2006 Marchesi Alfieri Sansoero Grignolino

I poured this light, lively red from Piedmont at a dinner party recently and every single guest messaged me the next day to ask where to buy it. Not many retailers stock the 2006 Marchesi Alfieri Sansoero Grignolino, I'm afraid. But they should, because this is a perfect summer wine. Made from the local Grignolino grapes, Sansoero (named for the hill where the vineyard is located) smells like violets and lavender. It's full in flavor (wild strawberries, raspberries) with smooth tannins and a lovely, bitter-almond finish.

Serve it slightly chilled (like Beaujolais) with bruschetta, salads, antipasti and pasta dishes.

-- S. Irene Virbila

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Quick swirl

Region: Piedmont

Price: About $20

Style: Light and lively

Food it goes with: bruschetta, salads, antipasti

Where you find it: Morry's of Naples in Long Beach, (562) 433-0405, www.morrysof naples.com; Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454 and (800) 769-4639, www.winex.com; and Woodland Hills Wine Co. in Woodland Hills, (818) 222-1111 www.whwc.com.