Wines from Piedmont

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

"Bright ruby red colour. Initially bread crust on the nose, then rich wild berry fruit, liquorice, wild berry, dark chocolate. On the palate with tightly woven tannins, clear fruit and beautiful juiciness, very drinky for 16.5% alcohol, very well balanced, long." Falstaff

"The Braida 2020 Barbera d'Asti Bricco dell'Uccellone is one of the bottles that made Italian wine history. It shows its dark and savoury side with ripe cherries, baked plums, spices, tarry smoke and campfire embers. With time, these aromas soften and reorganise, reminiscent of espresso beans or baking chocolate. The wine is very concentrated and fruit-driven." Wine Advocate

"A supple red wine with flavours of plums, blueberries, clay and toasted oak. On the finish it shows assertive tannins, but it has plenty of fruit and the long finish shows its future potential." Wine Spectator

"Notes of crushed dark berries, chocolate, cured meat and dark earth. Medium to full-bodied, juicy and fresh with tension and energy in the dark fruit. Lively acidity. Chalky and intense finish. Very attractive." James Suckling

"This historic Barbera opens with blackberry compote, spiced black plums, cedar and sweet spices. The opulent palate shows notes of preserved cherries, aniseed, cloves and cocoa, with polished and elegant tannins. The wine finishes with a lively acidity that keeps this big, bold and beautiful wine fresh with every glass." 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

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 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

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

Pure Chardonnay in the finest Burgundy style in honour of Lidia, the mother of the three Rivetti brothers. Straw yellow in colour with greenish reflections. Delicate, buttery nose of pineapple and peach, with hints of stone fruit, jasmine and nutmeg. Multi-layered, creamy and dry on the palate, the beautiful mineral vein and subtly lingering fruit accompany this elegant Chardonnay into a complex and long finish. A delicious wine monument that will gain even more tension and elegance as it matures. 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

The grapes for the estate's classic Barolo come from the vineyards/communes of Ornato, La Serra, Briccolina in Serralunga d'Alba, Gustava and Garretti in Grinzane Cavour, Roncaglie in La Morra, Ravera in Novello and, from the 2015 vintage, also from Mosconi in Monforte d'Alba. It is more of a traditional, classic Barolo with an exciting bouquet of deep, dark fruit and a pretty potpourri of rose petals, spices, smoke and tar. It is full-bodied and firm on the palate, opening up with plenty of dense tannins, very powerful, with pressure and a full bite on the finish, designed for a long life. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red; inviting, undergrowth, not intense; good fullness and sweetness, also depth, long, round tannin." Merum

"Fruity and floral on the nose; harmonious, still youthful texture, the tannins robust, the evolution precise, the finish polished and fruity. Convinces with its noble construction." Vinum

"Bright ruby colour with garnet and a delicately brightening rim. Fine stony tones on the nose, delicate wild berries, blood oranges, distantly reminiscent of cold earth. Polished on the palate, on fine notes of black tea, slightly balsamic, tense, deep and salty, comes in many layers." Falstaff

"Beautiful flavours of flowers, fresh strawberries and raspberries are followed by a medium to full palate with fine tannins that extend over the entire length of the wine. Undertones of citrus and spice. The finish is long and intense. Tannic finish." James Suckling

"The historic house of Pio Cesare produces some of its best wines today. This classic highlights the purity of Nebbiolo with notes of tart red fruits combined with sweet and savoury spices, followed by subtle hints of flowers and earth. Sour cherry flavours dominate the palate with soft tannins, savoury herbs and a lively finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Pio Cesare has done a great job with his classic Barolo 2019 (produced since 1881). At the bottom of the front label it says "Barolo Pio" in memory of the legendary Pio Boffa. He was a wine entrepreneur who was immediately respected and loved by all who knew him. The wine focuses strictly on the bright Nebbiolo fruit with aromas of redcurrant and aniseed. The finish is soft with tannins that dissolve elegantly on the palate." Wine Advocate

With Bricco Rocche, Bussia, Brunate and Prapò, Ceretto vinifies four masterful single-vineyard Baroli. If you can't decide between these wines, you will find an excellent alternative in the winery's basic Barolo.

