Recomendations (Name of wine and vinard) for fine Italian wines

[Thomas]

Dispense with Italian Cabernet -- overpriced stuf, generally. Look toward the south, specifically Puglia (Apulia). Truly nice reds from that region at great prices. Ask a retailer to get you some Salice Salentino, to start with.

Here's a wine I just came across last week. Terre Al Monte 1996 Aglianico Rosso.

It is from Apulia; it is fruity, clean and medium-bodied. Under $10.