Piedmont Values
by Allyson Noman
I like to keep a case of house wines on hand at all times—unpretentious, delicious bottles that are easy to grab for weekday dinners or impromptu gatherings with friends. Call it my millennial attention span, but I like to change the lineup often, and the bottles below have been perfect for the fall rotation.
2022 Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba “Sörì Cristina”
Italy | Piedmont
Dolcetto is a notoriously easy-drinking grape, and winemaker Paolo Olivero’s iteration has classic bright red cherry zippiness with whiffs of black olive tapenade. If you also notice notes of toasty hazelnut, perhaps it’s because Paolo farms even more hectares of hazelnut trees than grapes; a lovely comingling. To really bring it home, open his wine alongside a lemony-dressed arugula salad topped with chopped hazelnuts, lots of shaved Parmesan, and freshly ground pepper.
2024 Langhe Arneis
Italy | Piedmont
Every year, I choose a go-to bottle of white that I routinely open for braised chicken dishes, brothy seafood stews, or simple pan deglazing—with the obvious caveat that I must enjoy sipping it while cooking. Tintero’s lovely, light Arneis knocks it out of the park with its easy citrus notes and hints of peach and almond skin that lend just a bit more body. For the next few months, you’ll find me with a couple of these (at least!) on hand.
2024 Vino Rosso “Il Goccetto”
Italy | Piedmont
When I think, chilled red, Beaujolais is the first thing that springs to mind, but truth be told, I more regularly find myself reaching for this charming “little nip” (the meaning of its name) from Piemonte. The variety is Brachetto, and it’s full of violets and blood orange, accented by whispers of tarragon. Lovely, light, and effortless, it will complement take-out options across the board. At KLWM, this is a favorite bottle for Szechuan dishes, but enchiladas, butter chicken, or a mezze platter could just as easily pair at the table.