We searched high and low for a wine made from Schiava, one of our favorite alpine lean red varietals. Grown in sandy, high-altitude soils in Northern Italy, Schiava expresses a lovely flinty minerality and delicate fruits and flowers. This producer also practices organic viticulture, co-planting their grapes with apple orchards (you have to make space count up here!).

We get violets and alpine herbs on the nose, with sour cherry and wild berries on the palate. Think of it as a mountain meadow picnic! A touch of Pinot Nero and Lagrein lends a bit of earth and roundness as well.