There’s a little-known secret in Piedmont, Italy—and luckily for you, our expert Leonardo has his finger on the pulse. He’s secured this insider find from the celebrated Gaia Principe “Cru” of Barbaresco. If you love fine Italian wines—hurry for your share of this acclaimed beauty.

Piedmont’s Barbaresco appellation is home to some of the finest expressions of Nebbiolo (the noble grape of Barolo). The top wines made in the famous Crus, like Montefico and Montestefano, command upwards of $80 a bottle. But in the neighboring Cru of Gaia Principe, you’ll find equally lovely wines like Il Poeta. It’s just as elegant and a fraction of the price comapred to its neighbors.

Il Poeta Barbaresco 'Gaia Principe' is a collaboration between seasoned vinegrower Natale Seghesio (whose nationally recognized poetry graces the label) and top Piedmont winemaker Paolo Sartirano. It was crafted at the Sartirano family’s 150-year-old cellar and boasts 92-point scores from the International Wine Challenge and critic James Suckling. He wrote: “Subtle aromas of cherries and raspberries with hints of sandalwood, bark and licorice. Medium-bodied with firm, polished tannins...and a vivid, red-fruited finish.”

Made from carefully hand-sorted grapes, then aged nine months in Slavonian oak casks and 3+ years in bottle before release, Il Poeta is an impressive complement to any special meal. It pairs beautifully with mushroom risotto, charcuterie, braised beef and other hearty red meat dishes. For an authentic, local food pairing, try roasted quail, slow-cooked venison or any dish featuring truffles (Piedmont’s other famous specialty). Our favorite is tajarin, an egg-based ribbon pasta that’s often served with butter and sage (plus a few truffle shavings, of course).

Il Poeta offers classic aromas of poached plum and truffle, plus subtle leather and vanilla notes. The palate displays bright berry fruit, black cherry, violet, mocha and supple tannins. Intense and poised, perfumed and elegant, it's everything fans look for in a premium Barbaresco.

Don’t wait long to order…