Elena Walch Schiava

Elena Walch’s Schiava is one of the most charming light reds in Italy — a varietal bottling of Schiava (known locally as Vernatsch) from the alpine vineyards of Alto Adige in Italy’s far north, made by a producer celebrated for setting the regional standard.

Schiava is the red for people who think they don’t like red. It pours a pale, almost translucent ruby and drinks featherlight, with perfumed aromas of wild cherry, wild strawberry and rose petal lifted by mountain herbs and delicate spice. The palate is silky and refreshing — soft tannins, gentle acidity, a juicy red-fruit core and the grape’s signature whisper of bitter almond on the finish.

Serve it lightly chilled, the way they do in the mountains, and it turns into the most versatile bottle on the table: lovely with charcuterie and alpine cheeses, grilled chicken, pizza or simply a glass on a warm evening. If you want a red that’s bright, low in weight and impossible to tire of, start here.