For one of the best wine buys around, take Josh Wesson's advice and seek out ones made from the Italian Primitivo grape. A relatively recent discovery from Puglia, the wines come from the exact same grape as Zinfandel, they're reasonably priced and best enjoyed when they're young. For the money, the quality can't be beat. Look for these labels, all from Puglia:

  • A-Mano: Lush, plumy and fruity. About $10 a bottle.
  • Botromagno: A step up from A-Mano, this estate bottled Primitivo from old vines offers complex fruit for about $12 a bottle.
  • Rosa del Golfo Primitivo de Salento: The cadillac of the three can take on any lush California Zinfandel. Josh swears it will make you speak fluent Croatian.

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