G.D. Vajra is one of the foremost producers in Piedmont. Varja’s Langhe Rosso is a blend of younger vine nebbiolo, barbera, dolcetto, fresia, albarossa, and pinot noir, meant to be a snapshot of Piemonte’s Langhe. A baby Barolo if you like, and it is easy to see why. Look for a fragrant nose of tobacco, plums, and floral notes. The attack is round and forward with soft red fruit flavours reminiscent of cherries, pomegranates, spice, and liquorice, with a mineral dryness, finesse, and firmness in the finish that screams Italian. Onion soup, steak tartare, mushroom risotto, and young hard cheeses all work here.