Elegant, bright ruby red colour. Dark intensity with great aromatic richness, including ripe cherry and raspberry, paired with noble spice and gentle use of wood. Fruity and floral notes are followed by traces of iron and a delicate hint of liquorice. The flavours are delicate and fragile, and the wine skilfully hides its power in the soft folds of its slender, medium-weight mouthfeel. Polished and clear on the palate, spreading out with delicately creamy tannins, salty undertone, great length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby red with garnet-coloured edges. Seductive, complex nose, raspberries and sour cherries, followed by pepper, nutmeg and some forest floor. Elegant and deep on the palate, refreshing acidity, ripe tannins, lingering, spicy final." Falstaff

"Already white truffle, plum and meat on the nose. Medium to full-bodied with firm and chewy tannins that are polished and racy. Needs time to open up. Better after 2026." James Suckling

"The organic Ceretto 2019 Barolo has a note of juicy cherry and plum that pops up immediately and ties into a floral note, almost musky, like a tuberose or something comparatively fragrant. The fruit leads, but the wine does offer sensual aromas to follow with soft baking spice, mineral and very fine-grained tannins. A blend of fruit comes from Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, La Morra and Serralunga d'Alba. The style is modern classic. This is a very generous wine." Wine Advocate

"A classic! This Barolo opens with aromas of wild cherries, macerated raspberries, drying rose, liquorice, clove and subtle earthy notes. On the palate, it shows the regal nature of Nebbiolo with its ripe red fruits balanced by spicy herbs, tobacco and fine-grained tannins." Wine Enthusiast

The latest addition to Vajra's Barolo line-up comes from a 1.5-hectare plot in Coste di Rose, a small MGA (Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive) in the Barolo region. This is a steep slope at 310 metres above sea level with a high proportion of sandy soils with good drainage, whose vines and soils are cultivated close to nature. This very accessible Barolo is straightforward, forward and impresses even at a young age with its refreshing candour. A very precise bouquet of cherry, plum, liquorice, spices and menthol, followed by a broad and multi-layered fruity palate with plenty of juice and power, supportive tannins and a full, long, mineral and minty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Compared to Bricco delle Viole, Coste di Rose is characterised by sandstone soils at lower altitudes of 340 to 350 metres above sea level. Elegant bouquet with fine red fruit and blue berries, plus smoky and floral tones reminiscent of violets and rose petals. In the mouth, a finely spun, fragrant Barolo with an elegant acidic nerve and juicy fruit sweetness in the finish." Weinwisser

"Sparkling ruby colour with a slight garnet sheen. Clear and memorable, opens with notes of dried roses, then some cloves, plus plenty of plums. Juicy on the palate, shows very good tension, savoury, present, fine-meshed tannins at the core, builds up over a long time." Falstaff

"Truly floral aroma. Very fruity, expressive and flattering. Just a little dry on the finish. Lots of energy." Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 Barolo Coste di Rose is an attractive, medium-bodied wine. Black cherry, lavender, spice, menthol and liquorice are beautifully interwoven. The Coste di Rose is not the most complex Barolo in the range, but it offers plenty of pure appeal in a sensual, open style that can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring time." Vinous

"White pepper, dried roses, berries and minerals on the nose. Very elegant and chalky on the palate with a medium to full body and a linear finish. Pure and powerful." James Suckling

"Coste di Rose is the lowest of the Vajra vineyards and the most recent, 2015, was the first vintage. It is relatively unknown, although it is quite central between Canubi and Brunate. Red-fruited and forward, perhaps with a little less structure, red and blue berries, a hint of lavender and clove and raspberry leaves offer a bright, herbaceous character that lifts the finish." Decanter

"A Barolo of remarkable elegance and complexity. Sublime aromas of mixed wild berries, candied rose petals, cinnamon and whole cloves are accompanied by warm, earthy notes. Tart cherries and cranberries dominate the palate, with woody undertones and chewy tannins that add power without overpowering. Savoury and medicinal herbs linger on the finish, making this wine a captivating expression of this famous cru." Wine Enthusiast

"A beam of fresh cherries and strawberries permeate this graceful red wine, which is carried by a lively structure. Flashes of sun-kissed hay, iron and mint add depth as this wine builds to a lingering finish. Very harmonious, with a chalky sensation in the long, complex aftertaste." Wine Spectator

