Time stands still in the tiny cellar of Silvio Giamello. He and his wife, Marina, are soft-spoken and discreet, but they will graciously invite you in to sample their minuscule production. Vicenziana is a gorgeous old-vine Barbaresco with an intoxicating perfume that rises from the glass. One of our most elegant and inviting Piemontese reds, it features delicate layers of black cherry, cracked pepper, and soft leather. Take your time with this wine; there’s so little of it produced that any occasion to enjoy a bottle should be relished.

Happening upon a humble trattoria in Italy and being poured a profoundly delicious carafe of house red is among the Holy Grails of wine. This occurs much more often in the imagination than it does in reality. Statistically, it is just slightly more common than coming across the next Bob Dylan at open mic night. That would not be the case, though, if more Italian joints served Tenuta La Pergola’s Monferrato Rosso. This Piemontese red, made for our clients and varying in blend every year, is made up of Barbera, Dolcetto, Bonarda, Freisa, and Croatina in the 2021 vintage. Take one whiff of this intensely aromatic quaffer and you’re in a patch of blueberries, cranberries, and strawberries. On the palate, it has some earth and spice, too, along with a friendly tannin and fine acidity. Enjoy this versatile wine on its own or alongside a pizza, simple pasta, and anything off the grill.

Even with eight years of age, this plush Barolo from the Bussia cru in Monforte d’Alba is as striking and youthful as it’s ever been. Hints of toasty tobacco, violet, and roasted fig will draw you in, while the bottling’s energy and vigor will hold your attention. Raised in large Slavonian oak casks, this is one of the grander, more assertive Baroli we import. It’s a Barolo lover’s dream for a winter stew, or a candidate for serious aging.