people associate Malvasia with crisp whites or golden ambers, the rare red variant— or Malvasia di Castelnuovo Don Bosco —is a sparkling, sweet ruby gem from the hills of Piedmont, Italy. Where to Find the "Ruby Nectar"

The search for a true sweet red Malvasia is less of a shopping trip and more of a treasure hunt through the sun-drenched history of the Mediterranean.

He hid the wine, serving it only to those who knew the secret password: Il Rossetto . Today, that "forgotten" red grape still clings to the hillsides of Italy, waiting for those tired of the usual reds to rediscover its ancient, floral spark.

Look for bottles labeled Dolce (sweet) or Spumante (sparkling).