Wines from Piedmont

Rio Sordo Riserva is particularly dense, rich and balanced. On the nose we find roses, spices and raspberries. Very complex on the palate, with marvellous depth and juiciness. Rio Sordo offers a taut and sharp fruit on the nose, which is rounded off with some tannin and crispness on the finish. The floral notes that develop with good aeration or further ageing in the bottle through to the final make this Barbaresco Riserva irresistible even at a young age. SUPERIORE.DE

"Blackish ruby red colour. Sweet, albeit somewhat restrained nose. Powerful on the palate with plenty of tannin and liquorice. Dry finish. Very promising!" Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is quite profound in this vintage, with remarkable depth in its dark-toned fruit. This is a particularly powerful Rio Sordo that is still emerging. Its intensity is palpable, even if I see less of the finesse that I associate with wines from this site. Today, all the energy of the wine is directed inwards." Vinous

"This red starts out on the opulent side, featuring cherry, raspberry, mint and iron flavors, before the beefy tannins take over midpalate, informing the long, gripping finish. Yet this remains vibrant and long, just needs time to shed its tannins." Wine Spectator

"Bright ruby red colour with a surprisingly restrained character and floral lightness. Very elegant, with flavours of liquorice, sweet violet, minerals, cherry stones and peach skin. Over this layered complexity, the wine is firm, with still dusty tannins, but velvety and ripe. A viscous finish is balanced by a full body and crisp acidity. Delicious." James Suckling

Barolo Garretti is a wine from the slopes of the La Spinetta estate in Grinzane Cavour. These grapes were previously used in Barolo Campé. It is bold, racy and super-expressive. Juicy dark cherry, lavender, spices, menthol, red flowers, liquorice and French oak come together in this creamy, racy wine from La Spinetta. Garretti captures all the richness and pedigree of the vintage in a forward, juicy style that is sure to find many admirers. This is a particularly strong vintage for this wine, even if it needs another year in the bottle to soften the powerful tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Barolo Vigneto Garretti is a plump, juicy Barolo that will delight La Spinetta fans. A burst of dark red/purple fruit, herbs, flowers, vanillin and sweet oak makes a strong first impression. Soft contours give it immediacy and charm. The 2020 is very nicely made." Vinous

"This wine has beautiful ripe fruit, with rich plum and peach fruit on the nose, but also hazelnut, orange and bread crust. It is full-bodied, creamy and structured with melt-in-the-mouth tannins. Delicious finish." James Suckling

Bricco della Bigotta has an aroma of cherries, cinnamon, black pepper and a hint of tobacco. Great finesse and a harmonious balance between acidity and alcohol on the palate. Long finish with character and class. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, intense ruby red colour. Ripe nose of red fruits, cherry, plum, followed by spicy notes of liquorice and vanilla, with a hint of wood. On the palate it is rich, round and reminiscent of ripe fruit and undergrowth, very long finish." Falstaff

"A rich and intense Barbera that offers dark plums, blackberries, ground spices and chocolate. Structured and dense with chalky tannins and juicy acidity. Long lasting finish." James Suckling

"Dense and concentrated aromas of black plum jam, cloves, vanilla and violets pour from the glass from the start. Blackberry and black cherry compote fill the palate, while sweet and savoury spices emerge, giving way to dried violets, mocha and dark earthy notes. The wine finishes with elegant tannins and tangy, fresh Barbera acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"A bright, concentrated red with aromas and flavours of plum, fruitcake, leather, tar and oak spices. Dense, with serious tension that defines the long aftertaste. Intense and complex." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barbera d'Asti Bricco della Bigotta is a wild, exotic wine. Super-ripe dark cherry, kirsch, new leather, menthol, blood orange and sweet oak add loads of nuance and complexity to this flamboyant Barbera. The Bigotta is rich and layered, with great depth, another winner in this range from Braida. Bright acids and floral notes round off the finish." Vinous

Bright and radiant, with lots of Nebbiolo character, it is a successful interpretation of the terroir and shows the great class of the winery. On the nose, sweet red cherries, tobacco, mint, anise and white pepper. Medium-bodied and graceful on the palate with a good balance of perfume, acidity and structure. With further bottle ageing, it looks forward to a great evolution. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium-light red; fruity-smoky, also barrel, caramel, rubber, inviting; fruit, medium-bodied, powerful, lots of round tannin, length." Merum