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

"Light, transparent garnet red colour with a brightening rim. Very appealing on the nose with aromas of sour cherries, raspberries and forest floor as well as hints of rose petals and thyme. Very juicy and fresh on the palate, almost youthful, with grippy tannins and a long final." Falstaff

"Earthy and herbaceous, with a hint of fruit leaves and a delicious aroma reminiscent of strawberry and blackcurrant jam. Freshly ground spices add depth, including sweet cinnamon and spicy thyme. The palate encounters the charm of a vintage with dried cherries, wild herbs and elegant tannins that evoke the timeless appeal of an old-school classic that is delicious now but will refine with age." Wine Enthusiast

"Very fine and polished with flavours of plums, strawberries and cedar wood as well as an undertone of iodine, shells and chocolate. Medium body, ultra-fine tannins and a lovely finish. It is balanced and beautiful. Such brightness and finesse with structure. It's attractive now, but it will reward patience." James Suckling

Enrico Serafino's classic opens in a medium-dark colour with fragrant aromas of dark fruits, plums, spices, iron ore and freshly ploughed earth. Medium-bodied on the palate, rather slender, which is not a flaw, but emphasises the elegance and class of the Nebbiolo grape very nicely. The tannins are present but pleasantly tame, with peppery nuances on the finish, a salty mineral aftertaste and delicate nougat on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a slightly lighter rim. Fruity nose of cherries, plums and forest fruits, with a light cedar wood note and a hint of liquorice in the background. Fresh, juicy and with gripping tannins on the palate, with a fruity, slightly drying finish." Falstaff

"The Comune del Serralunga d'Alba Barolo shows why this wine was created for the village. This wine shows classic Serralunga vitality, power and balance with aromas of crushed black cherries, wild roses, dried herbs and crushed stone on the nose. The dense palate offers a core of ripe red fruit with undergrowth, tea, liquorice root and leather, finishing with lively acidity and firm tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Fresh and lively Barolo with notes of red berries, tangerine peel, dried flowers and bark. Medium to full-bodied. Crisp and structured with firm, dusty tannins. Juicy on the palate with red fruits and a spicy, savoury finish. Attractive now, but even better from 2025." James Suckling

Piras Langhe Nebbiolo is a big, rich wine that smells of dark cherries, strawberries, tobacco and spices. The creamy flavour is bright and broad on the palate with a focused final. SUPERIORE.DE

"A succulent red pierced by a beam of cherry, with earth, sun-kissed hay and licorice accents. Firmly structured, with a long, tactile finish." Wine Spectator

Luca de Marchi's showpiece is the Rosso of the same name from the small DOC Lessona. Fresh garnet red and a rather restrained-cool aroma spectrum open with a lot of understatement the very powerful and spicy taste experience at the first sip, which, however, never seems muscular or fleshy, but expands with constant, medium pressure and a cornucopia of ripe fruit in the mouth. Here and also in the finish, the Lessona-style Nebbiolo comes to full fruition - unlike Barolo or Barbaresco with more restraint and instead a depth that only reveals itself after some time. Gripping and impressive - definitely aerate! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2015 offers wonderfully fragrant rosehip, wet pine and rooibos with a hint of orange, then floral nuances. The lively palate is driven by straightforward acidity, while pomegranate flavours dissolve into silky, fine-grained tannins, finishing with a bracing, saline finish." Decanter

The grapes for the estate's classic Barolo (first harvest in 1881) come from the vineyards/communes of Ornato, La Serra, Briccolina in Serralunga d'Alba, Gustava and Garretti in Grinzane Cavour, Roncaglie in La Morra, Ravera in Novello and, from the 2015 vintage, also from Mosconi in Monforte d'Alba. It is more of a traditional, classic Barolo with an exciting bouquet of deep, dark fruit and a pretty potpourri of rose petals, spices, smoke and tar. It is full-bodied and firm on the palate, opening up with plenty of dense tannins, very powerful, with pressure and a full bite on the finish, designed for a long life. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ingratiating aromas of forest fruits, flowers and mushrooms; supple texture, the acidity well integrated, tightly woven tannin, ends on flavours of ripe stone fruit and spices." Vinum

"Dense, fruity bouquet with rich red fruit and ripe cherries. An intense, juicy-melting drink, ripe cherries, modern Barolo, juicy finish, polished tannins, lingers with ripe fruit." Weinwisser

