Barbera and Dolcetto: 8 Great Piedmont Reds Under $30

Located in the northwest corner of Italy, Piedmont is best-known for its Nebbiolo-based reds from Barolo and Barbaresco. These appellations offer some of the most celebrated wines in the world; and the reputation and ageability of these reds means they can command very high price tags. On the bright side, many Barolo and Barbaresco wineries also make reds from two other Piedmont grapes, Barbera and Dolcetto, producing high-quality wines at prices fit for both special occasions and everyday sipping. Our latest Tasting Highlights features fantastic versions of both, all priced less than $30.

As the most widely planted grape in the region, Barbera has long been used for everyday table wines to be enjoyed alongside meals, whether that means polenta or pizza. But today, more winemakers are experimenting with different fermentation and maturation styles, bringing Barbera to an even higher level of quality. Paolo Conterno is just one of many Barolo wineries expanding their purview to Barbera d’Asti (one of Barbera’s DOCGs). The Paolo Conterno Barbera d'Asti Bricco 2021 is made from grapes grown on 25-year-old vines, and it was aged for nearly a year in large oak barrels.

This lineup also includes Conterno Fantino's Dolcetto d'Alba Bricco Bastia 2023, a juicy red wine with raspberry notes. Read on to get our score and full expert tasting note for this fantastic Italian wine from Piedmont, plus seven others.

Tasting Highlights' wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors' most recent ratings—including scores and full tasting notes—to WineSpectator.com members.

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