Wines from Piedmont

Matteo Ascheri is fascinated by the grape varieties of the Rhône Valley and produces an extremely small quantity of top-class single-varietal Syrah every year. What is also special about this wine is that it is not a stereotypical example of the well-known great Syrahs from California, France and Australia - quite the opposite: this is a balsamic wine with an intense bouquet of cherry, rosemary and traces of ginger. On the palate, it shines with freshness, intensity and an exciting potpourri of teriyaki spice, smoke, cherry and notes of smoked meat. Its impressive texture and a full, long finish make this Syrah experience unforgettable! SUPERIORE.DE

Fantastic Barbera from a world-famous vineyard, complex aromas of dark red, plump, juicy cherries, the finest spices and black forest berries on the nose. In the mouth, polished, dense, enormous amounts of glycerine and sweetish fruit, present but silky tannins, finely enveloped by the fruit, rich in finesse, persistent, first-class acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Clear, firm, slightly tobacco-like, delicately smoky and ethereal aroma of ripe red and black berries with cherry nuances, dried floral tones and restrained woody spice. Polished, juicy, rather tart, ripe fruit, very fine, youthful tannin and delicate bite, persistent on the palate, herbal-ethereal spice and a hint of pepper, persistent on the palate, certain alcohol warmth, but still elegance, salt in the background, smoky nuances and a hint of dark chocolate and coffee, very good, again polished, juicy and finely spicy finish with clear ethereality." Wein-Plus

"Shimmering ruby red with violet reflections. Plum, blackberry and liquorice on the nose, with a hint of sealing wax on the finish. Dancing acidity on the palate, paired with youthful tannins and rich plum fruit, warming alcohol." Falstaff

"Attractive, chocolaty character with ripe dark cherries, red plums and sweet spices. Medium to full-bodied, creamy and smooth, with a velvety texture. Long-lasting and beautifully fruity." James Suckling

"An ecstatic wine that leaps from the glass with the speed of an Olympic sprinter. Vibrant aromas of sliced Bing cherries, crushed raspberries, wild roses and a hint of bay leaf dominate the nose. A delicious freshness unfolds on the palate with a blend of red berries that shine as brightly as if they had just been picked. Subtle earthy notes balance the wine on the crisp and lively finish." Wine Enthusiast

The Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba is the most accessible of Luigi Baudana's three Baroli. Precise fruit with wonderful tones of black cherry, plum and cassis. The intensity of the characteristic Nebbiolo liquorice and cola takes a back seat in this wine as the dark fruit is the leading force. This vintage has the acidity and natural structure to carry the wine for 10 years or more. And so it is not surprising that this Barolo still needs a few years to develop its full class and finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"Notes of spices, smoked wood and dried red flowers with dried raspberries and cocoa. Medium-bodied with finely polished tannins and juicy acidity that comes through. Polished and chalky on the finish." James Suckling

"It contains a core of cherry, raspberry, floral and iron flavours wrapped in a dense tannic matrix. This red wine is lean and concentrated, with lively acidity and dusty tannins." Wine Spectator

"The Luigi Baudana 2019 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba shows the firmness and structure for which this village is known, with beautiful scents of rose, rusty nail, autumnal foliage, liquorice and tar. " Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba shows the full range of Serralunga, but in the somewhat austere style that runs through all of this year's wines. Dark red fruits, sage, mint, leather and spices effortlessly fill out the layers. The Serralunga Barolo is rich and voluptuous, yet super-classic and hits all the right notes. It could well be the hidden gem of the entire Vajra range." Vinous

"Aromas of mixed berry fruits, both fresh and preserved, along with notes of orange citrus, create an elegant and pure expression on the palate. The wine achieves a beautiful balance between fruit and savory elements with notes of cherry, rosebud, bay leaf and allspice. Super pretty and polished tannins make it enjoyable now." Wine Enthusiast

Fine grappa made from the marc of the Langhe Chardonnay Gaia & Rey: Crystal clear, freshly scented with tropical fruits and brioche with a slender body, intense berry aroma and noble fruit note in the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

The Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba is the most accessible of Luigi Baudana's three Baroli. Precise fruit with wonderful tones of black cherry, plum and cassis. The intensity of the characteristic Nebbiolo liquorice and cola takes a back seat in this wine as the dark fruit is the leading force. This vintage has the acidity and natural structure to carry the wine for 10 years or more. And so it is not surprising that this Barolo still needs a few years to develop its full class and finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Very fine aroma of cherries and wild berries on the nose, accompanied by violets, some undergrowth in the background, very complex. Beautiful entry on the palate with a rich fruit core, fine melting, juicy in the further course and with tightly meshed tannins, ending spicy and fruity in the long finish." Falstaff