"Medium transparent garnet red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Fine and elegant aromas of wild berries, sour cherries, some blood orange and light herbal flavours on the nose. Gripping on the palate with flavours of black tea, very present tannins and a multi-layered final." Falstaff

"Sourced from vineyards spreads across the region, this 2020 offers a gentle aroma of cherry and forest berries, sous bois and a touch of menthol. There's more verticality and intensity here compared to the Barbaresco, with fine, round tannins, all wrapped up in some energetic acidity. Dark cherry, mint and hints of liquorice and herbs define this classy effort." Decanter

"A blend of cherry, strawberry, rose, tar and underbrush aromas and flavours highlight this elegant, solid red wine. Smooth in texture until dusty tannins emerge on the finish. Overall very balanced, with a very long finish." Wine Spectator

"Very primary fruit with beautiful flavours of peaches, strawberries, berries and flowers. It is medium to full-bodied, with the character of bitter citrus, cedar, chocolate and coffee beans. Firm on the finish. It needs two or three years to open up and will mature for a very long time." James Suckling

The Bolognas - Barbera pioneers from Piedmont - have their Grappa Invecchiata di Bricco dell'Uccellone produced every year by the famous Distelleria Berta. Obtained from the marc of the Bricco dell'Uccellone, distilled according to the classic, discontinuous method by the Berta grappa dynasty in Mombaruzzo, Piedmont, matured in those wooden barrels in which the coveted and avant-garde Barbera wine was previously aged. Only about 4,000 bottles of this noble distillate are produced.

Delicate golden, impressive colour. Elegantly revealing the essence of Bricco dell'Uccellone, it beautifully reflects the DNA of Barbera. SUPERIORE.DE

Bright garnet red with a copper-coloured rim. Fine olfactory cinema of red fruits and sea buckthorn. In addition, forest earth paired with a hint of tobacco and bitter almond. In the glass still young, initially loud tannins, with some air then softer tones and a powerful, lasting final. An elegant, aristocratic wine that leaves a lasting impression not only on the first glass. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant medium ruby red with orange reflections. Concentrated and ripe cherry with hints of cinnamon and Moroccan leather. Generous and concentrated palate with plenty of ripe acidity and very attractive grainy, long and animating tannins." Jancis Robinson

"A mix of ripe plum, black cherry, soy, eucalyptus and iron flavors plumb the depths of this dense red, which is vibrant and balanced, with ironclad tannins exerting influence on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Barbaresco Cottá is, as is often the case, one of the more striking wines in the range. It has that extra richness in the mid-palate that is missing from some of the wines in this vintage. The fruit profile leans towards the exotic end of the spectrum. Sweet red cherry, red plum, blood orange, mint, spice cake, kirsch and rose petals fill out the layers, adding a racy flair that is very appealing." Vinous

"The 2018 Barbaresco Cottá is bright and cheerful, with tart cherry and floral aromas that rise quickly and deliberately. The wine's focused approach is exactly what sets it apart. It offers a direct delivery of wild berry fruit, honed and brought into focus by minerals, wild rose and liquorice. With a run of 7,000 bottles, the Cottá vineyard in the village of Neive is truly special." Wine Advocate

Translucent purple with a fresh garnet red rim. The bouquet is a potpourri of dried fruits, truffles, dark chocolate and delicate nougat notes. Opens fruity and velvety on the palate and will give pleasure for many years to come with its straightforwardness and wonderfully integrated acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Plum, cherry, eucalyptus, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors combine in this fluid yet firmly structured red, which is intense, lingering with a long aftertaste that echoes the savory elements." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Barbaresco Fausoni with fruit from Neive is another great wine from Sottimano. This expression is polished and glossy, showing tremendous purity for all the senses. Thanks to the graceful aromas of cassis, dried raspberries and plums, you can get excited about this bottle. These wines from the village of Neive are showing excellent results in this cooler 2018 vintage." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Barbaresco Fausoni is another super classic in this range from Sottimano. Floral, spicy and orange peel accents add brightness to this ethereal, very expressive Barbaresco. The 2018 needs a few more years in bottle to develop, but it's already beautiful. This classically austere Barbaresco will appeal most to harvestwith a traditionally oriented palate." Vinous