1996 Produttori del Barbaresco Nebbiolo Langhe, Piedmont, About $11

The greatest wines made from Piedmont’s Nebbiolo grape are Barolo and Barbaresco. Most producers also make the more supple Nebbiolo Langhe, which is more suited to everyday drinking.

The beautiful 1996 Nebbiolo Langhe from Produttori del Barbaresco offers an introductory course in Nebbiolo at a fraction of the cost of its big brother, Barbaresco. With its ripe tannins, lively acidity and loads of bright, entrancing fruit, it is an ideal pasta wine and just as much at home with poultry and other white meats. Think fettuccine with ham and peas, roasted chicken with herbs or grilled sausages and pork chops.