Piedmont’s Barbaresco appellation is home to some of the world’s finest Nebbiolo expressions, with top wines from famous Crus like Montefico and Montestefano commanding prices that topple $80 a bottle. But in the neighboring Cru of Gaia Principe, you’ll find equally lovely wines like Il Poeta. Intense and poised, perfumed and elegant, it’s just as delicious and a fraction of the price compared to those of its neighbors.

The wine comes to us via seasoned vinegrower Natale Seghesio and top Piedmont winemaker Paolo Sartirano. The former’s carefully hand-sorted grapes are delivered to the latter’s 150-year-old cellar, where Paolo crafts a beautiful ode to Barbaresco, aging the wine nine months in Slavonian oak casks followed by three years in bottle. Finally, the poetry of Natale gets placed on the label.

In the glass, it all adds up to bright berry, black cherry, violet and mocha flavors all hemmed in by supple tannins. It’s an impressive complement to any special meal, but pairs especially well with mushroom risotto, charcuterie, braised beef and other hearty red meat dishes.

If you enjoy Italian wines, you won’t want to wait long to order.