Cantina Valpane Rosso

Barbera makes a terrific house red. Its juicy, bright flavors pair well with everything from pizza to steak and it’s affordable—even the costliest examples are nowhere near as expensive as good Barolo or Barbaresco (i.e., the other well-known reds from Piedmont). This is the entry-level Barbera from Cantine Valpane, a small family estate in the Monferrato hills. It’s the work of Pietro Arditi, whose family has farmed the same amphitheater of vines for over a century. Made from young vines and without oak, this wine is pure and direct.