2021 Aresca San Luigi Nizza 750 ml

The Italian reds on Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Cellar Selections read like a list of the peninsula’s royalty: You’ll find Messorio ($320), Nitrio ($500), Vite Talin ($675), and Massetino ($360).

But sitting ahead of those names we just listed? The 2021 Aresca San Luigi, a 100% Barbera from the new (and therefore underpriced) Nizza DOCG, which was created to highlight the best terroir for the grape in the Piedmont. 

Our investor friends always tell us to get in on the ground floor, and this is the time to get in early with the ageworthy, full-bodied Barberas of the young Nizza DOCG. The region, located in the prime hills of Barbera d’Asti, has finally been given its own flowers and is already making waves among Italian insiders. Forbes, Wine Spectator, and Decanter have all profiled the region, with the latter placing it among “the élite of Piemontese wine.”

Aresca’s 2021 San Luigi is among the vanguard of the region—basically what the founders of the appellation had in mind when they created its boundaries. Drawn off choice hilly vineyards near the town bearing the DOCG’s name, all boasting perfect exposures that range from southeastern to southwestern, it’s a perfect environment for ripening Barbera to heights few others can dream of.

At a third the price of quality Barolo or Barbaresco, this is a good wine to cellar by the case and check in on every year or so. It’s a slam-dunk pairing with highbrow dishes like roast pheasant in the style of St. John—or with a greasy pan pizza with mushrooms and onions. Just be sure to have a second bottle on standby.