"Sparkling, medium-dense ruby garnet. Inviting, very finely marked nose with pronounced notes of wild raspberry, rosehip and black tea. Substantial, with pithy tannin on the palate, showing lots of pressure, savoury, lingers long." Falstaff

"Straight medium ruby. Perfumed cherry fruit with subtle oak and a hint of cumin. Fresh, supple cherry fruit with a spicy note and firm but ripe and crisp tannins. Great length and juiciness." Jancis Robinson

"A rich, earthy style that evokes aromas of cherry, raspberry, iron and tobacco. Broad tannins announce the finish, but it remains balanced and long." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Barbaresco Pio is noble, elegant and wonderfully polished. Sweet spices, cedar, tobacco, leather and dried cherries open up effortlessly. This graceful, medium-bodied Barbaresco has a lot going for it and is very drinkable from the start. The silky, ethereal qualities of the Nebbiolo are evident." Vinous

"Pio Cesare stands out for its classics, and this wine is one of them. The 2018 Barbaresco (released a year later than its competitors) offers a light ripeness of candied raspberry with lilac, tarry smoke, cedar and spice. The mouthfeel is silky smooth with gently integrated tannins." Wine Advocate

"Strawberries with notes of walnuts, asphalt and bark. Also dried flowers. Full-bodied with fine, racy tannins and a very long, beautiful finish. Fine tannins. Shows excellent length for the vintage." James Suckling

"The Barbaresco of Pio Cesare, always a certainty, from the Treiso and San Rocco sub-areas. On the nose, red currants in jam, with nuances of star anise and rhubarb. The mouthfeel is crisp, dense, with spicy tannins and a fruity finish." Luca Gardini

Muncagota is rich, deep and super-expressive every year, hitting all the right notes. Black cherry, plum, spice, leather and liquorice emerge, but all very hesitantly and with plenty of aeration, better: with further bottle ageing. Muncagota is one of the examples from the famous series of nine Riserve that clearly needs time. And you should give it time, and the patient will be richly rewarded. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota 2019 is developing into a great wine. The 2019 is characterised by a very clear brightness that is not always present. The Muncagota is medium-bodied and graceful, with excellent balance, and is very impressive in this first tasting of the 2019 Riservas. It could prove to be one of the surprises in this range. Keep an eye on it." Vinous

"Aromas of raspberries and wild berries with hints of graphite, tea leaves and cocoa. Medium bodied with a polished and silky mid palate that finishes with a firm and chewy aftertaste. Overall it is fresh and lively." James Suckling

"The nose opens with aromas of dried cranberry and redcurrant, mingling in a bowl of aniseed, cloves and freshly cut herbs. Firm and structured with a lifted freshness that cuts across the palate. On the palate, it translates the flavours perfectly, with a hint of crushed stone adding another layer to this wine that needs a stay in the cellar." Wine Enthusiast

"A sleek, high-toned red, featuring rose, strawberry, cherry, mineral and wild herb aromas and flavors. Linear in profile and racy, this builds nicely to a long, complex aftertaste. Shows excellent balance overall, with finesse and intensity." Wine Spectator

Pisapola from the vineyard of the same name in the municipality of Verduno offers a beautiful richness of texture and an impressive softness. This wine is open and honest, with an approachable style that highlights red cherries, undergrowth, wild berries and roses in a very harmonious way. The tannin is precisely measured, and on the finish, its harmony and balance are again inspiring. Not a powerhouse, it brings out the character and elegance of this great Nebbiolo site all the more amiably and authentically. SUPERIORE.DE

"Tasted blind. Medium ruby red with orange reflections. Compact and still reserved nose with a hint of Moroccan leather. Supple and generous palate that doesn't quite open up yet. Polished, chewy tannins that taste of liquorice. Long, but needs more time in the bottle to reveal its hidden depths." Jancis Robinson

"The 2016 Barolo Pisapola is the most airy and perfumed wine in this range. Crushed flowers, mint, cedar, sweet pipe tobacco and red berry fruit grace this finely meshed, medium-bodied Barolo. The 2016 is understated, stylish and very pretty." Vinous

"Enticing aromas of macerated cherry, licorice, leather and spice greet the senses, with sweet fruit, licorice, tobacco and spice flavors. Balanced and open, this is will be approachable soon, yet also has the structure to age." Wine Spectator

