Perfect Pairings: The Wines of Piedmont

Nestled between the Mediterranean and the Alps, where cool foggy mornings, which help develop grapes' acidity, give way to ripening sunshine and ocean breezes, Piedmont is home to great wines. Vietti Roero Arneis 2013 ($20), a light, intensely floral aperitif white, pairs with the fried zucchini blossoms. The Bruno Giacosa Dolcetto d'Alba 2012 ($23), a ruby red wine with juicy blueberry and pomegranate fruit and a dry finish, is a partner for the zucchini pie. Dried rose petals give way to leather and earth in the Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco 2009 ($27), a match for the vitello tonnato. Eucalyptus and cedar notes amid the dark red fruit in the Cascina Fontana Barbera d'Alba 2011 ($30) complement the herbaceous lemon-rosemary risotto. Delicate yet powerful, Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina Francia 2009 ($150) offers notes of liquorice, herbs, tobacco, and roses. Though young, it's spectacular to drink now with the corzetti. Fresh, bubbly, and bursting with peach flavors, G.D. Vajra Moscato d'Asti 2013 ($17) is a natural with the peach desserts.