The 2011 Rosso di Rocca is an attractive, fresh red to drink over the next few years. A blend of 80% Nebbiolo, 10% Barbera and 10% Cabernet Franc, the Rosso di Rocca is one of the most stylish, racy Piedmont wines in its price range. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2014. I was shocked and saddened to learn that proprietor Angelo Rocca recently passed away in a crash involving his own light airplane. I visited with Rocca in late August, just as the Moscato was coming in. Rocca embodied the spirit of the self-made Piemontese grower who took a sleepy family-run winery and turned it into a world-class estate in just one generation. He will be deeply missed. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; Robert Houde Wines, Elk Grove Village, IL; tel. (847) 430-3887

The 2008 Rosso di Rocca reveals a pretty core of high-tones dried red cherries, menthol, flowers and spices. Here too, the challenging harvest has left the wine with a few hard edges that are the exception rather than the rule at this property. Rosso di Rocca is 80% Nebbiolo, 10% Barbera and 10% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2011. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119

A blend of 80% Nebbiolo, 10% Barbera and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2006 Rosso di Rocca possesses an expressive bouquet and plenty of ripe fruit in a medium-bodied, accessible style. It is best enjoyed in its exuberant youth. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2011. Proprietor Angelo Rocca’s Rosso di Rocca has been one of my favorite value-priced wines from Piedmont over the last few years. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411

The 2005 Rosso di Rocca is jam-packed with vibrant, sweet fruit and perfumed aromatics. It is a beautifully balanced, pleasurable red to drink now and over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2010. Proprietor Angelo Rocca’s Rosso di Rocca has been one of my favorite value-priced wines from Piedmont over the last few years.A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411