"The Ascheri 2016 Barolo Pisapola is the most immediate and approachable wine from Matteo Ascheri's series of single-vineyard wines, which makes perfect sense given the geologically younger Tortonian marl and Messinian limestone of the site. The Pisapola site is in Verduno and the wine shows a loose, thin texture characteristic of this subzone. The bouquet is subtle and elegant, although the overall intensity of the wine is lower compared to some of the better-known comuni or villages in the Barolo appellation. It offers a mild structure and a silky finish." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of roses, wild berries, scrub and new leather characterise the elegant nose. The savoury palate mirrors the nose, with ripe Marasca cherry, liquorice, menthol and a mineral note reminiscent of rusty nails. Taut, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity give support, while a hint of game signals the finish." Wine Enthusiast

Perbacco shows in the fresh bouquet first slightly leafy notes, then lots of cherry. On the palate nicely round, lots of ripe fruit, of cherries and red berries, underpinned by fine-grained tannin, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Langhe Nebbiolo Perbacco offers bright fruit and dried blueberries with hints of cherry wood and spice. The effect is mild but well balanced, and the wine enhances its food friendliness with fresh acidity to cut through cream or cheese." Wine Advocate

"The Langhe Nebbiolo Perbacco 2020 is another excellent entry-level wine from Vietti. In this vintage, the Perbacco is particularly fine. Sweet dried cherries, herbs, mint, crushed flowers, anise and orange peel adorn this distinctive, seductive Nebbiolo. It has enormous depth. For years, Perbacco was a very serious wine - some would say almost too serious - for its peers. Then Vietti switched to a simpler style. With the 2020, Perbacco again seems to be a wine that exceeds expectations, and exceeds them in spades. Frankly, the 2020 is more satisfying than many Barbarescos and Barolos I've tasted this year." Vinous

"This is a fresh and fruit-driven Nebbiolo with notes of raspberries and cherries, orange peel and chocolate. Also some dried flowers. Medium to full-bodied, firm and racy with ripe but tight, compact tannins that run the length of the wine. Well crafted. Long and even." James Suckling

"From the moment the cork is pulled you will be smitten with aromas of cherry, wild herbs, dried rose and anise enticing you to the glass. The wine delivers fresh and clear red-berried fruit snuggled with sweet and savory spices finishing with crunchy acidity begging you to take that next sip." Wine Enthusiast

The cru sites Liste, Terlo, Baudana, Gabutti, Ravera di Monforte and Mosconi are the origins of the grapes for the terrificVia Nuova. It is a monumental, exciting wine that combines the best that the vintage had to offer. Explosive in the glass, with breathtaking aromatic depth, it is stunningly beautiful from the first sip. Dark macerated cherry, lavender, spice, menthol and rose petals are enhanced by the underlying acidity and tannin that give the wine its energy and drive. Via Nuova is a wine of exceptional harmony, purity and finesse with an everlasting finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny, lightening garnet red, light rim. Exceedingly fragrant nose of fresh roses, lots of raspberry and strawberry, a little candyfloss. Polished, finely meshed tannin, red berry fruit, tobacco on the final." Falstaff

"Fascinating aromatic complexity that keeps your nose hovering over the glass. Raspberries with ginger biscuits, flowers and a twist of basil. There’s a deeper layer of crushed goji berries and talc-like minerals, too. Full, intense, silky and dainty with well-integrated tannins that even add a chocolatey touch. So tempting to drink now, but better from 2024." James Suckling

"The 2018 Barolo Via Nuova is marked by palpable brightness and tension that lend energy. Like all of these wines, the 2018 is restrained in feel, but all the elements are so well balanced. Freshly cut flowers, mint, crushed rocks, chalk and white pepper give the Via Nuova notable energy. Intense veins of supporting tannin and minerality provide the backbone." Vinous

"This is an organic blend of fruit from six MGA sites: Terlo and Liste (in Barolo), Ravera di Monforte and Mosconi (in Monforte d’Alba) and Gabutti and Baudana (in Serralunga d’Alba). The 2018 Barolo Via Nuova is fermented in steel and aged in oak according to time-tested local tradition. This mid-weight blended Barolo has a more prominent herbal or balsam signature at the back of red and purple fruits, licorice and pressed violet." Wine Advocate

Bright and radiant, with a lot of Nebbiolo character, it is a successful interpretation of the terroir and shows the great class of the winery. Sweet red cherries, tobacco, mint, aniseed and white pepper on the nose. Medium-bodied and graceful on the palate with a good balance of flavour, acidity and structure. With further bottle ageing, it looks set for a great development. SUPERIORE.DE

