2003 Bera Sassisto Langhe

A wonderfully appealing red from a family-owned Piedmont estate, Sassisto is a blend of Barbera with 10% Nebbiolo. Old vines mean concentration and heft. Beautifully balanced, it’s warm, earthy, very Piedmontese. And an attractive buy.

It’s great with salami and prosciutto, pasta dishes and a classic braised stinco di vitello (veal shank).

— S. Irene Virbila

Price: About $22

Style: Warm and earthy

Food it goes with: Salami, prosciutto, pasta dishes, braised veal shank

Where you find it: Fireside Cellars in Santa Monica, (310) 393-2888; Mel & Rose Wine and Spirits, (323) 655-5557; Mission Wines in South Pasadena, (626) 403-9463; Vendome Liquors in Beverly Hills, (310) 276-9463