"Really convincing nose. Racy and polished tannins. Very lively. Long and dry, but not drying. Very clean. Wonderfully pure fruit." Jancis Robinson

"This is a smooth and flavoursome Barolo, showing notes of blood orange, wild raspberry, white tea and peaches with a hint of pickled olives. It is medium to full-bodied, with fine tannins and elegance." James Suckling

"Cherry, menthol, tar and iron flavours are present in this silky, stylish red wine. It's graceful at first, but picks up dense tannins mid-palate and on the finish that coat the mouth. Its length shows its pedigree, so be patient." Wine Spectator

"The Luigi Baudana 2020 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba has a strong aromatic character with ferruginous earth, iron ore, dried flowers, orange peel, spices and dark fruit. Despite the hot vintage, there is also a good freshness. Fresh berry flavours give this wine an approachable character (and lively energy). This beautiful freshness is what you will remember most." Wine Advocate

"This Barolo exudes a seductive and enigmatic aroma characterised by black cherries and warmed blackcurrants, accompanied by notes of black pepper, liquorice root, aniseed and fennel. The wine's nose is a captivating kaleidoscope in which fruit, herbs and earthy notes play a different role each time the glass is swirled. The palate is mouth-filling, rich and structured, with notes of plum and black raspberry wrapped in firm tannins and a distinct earthy quality that pairs well with roasted meats, mushrooms or umami-focused dishes. This wine is a true embodiment of the powerful and age-worthy Barolo wines that have made Serralunga d'Alba famous." Wine Enthusiast

Wonderful aromas of sliced plums with a hint of dried flowers. Full-bodied, with well-accentuated spice, truffle and berry character. Very long and rich, yet soft and beautiful. SUPERIORE.DE

"It has a beautiful nose of dried flowers, tea leaves, cocoa beans, nutmeg and wild berries. It is focussed and precise with a firm tannin structure and a full body. Excellent balance." James Suckling

"The Barbaresco Reyna 2021 is a wonderful entry-level offering from Michele Chiarlo. Fresh, lively and exuberant, it has so much to offer. Lush dark red/purple fruit, rose petals, cedar, cinnamon, mint and blood orange are all beautifully highlighted. The 2021 shows all the textural depth that is so typical of this wine, but with an added kick of freshness that these wines don't always possess. I hope the 2021 Reyna is a sign of things to come." Vinous

"Broad and fleshy, with well-integrated flavours of plum, cherry, menthol and iron as well as a firm structure. Skilfully balanced, with a long, fruity and flavourful aftertaste. Juicy and refreshing on the finish." Wine Spectator

Only in the best vintages are a few parcels of Olim Bauda's vineyards in the Nizza DOCG selected for the Riserva Bauda to make one of the greatest wines of the entire, still very young appellation. The wait was clearly worth it. Deep purple red colour. Complex bouquet of red fruits with an almost tactile texture and a terrificharmony of fruit, typicity and acidity that perfectly combines the winemaker's long proven Barbera expertise and the class of the Nizza DOCG. Not only for us an absolute archetype for grape variety and origin. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep, rich and dense ruby red colour tending towards violet. Intense nose, distinctly redcurrant, undergrowth, dark chocolate, with an aftertaste of stewed plum and coffee. Pronounced on the palate, full-bodied, spicy, multi-layered with mature, sweetish tannins, beautiful drinkability and medium length." Falstaff

"Slightly earthy with dark spices, crushed wild berries, dried violets and a hint of tar. Dry and polished, but at the same time juicy and agile, with bright acidity accompanied by polished, fine tannins. Lively, red-fruity finish." James Suckling

This rare spumante made from 100 per cent Pinot Nero is a real treat. The bouquet has a hint of flowers and alpine herbs, the flavour is delicately fruity with an elegant bitter note and a very complex finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a dry and beautiful sparkling wine from a great producer of Barolo and Barbaresco. Aromas of almond paste, bread dough and light strawberries. It’s medium-bodied with fine bubbles and a dry, crisp finish. Some minerals and flint, too." James Suckling

Delicate golden yellow. On the nose notes of mushrooms, hazelnuts, grapes, straw, sultanas, blackberries, followed by a hint of dark chocolate. Supple, warm and long on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

From the beginning, Pio Cesare produced limited quantities of Barolo Chinato and Vermouth, precisely according to a family recipe handed down by his grandfather. In the early 1950s, however, production was discontinued as tastes and preferences changed.