"A slightly floral nose of more red than black berries with fresh tomato tones, hints of liquorice, barrel wood notes, tar and a hint of tobacco. Tart, still undeveloped fruit, nutty, slightly smoky and hints of cocoa-spicy notes, some bite and youthful, yet fine tannins, persistent on the palate, a little tar and tobacco in the background, herbal nuances, hints of coffee, very good, relatively juicy finish with dark, delicately bitter-chocolatey spice. Still needs a little time." Wein-Plus

"Bright ruby red with a delicately brightening rim and sparkling centre. Inviting nose, smoky and stony, delicate raspberry and some dried rose petal, black tea. Savoury on the palate, with very grippy, youthful tannins and lovely salt, always comes back juicy, still a little young, already drinking well." Falstaff

"A graceful, well-balanced red with a solid construction supporting aromas and flavours of cherry, strawberry, rose and graphite. A hint of tar and white pepper is evident on the finish." Wine Spectator

"A mixture of red berries, including raspberry and currant, combined with allspice and earth-driven spices. The wine is pretty and lifted, with dark cherry flavors on the palate. Superfine tannins give the wine an elegant structure that highlights the chalky mineral notes, leather and tobacco." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Barbaresco Pio Cesare shows a beautiful ruby red colour that goes well with the bright aromas of cassis, pomegranate, liquorice and grilled herbs that emerge from the bouquet. This Barbaresco is lean and silky in texture, and it is already drinking very well." Wine Advocate

"This is a very typical Barbaresco, with a solid core of fruit. Lots of strawberries, cedar wood and chewy tannins. Full and structured. Excellent length, with the tannins coming through at the end. This wine needs at least four or five years of bottle ageing. Try it after 2027." James Suckling

With tireless dedication, the Bologna family fulfils the legacy of Giacomo Bologna, who is rightly described as the father of modern Barbera d'Asti. The historic jewel of the house is the Bricco dell'Uccellone: dense and complex on the nose, with blackberry jam, mocha, liquorice and cloves on the palate. Its fine-grained tannins and excellent structure carry it with beautiful fruit and acid wire into a long-lasting finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, transparent garnet red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Very clear and clean on the nose, with appealing fruit flavours of ripe cherries and wild berries as well as hints of bread crust and light balsamic notes. Very juicy on the palate with tightly woven tannins, beautiful structure and well-integrated 16% alcohol, very long finish." Falstaff

"This is a no-nonsense wine loaded with complexity and depth, but in its core is pure joy. Aromas of sun-warmed crushed raspberries and black cherries mingle with fresh thyme, while clove, anise and cinnamon stick lift the nose. The well-structured palate is a dance between fresh and preserved wild berries, guided by lively acidity. Savory spice, herbs and white pepper linger on the finish, revealing a wine that's serious, but just wants to have fun." Wine Enthusiast

Walter Massa's single vineyard Timorasso Montecitorio is created through a cold maceration of about 40 hours, a subsequent fermentation of about 12 months in stainless steel tanks under regular batonnage of the yeast for about 12 months.

Timorasso Montecitorio smells of orange confit, petrol, wild flowers and honey. Rich and complex in the glass, it takes on Riesling-like nuances of minerality. After some aeration (or better: further bottle ageing), it reveals countless layers of aromas and a depth that, together with its overall exotic feel and salty notes, make Montecitorio distinctive and great! SUPERIORE.DE

The indigenous white grape variety Timorasso led a shadowy existence for many years, but today some winegrowers are already calling it the "white Barolo". This is partly due to its great complexity and finesse, and partly due to the excellent ageing potential of the wines.

Walter Massa's single-vineyard Timorasso Sterpi is the result of a cold maceration of approx. 40 hours, followed by a fermentation of approx. 12 months in stainless steel tanks with regular batonnage of the yeast for approx. 12 months. Sterpi is a powerful, dense and richly structured wine. Orange confit, honey, green apple and mint are some of the many notes that unfold in the glass. This big, striking white has the texture, weight and glycerine to last a long time. SUPERIORE.DE

The Barbaresco Montefico is a jewel of a wine. Freshly cut flowers, minerals, crushed rocks, rose petals and lavender are all finely cut. As always, the Montefico is taut and angular in style. Its sense of transparency is simply beguiling. Sage, mint and sweet pipe tobacco are some of the nuances that linger. The Montefico is a Barbaresco for lovers of tauter red wines, which it will delight. It combines the fruitiness of Montestefano with the vigour of Ovello. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cola, rhubarb and balsamic complexity in the flavours of violets, pomegranate and black cherries. The medium-bodied palate is firm and rustic with a massive structure, even if it is not quite as thick. With air, flavours of violets, cinnamon and spicy dried cherries emerge. Strict, liquorice finish. Needs time to develop." James Suckling

