Some great value Italian wines coming to your wine shop soon

At a trade tasting at the Wine House on Saturday for Dalla Terra, an importer of Italian wines, there was less emphasis on high-end Barolo or Barbaresco (though I did taste a stunning 2008 Marchesi di Gresy Barbaresco “Martinenga”) and more on some really delicious wines that represent good value.

I loved two wines from Masseria Li Veli estate in Puglia, a lively Salice Salentino at $18.99 retail and an Askos Susumaniello made from an ancient Apulian grape at $19.99, both reds. The Vino Nobile di Montepuliciano producer Poliziano had a juicy, delicious Morellino di Scansano “Lohsa” at $14.99, and I would certainly spend $13 above that for the rich, exciting 2008 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Same goes for Russiz Superiore’s bright, peppery Cabernet Franc Collio at $25.99.

Vietti’s Barbera d’Asti “Tre Vigne” is always a good bargain, one of my go-to wines for salumi or pasta fagioli at $16.99. And for a Chianti, you can never go wrong with the consistently excellent estate Selvapiana’s basic Chianti Rufina at $15.99.

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