In recent years, it has been noted that Piedmont lovers are again increasingly craving traditional character, strong personality and great individuality in aromatic wines and in wine-based aperitifs. As a result, the decision was made to produce small quantities of Barolo Chinato and Vermouth again - again strictly according to a secret family recipe that was kept under lock and key for many years under the careful supervision of the grandmother, granddaughter of the founder.

Besides the absinthe, which is essential for making a good vermouth, it is refined with a mixture of 26 aromatic herbs such as marjoram leaves, gentian roots, orange zest and others, which are dosed together strictly according to the traditional family recipe. Various white wines from the winery are added, including Moscato d'Asti. After a 15-day maceration, the resulting vermouth is aged in oak barrels for at least 4 months. The recipe is finally rounded off with the addition of caramelised sugar, which gives this vermouth its light colour and distinctive aroma and flavour. Connoisseurs enjoy it in the old "Piedmontese style": without ice, but only with a small slice of lemon peel. SUPERIORE.DE

"Thanks to its funky retro packaging, this is one of the most exciting projects to come out of downtown Alba in a very long time. The Pio Cesare NV Vermouth di Torino sees a base of Chardonnay enhanced with Moscato. (Like the estate's other fortified wine, the Barolo Chinato, only 1,000 bottles are released per year.) The Vermouth pours forth from the bottle with an orange or copper color. It is thick and viscous, taking its time as it swirls around the bowl of my glass. The bouquet reveals mountain herb and medicinal tones, with lots of mint and spearmint. There is some blood orange, citrus, licorice, camphor ash, vanilla and spice. This Vermouth is all fun and charm." Wine Advocate

This is where the sea and the volcano meet: straw yellow with golden reflections. Opens with a delicate aroma of ripe yellow peach, melon, dried banana, a hint of vanilla, then smoke with a dark, mineral undertone and a subtle hint of coriander. Explosively flavoursome on the palate with a fine-grained perlage and beguiling juiciness, with an exciting balsamic note and an inspiring, bone-dry freshness and fine saltiness on the endless finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with delicate copper-gold reflections. Grapey at the beginning, then unroasted hazelnuts, some pear, banana and pink flowers on the nose. On the palate with elegant fruit melting, savoury, on yellow peach with well-integrated perlage, creamy final, on fine nougat, fine persistence, long." Falstaff

"Firm and minerally, with the fine chalkiness of the mousse softening the impact of this white's mouthwatering acidity. Carries notes of fresh-cut apple, Marcona almond, white cherry and dried herbs." Wine Spectator

"The Alta Langa Zero 2017 is as fresh as a breath of mountain air. White smoke and stone dust give way to crushed green apples and a hint of pine slices. The palate is edgy and mineral, while a silky wave of fine bubbles provides balance and crisp fruit trees add a distinct savouriness on the inside. It finishes with admirable length yet remarkable freshness, leaving a savoury finish that caresses the tongue. This is an intense experience, to say the least, one that keeps the taster coming back for more." Vinous

"Green apple and lemon zest/oil dominate the aromatic profile and show a mineral character. On the palate, the wine is lean and savoury and goes perfectly with oysters and other seafood." Wine Enthusiast

"Another refined blend dominated by Pinot Noir, taut, crystalline and intense. On the nose, notes of lime, sage and apricot with menthol notes. Great acidity on the palate, with a return of menthol and fruity notes. Beautiful finish." Luca Gardini

"L'Insieme" is a small but concrete project of eco-solidarity. Just seven winegrowers from the Langhe have come together to support concrete solidarity projects every year with a part of the yield. The members include Elio Altare, Gianfranco Alessandria, Giuliano Corino, Federico Grasso, Giulio e Paolo Morando, Lorenzo Revello and Mauro Veglio. Under the label of the same name (L'Insieme: together, together, together), the wine producers support solidarity projects all over the world with 5.16 euros per bottled wine.

In the past years, L'Insieme donated over half a million euros to forty-two different projects. Today they donate about 60,000 euros a year. Whether it is building a childcare facility for single mothers in Alba, funding the development of schools in Kenya or improving hiking trails along the Tanaro River, the goal is to support national and international communities.

