With just a few days left in August, it's time to start thinking about which wines you'll be drinking this fall. Here are some of my favorite Italian gems to enjoy while the weather is still warm.

2005 Vallevo Cerasuolo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Rosé ($7.99) This has been one of the best kept secrets at K&L! The Montepulciano grapes are crushed and the skins are macerated for 12 hours and then the wine is vinified off the skins like white wine. A dark salmon color, strawberries, some herbal notes and very lively and fresh on the palate. Grab two bottles; the first one will empty quickly.

2006 Marco Porello Arneis ($14.99) Last year we introduced this wine to you with the 2005 vintage (and it sold out quickly) and we eagerly awaited this 2006. No disappointments here! Fragrant is perhaps the best word to describe this full-bodied white, with tangerine and wet stones, perfectly balanced and great acidity. This will work well with many dishes; I enjoy it as an aperitif with antipasti and cheeses.

2006 Ruggeri Corsini Bianco della Langhe ($14.99) And now for something completely different! From Piedmont, a blend of 60% chardonnay, 28% sauvignon blanc and 12% nascetta, this carries the weight of the chard but has the crispness from the sauvignon blanc, full-bodied and wonderful length on the finish. Think pasta with white sauces with this wine.

2005 Ruggeri Corsini Barbera d’Alba ($14.99) We’ve had this wine for a month now, but it was very tight just coming off the ship. Now it is just coming in to its own: Ripe black cherries, plum, red raspberries, cassis and a little spiciness mingle on this well-integrated and full-bodied wine. This a great for the last of the summer barbecues.

Salute!

—Mike Parres