Wines from Piedmont

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

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

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

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

"Our Langhe Nebbiolo is a great introduction to this prestigious grape variety, but also an absolute delight for those who already know it well and are looking for a balanced and authentic expression of Nebbiolo." Franco Massolino

Bright garnet red colour. Delicate, dark bouquet of raspberry and violet, with fine notes of rose petals and damp forest soil after further aeration. Full and rich on the palate, good harmony of power and elegance, paired with fresh acidity and length. Good ageing potential. Goes wonderfully with savoury sausage and meat dishes - you simply have to love it! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby red with brightening edges. Redcurrant and sour cherry on the nose, some mint and a hint of sealing wax. Fruity, juicy and fresh on the palate, lively acidity, tightly woven tannins, salty, animating final." Falstaff

"The 2021 Langhe Nebbiolo is a great entry-level wine from Massolino. Crushed red berry fruit, blood orange, mint, cinnamon and a hint of orange peel adorn this exquisite, inviting wine. The 2021 has spent a year in barrique, longer than required for Barbaresco." Vinous

"From one of the leading producers in Serralunga, this is a Nebbiolo that's austere and challenging to begin with. Focused on spicy notes, smoky woodland and liquorice, with violet, wild strawberries and light hints of tar, it's initially dominated by the sandiness of the tannins before it unfolds in the glass to reveal rare depth for a Langhe. A bit rustic but full of character and detail." Decanter

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

"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 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

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

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. Fruity, sweet, harmonious and balanced on the palate, with fine tannins and a slight saltiness on the long final." Falstaff

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

Dark fruits on the nose, nuanced with spices, tar, liquorice and wild berries. The mouthfeel is soft and supple with a lasting and silky texture. Here comes a Nebbiolo that exudes character and personality. Barbaresco Vigneto Bordini is a precise interpretation of the grape, drawing a fine line between elegance and power with ease. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Barbaresco Vigneto Bordini is redolent of crushed flowers, red berry fruit, mint, white pepper. This mid-weight, nervy Barbaresco has much to offer, especially if the tannins soften a bit. This is the most floral and mid-weight of the Spinetta Barbarescos." Vinous

"Beautiful ripe fruit with citrus and baking spices on both the nose and palate. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that give the wine tension and structure." James Suckling

"The La Spinetta 2020 Barbaresco Bordini has a spicy note on the first nose, reminiscent of cinnamon and a hint of something darker like crushed cloves. This warm vintage Nebbiolo embraces rich fruit aromas of blackberries and dark currants, and there is an earthy side with rusty nails and potting soil. It finishes with high-toned accents of balsamic herbs or eucalyptus oil." Wine Advocate

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

Bric Turot is a top Barbaresco vineyard. The sensationally fruity Nebbiolo comes from this five-hectare vineyard and seduces with its wonderful blackberry and cherry flavours. The flavour structure is elegant and powerful, with a very long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with an orange rim. Very fruity nose of red currants, raspberries and sour cherries, finely underpinned with black tea flavours and some undergrowth, accompanied by a light smoky note. Very elegant on the palate on entry, balanced and harmonious, accompanied by delicate fruit and finely structured tannins, ending on fruit in the long final." Falstaff

"Palish ruby. Concentrated raspberry fruit that is a little muted and with just a hint of oak. Sweet, concentrated red fruit with grainy tannins. Lots of concentrated fruit underpinned by grainy tannins. Should age well." Jancis Robinson

"The 2021 Barbaresco Bric Turot offers all the classicism of Treiso in its deeply-pitched, spiced personality and structural feel. Dark red-toned fruit, cloves, leather, orange peel and saddle leather give the 2021 lovely exotic elements that add to its beguiling personality. Clean mineral notes extend the finish." Vinous

"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

Fine delicate aroma of fruit, also fine and clean on the palate with a vinous taste and discreet bitter tone in the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Honey-coloured brandy, the overall impression is more reminiscent of cognac than grappa. Concentrated wood and ripe tones, sultanas and dried herbs on the nose. The taste is perfectly balanced and of fine sweetness; fruity-bitter, yet soft in the finish. SUPERIORE.DE