The deep dark L'Insieme combines the typical grapes of the Langa (Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto) with the racy spiciness of the Cabernet. A wine with a firm, powerful structure, harmoniously rounded tannins, a delicate melt and a beautiful finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Matteo Ascheri is fascinated by the grape varieties of the Rhône Valley and produces an extremely small quantity of a top-class single-varietal Viognier every year. Intense straw yellow colour. Complex bouquet with aromas of apricot, white peach, violet and lavender. Round, full and long-lasting on the palate with an appetising, tart and fresh citrus note on the very elegant, long finish. This incredibly exciting and multi-layered wine is one of the brightest white wines in Piedmont. SUPERIORE.DE

"A full-bodied white that has aromas of toasted almonds, apricots, chamomile, nutmeg and sage. It’s compact and nutty with a savory finish. A little heavy but persistent." James Suckling

Piodilei has been the winery's white flagship since 1985. The grapes come from the single vineyard Il Bricco, which is also the source of the award-winning Barbaresco Crus. From the outset, Pio's aim with this white wine was to create a wine with the same complexity and Storage potential as the great red wines of this region. Sparkling straw yellow colour. Complex bouquet of herbal spice, delicate buttery notes, flint, pear and sweet yellow fruit. Impressive freshness in the glass with a finely integrated oak spice and notes of pineapple and chestnut. A fresh, complex and serious white wine that is unrivalled in the region. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of sliced apples, white pineapple, lemon rind and minerals. Medium-bodied and very intense and bright, with crushed seashells, iodine and light fresh green apples. Complex, crunchy and focused. Lots of limes and other citrus." James Suckling

A successful transformation of a Burgundian Pinot Noir with all the attributes of the ideal altitude of the Langhe. The grapes for this single-varietal Pinot Noir come from the highest slopes of Piedmont, over 500 metres above sea level, whose vines, unlike in Burgundy, grow on sandy, loamy soil. Bright ruby red in colour. Amarena cherry on the nose, rounded off with a hint of gooseberry and mint. Delicate flavour with a balanced and delicate mix of fleshiness, ripe red berries, refinement and elegance. Even when young, it is complex, rounded and has a delicate tannin structure. Giulia Negri demonstrates all her skills and the potential of her top vineyard "La Tartufaia" using the world's most demanding grape variety as an example. Chapeau! SUPERIORE.DE

The aromas of dark cherry, plum, smoke, leather, spices and menthol are supported by wonderfully juicy blackcurrant, clove, tobacco and aniseed on the palate. The refined tannins flank the compact, very straightforward style into a long final, in which we discover fine notes of hazelnuts. An aristocratic wine! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Pecchenino 2021 Dogliani Superiore Sirì d'Jermu is a popular expression of Dolcetto that is often found in local restaurants. It is a rich and savoury wine that goes well with a pizza with spicy sausage. The wine is characterised by ripe blackberries, soft tannins and a hint of bright acidity. The presentation is simple, but perfect for a Dolcetto." Wine Advocate

"Notes of ripe and juicy dark berries with plum skins and spices, followed by a medium body with racy tannins and lively acidity. Fresh and lively with lots of energy. A little salty on the finish. Drink now." James Suckling

"This bright red is infused with violet, cherry and raspberry flavors, plus a flash of wild herbs. Firms up on the finish, where the fruit persists and a chalky sensation lingers. Shows fine balance and length." Wine Spectator

Slightly floral bouquet with hints of resin. Clearly structured, very harmonious, very intense final. SUPERIORE.DE

The stunning Piane Rosso comes from 1.5 hectares of vineyards in the municipalities of Boca and Prato Sesia. These are old, rediscovered vineyards between 50 and 100 years old, whose plants were cultivated using the historic "Maggiorina system". Vineyards that can only be cultivated by hand. The exposed location on a hill ensures constant aeration, the soils are made of porphyry gravel of volcanic origin and are poor in organic matter and without lime.

The often unrecognised indigenous Croatina grape achieves high quality in Boca and virtually challenges the extremely strict selection of grapes from the best old vineyards (up to 100 years old) on Montalbano, Traversagna and Santuario. The tannin-rich variety is then tamed for two years in small and large wooden barrels. The result is impressive: the wine is intense, concentrated and shows notes of dark berries, cherries, smoke and ripe fruit. On the palate, dense substance is combined with a terrifictexture and a velvety finish. Winemaker Christoph Künzli sees this red as his clear contribution to the reinterpretation and refinement of the traditional variety in Boca, which is why this wine also bears the name of the winery. Very deep and magical - and extremely successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep purple red with a smudged rim. Dark fruit that reminds me of a hedgerow - elderberry and blackberry, but also a dark spicy flavour. Strong, firm tannin structure, all in balance with the fruit. Powerful, youthful, long." Jancis Robinson

"With a bright purple colour, and hearty aromas of myrtle, red plum and black cherry. There is excellent persistence and bright, juicy fruit with lively acidity. Tannins are medium in weight and there is a wild, slightly savoury character to the wine. Produced from some of the oldest vines on the property, this is a highly distinctive red with subtle spice." Decanter

