Paitin Barbera d'Alba "Serra Boella" '05

Howard, of Howard's Wine Cellar sold me this and I just opened it.
Perfect fall wine and under $15.
For those not into Italians: Barbera is historically the everyday drink in the Piedmont where Barolo and Barbaresco are 'king' and 'queen.'
Used to be quite rough and ready. However, in recent years serious producers have been treating it seriously with some very fine, if expensive results. You can now find $30+ Barbera's, which I believe would have been unthinkable 30 years ago. They're blending with nebbiolo, they're aging in barrique, etc.

The label doesn't divulge much about this one's upbringing, but it's quite rich, somewhat earthy. Opens up with some air, and is fully ready to drink. A bit of acid/tannin/bitterness that make it stand up to/work well with rich food. Delicious with grilled meat and mushrooms and all those fall things. Good in many situations where you might go for pinot noir/Burgundy, except that none of those that I can think of are this good for under $15.

Howard is GREAT!

Wish I got into the city more so I could buy from him.
Currently drinking the 2002 Rayas CnP Bad year / great producer
very light in color but wonderful aromatics and depth to the rosé
colored wine. Went well with S&P grilled veal chops and mushrooms
and sage ragout

You can spend a lot more than $30 on a Barbera these days. Voerzio Riserva Vigneto Pozzo dell'Annunziata easily breaks the $100 mark. I was in the Piedmont recently and we frequently drank barbera. The 2004 Vietti Scarrone Vecchia Vigne was the finest I've ever had. The 2004 Altare Larigi and Braida Bricco dell'Ucellone were not too far behind. None of these would be considered inexpensive (I think they were about 40 euros a bottle ) but all of these are thrilling wines. We also visited the Rivetti (La Spinetta) vineyard in Barolo and sampled their barbera. The 2004 Gallina and Bionzo were delicious. It's also a very good match for barbecue.

You're quite right. I don't move, or even think much in $100/btl. circles. I was drinking Barolo/Barbaresco back when the dollar was strong and a normal person could afford even a bottle of Gaja or Giacosa. I haven't had either since they broke the 3 figures price. I remember the first time I saw a $35 bottle of Barbera on a shelf and realized I was out of touch.
I haven't had Bricco dell' Ucellone since back then either but I remember loving it. Have loved several of Voerzio's wines but not had the Barbera. Ditto Vietti, whose '71 Barolo holds a hallowed place in my memory.
I envy your Piedmont visit. Haven't been there.