"The Barbaresco Riserva Montefico 2019 is one of the most tannic wines in the range. harvestwill have to be patient with the 2019, as it will need time. As always, Montefico is a Barbaresco based more on linear intensity than size. In 2019, the qualities are very accentuated. With time in the glass, the bouquet opens up nicely, but the 2019 still remains quite closed." Vinous

"This rich red is laced with cherry, plum, earth, stone and eucalyptus flavors. Dense, assertive tannins dominate the finish for now, yet the lasting impression is ripe fruit." Wine Spectator

"Every sniff opens another door to this fragrant wine. Aromas of sour red berries emerge from the glass first, followed by a bouquet of roses, then whole cloves and long peppercorns. The tannins draw attention to the earthy and mineral finish, which is underpinned with cherry jam and wild herbs." Wine Enthusiast

Walter Massa's single-vineyard Timorasso Costa del Vento is made by a cold maceration of about 40 hours, a subsequent fermentation of about 12 months in stainless steel tanks under regular batonnage of the yeast for about 12 months. It is stronger and richer than the basic Timorasso and therefore needs more attention and further bottle ageing.

Impressive, almost lush bouquet of green and yellow stone fruit, plus notes of roasted nuts, honey and peach puree. Very powerful and multi-layered on the palate, almost viscous, but always precisely defined and without any sweetness. The fascination of this great white wine will only fully reveal itself in a few years, but its power and simultaneous balance already make it one of the most amazing and leading Timorasso monuments of the Colli Tortonesi. SUPERIORE.DE

The ruby-red Sito Moresco is Angelo Gaja's "everyday wine" and is decidedly fresh and fruity and, since the 2020 vintage, has only been made from Barbera and Nebbiolo from plots in the best Barolo and Barbaresco vineyards. The bouquet has aromas of ripe cherries and berries, underpinned by subtle spicy notes. The rich flavour spreads out powerfully with densely woven tannins, mineral in the long final - everything comes together wonderfully here. SUPERIORE.DE

Tantalising aromas of tart plums, boysenberries and wildflowers rise from the glass of this energetic and unique Barbera. The fleshy palate is fuelled by tart blue and black fruits, with a blend of spice and mouth-watering acidity on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense purple-red colour with a dark core. Inviting, fruit-accentuated bouquet, blackberries and blueberries, with a hint of violets and some cloves. Very soft and generous on the palate, firm tannins and a lingering, juicy finish." Falstaff

"An opulent style, combining a velvety texture with saturated flavors of plum, black cherry, boysenberry and vanilla. Harmonious and vibrant, with a light grip of tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

The grapes for Christoph Künzli's top wine come from the best small vineyards in the Boca DOC. The soils there consist of humus-poor porphyry of Vucan origin with a slightly red colour and are rich in salts and minerals. This minerality of the soil and the distinctive structure and class of the Nebbiolo grape combine in the winery's flagship wine to create an expressive, ingenious dream of a wine that has long enjoyed cult status among connoisseurs.

First impression: aromas ranging from violets, ripe wild berries and pomegranate to balsamic notes, citrus and tobacco. Then fresh cut flowers, sweet red berries, mint, pine and sweet red cherry. Explosive, taut and wonderfully lively on the palate, with animating acidity, floral aromas and tons of energy. This is a wine that leaves nothing to be desired in terms of complexity, depth and personality. We're more than excited to see how this amazing wine will present itself in a few years' time ... SUPERIORE.DE

"The Swiss Christoph Künzli has made a significant contribution to the rebirth of the Boca growing region and presses wines with character and finesse, partly from ancient vines: This Nebbiolo with some Vespolina impresses with its notes of fresh berries, maraschino cherries and balsamic notes; polished on the palate, with fine-grained tannins, salty, fresh minerality, great length and, above all, elegance." Vinum

"Künzli released the 2019 vintage of his signature wine before the 2018, as it needs more time. Seductive aromas of nutmeg, sour cherry and red pepper flakes. The palate is rich, with medium to full tannins and subtle oak notes. An excellent combination of the power of Nebbiolo with the spice of Vespolina. The tannins are elegant and there is a subtle pepper note on the finish." Decanter