"The 2020 Piane is packed with black fruit, leather, tobacco, spice, menthol, liquorice and mocha. This heady, unctuous wine is resolutely turned up. It's a style that works very well. There's not much subtlety, but the 2020 is compelling. It's a little rustic, but still very appealing." Vinous

Prunotto's Barolo is a very beautiful, ethereal wine. Rose petals, spices, blood orange, mint and crushed red berry fruit keep it firmly grounded. On the palate, it is saturated and rich with dark flavours that are firmly connected to spices, liquorice and crushed blue flowers. There is power and richness deep within this wine, the well-proportioned tannin is fresh and firm, giving it energy and drive. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, bright ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Herbaceous and fruity on the nose, of morello cherries and redcurrants, lemon balm, black tea and rosemary; very complex. Sweet, harmonious and balanced on the palate, with fine tannins and a slight saltiness on the long final." Falstaff

"This Barolo shows a light ruby color with a fragrant bouquet focused mostly but not only on violets and lilacs; red fruits follow with hints of aniseed and crushed stone. It's easy-drinking, but it also shows new purpose." Wine Advocate

The grapes for the garnet-red Cerequio grow in La Morra. The bouquet is unmistakably balsamic with fresh flowers, blackberries, dried mushrooms, spicy notes and a hint of incense and tree bark. On the palate, the delicate fruit harmonises with a refined aroma of tobacco and coffee. Firm tannins, good acidity, yet focussed, elegant and balanced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Perfumed and very pretty with aromas of ripe strawberries, dried flowers and sandalwood leading to a full-bodied, dense and compact palate. Give it a year or two to open up, but already impressive." James Suckling

"Somewhat dried-vegetable, above all a little tomato-like aroma of rose hips and other red and a little black berries with iodine and earthy nuances. Ripe, juicy, fairly supple fruit with moderate, chocolaty oak notes, lots of ripe, very crumbly tannins and a hint of liquorice, dense and persistent on the palate, somewhat spicy, a hint of dried herbs, chalky nuances in the background, very light ethereal and iodine notes, good depth, multi-layered, still relatively compact, very good, juicy, slightly tobacco and delicately cocoa-spicy finish with a certain freshness." Wein-Plus

"Pure and fragrant nose with floral notes and sweet red berries. The palate is rich and finely textured; the tannins are full and fine under layers of complexity. This is a marvellous drop. Captivating." Decanter

Barolo Brunate, a noble cru from La Morra, shows the characteristic power and definition of its terroir. The dark fruit is enveloped in chocolate and exotic spices. On the palate, firm tannins and fine oak nuances together with the taut acid wire give length and longevity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aroma of raspberries and crystallised fruit. Ripe and rich on the palate with fine and full tannins; great ageing potential." Decanter

"The Beni di Batasiolo 2016 Barolo Brunate offers hints of ripe fruit with an open or immediately inviting approach. There is dark currant and cassis, followed by spice, earthy tones and a whisper of black truffle. In addition to this full-bodied bouquet, this wine offers solid fruit richness and concentration. The finish is long and carried by silky tannins." Wine Advocate

"Nutty, dried-vegetable to tobacco and tarry aroma of red and a little black berries with mushroomy nuances and some pepper. Ripe, firm, tart, juicy, clear fruit, slightly ethereal notes, taut, ripe tannins, dense and persistent on the palate, fine herbaceous to tobacco flavours, a little peppery in the background, chalky minerality, persistent, firm, good depth, still young, has a certain freshness, a hint of cocoa in the background, multi-layered, very good to long, firm, juicy and finely spicy finish, salty minerality, again with ethereal nuances." Wein-Plus

"Complex and decadent with ripe strawberries, smoke and lavender. Some undertones of burnt orange. Full-bodied, firm and chewy with lots of tannins. Needs time to soften and open up, has potential." James Suckling

Intense ruby red with garnet shimmer. Fragrant, very delicate bouquet with pleasant fruity hints of cherries, wild berries and spices - plus a delicate hint of liquorice. The full and harmonious taste, just right in tannin content, is lasting and flattering and makes this Nebbiolo a "little Barolo" and unique wine. SUPERIORE.DE

Barbera d'Alba Pre-Phylloxera (or Prefilossera) comes from a tiny vineyard that is over a hundred years old. Intense in aroma and flavour of plums, black berries, young leather and damp forest soil. Broad, full-bodied and supported by a lively acidity, it flows flanked by velvety tannins into a never-ending finish. SUPERIORE.DE