The place to be in Edna Valley for those who love Italian wines is Clesi. Their Malvasia Bianca is a light crisp refreshing white wine with a hint of grapefruit and tart apricot. Their Dolcetto has smooth strawberry and tart cherry while their Barbera has a little mint with a bit of cocoa. The hero of any Italian line up is the Sangiovese and theirs does not disappoint. It’s got that thick richness of berry and cherry with nice acidity that goes with acidic tomato, olives, or basil on just about anything. But the most noteworthy combo of Italian style with California fruit is an inky dark purple Montelpulciano. It’s got the fragrant violet and berry fruit with big flavor to match with steak or lamb but without the high alcohol. All of their wines are mild in alcohol, made with love the Italian way.