Wines from Piedmont

Ceretto's single-vineyard Barbaresco Bernadot shows off its elegance and graceful personality. From the fruit of a 4.8-hectare, organically and biodynamically farmed site in Treiso, planted at an altitude of 400 metres above sea level, this pretty Barbaresco develops very specific aromas of wild berries, spices, liquorice and iron rust. These flavours are also essential components of its classic Nebbiolo game on the palate, as is its light and silky texture. Barbaresco Bernadot is very straightforward, delicately flavoured and has a supple personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby-garnet colour with a sparkling core. Rich raspberries and sugared strawberries on the nose, some pomegranate and truffles. On the palate with a red berry centre and a slightly creamy texture, shows a lot of fine-meshed tannin, appears very polished, describes a long arc." Falstaff

"Brilliant, youthful ruby red colour. Serious, still somewhat restrained aroma of cherries and strawberries. Amazing lightness and yet long and concentrated, with long, finely chiselled tannins. Super-elegant and wired at the same time." Jancis Robinson

"Very floral with orange blossom, iron, cedar wood and dried spices. Medium-bodied, firm and slightly slender in the centre of the palate. Firm and racy. Slightly viscous. Needs a few years to mellow." James Suckling

"Broad and expressive, delivering cherry, plum, earth and licorice flavors. Punctuated by lively acidity, this holds together nicely through the expansive finish." Wine Spectator

"Beautiful florality and almost baked cherry candy - cherry drops - on the nose, rose, caramac bar, vanilla, white chocolate and lavender - an infusion of sweet, fruity and floral elements. The palate is statuesque, ripe and massive but so well structured - like crushed velvet with a powdery and also fleshy aspect to the tannins so that they expand and fill the mouth leaving a lingering chalky, powdery saltiness on the tongue and cheeks. Round, rich yet defined and detailed, so much going on but without one element overpowering another, creating a really impressive overall impression. The acidity is wonderful, and there are flecks of cola that add freshness and a savoury note to the wine. The power shows at the end, where the tannins tighten and hold the final flavour, so you know this is a great wine with long ageing potential." Decanter

"The Barbaresco Bernardot 2020 is a top-class Barbaresco from Treiso. Dried cherry, spices, tobacco, leather, incense and cedar adorn this unobtrusive, exquisite Barbaresco. Time in the glass reveals an irresistible inner sweetness and perfume. This is a great wine." Vinous

"The organic Barbaresco Bernadot 2020 offers a darker fruit performance with black cherry and blackcurrant. As with the other wines of this hot and sunny vintage, you can taste the ripeness of the fruit and a certain softness in the background that comes with the territory (and the growing season). The Ceretto team has a skilful hand and you will notice the sharpness and focus of the wine in the mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"From a plot in Treiso, at an altitude of around 400 metres, raw material that benefits from biodynamic cultivation. On the nose, jammy sour cherries with a hint of peony, nuances of dogwood skin and mentholated notes. Juicy and sweet on the palate, with a fruity and floral finish." Luca Gardini

The grapes for this exceptional wine come from vineyards 450 metres above sea level in the Neive district. Fine spicy notes, dark berries and wet earth dominate the precise structure and power of this yet very elegant red. Buy, store and savour in anticipation! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Barbaresco Vigneto Valeirano is a dark, brooding wine. Black cherry, graphite, sage, dried herbs, menthol, licorice and incense infuse the 2020 with tremendous complexity. Powerful but not overdone, it should evolve well for many years to come." Vinous

"Black cherries, fresh flowers, rose stems and lavender aromas follow through to full-bodied palate with chewy tannins that are long and intense. Powerful and structured. Give it four or five years to soften." James Suckling

Barbaresco Starderi from the municipality of Neive is almost austere with its scent of pink pepper and cocoa, which combined with the subtle woody notes gives a delicious overall aroma; powerful and rich in flavour with the still superficial but very noble tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Barbaresco Starderi 2020 shows dark fruits, dried cherries and tarry smoke. The Starderi has a savoury side, and the wine offers additional density and concentration on the finish. Like some of the other wines from the warm growing season of 2020, this wine is more immediate overall, making it well suited for short- and medium-term drinking. But it should also age well if you choose to do so." Wine Advocate

"Very floral with fresh and dried flowers on the nose as well as cherries and hibiscus with some sliced strawberries. Medium to full body, with well-integrated tannins and a long and concentrated finish. Give this wine three or four years to develop." James Suckling

"The Barbaresco Vigneto Starderi 2020 has developed wonderfully. Bright and concentrated, with enormous purity, it impresses from the very first sip. Crushed flowers, sweet red fruits, mint, blood orange and bright salty notes race across the palate." Vinous

A great Barbaresco, destined for long ageing: Garnet red, concentrated and powerful aromas of red berries, freshly cut flowers, mint and tobacco. The flavour is also bursting with power and richness, but still has a captivating purity, immediacy and elegance, the framework of which is formed by the beautifully integrated tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Barbaresco Gallina has a slightly sweet side that is reinforced by the warm sunshine of the summer season but also from the oak aging. There is ripe cherry and cassis along with spice and cured tobacco. The wine is open-knit and quite accessible in terms of mouthfeel. This Barbaresco is pretty much ready to drink straight out of the gate." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Barbaresco Vigneto Gallina is terrific. Brilliant and focused, with mid-weight depth, the 2020 impresses with its poise more than anything else. All the elements are so well balanced. Dried flowers, spice, herbs, mint and licorice open with a bit of coaxing. As is often the case, the Gallina is quite understated in feel." Vinous

"Ripe raspberries and cherries with flowers on the nose. Medium-bodied with firm and chewy tannins that are fine-textured with a long and focused finish. Needs three or four years to come together. Pretty." James Suckling

Honey-coloured with concentrated wood and ripe tones on the nose, which come from the ten months of ageing in barriques. The taste is of heavy sweetness with accentuated tannins, harmonious, round and long. A perfectly balanced digestif - powerful and elegant. SUPERIORE.DE

Well matured (7 years in the barrel) and full of finesse is the Bric del Gaian, which the Berta family produces from Moscato grapes from their own estate. Bright amber in colour, fresh aroma of cirus fruit, sage and vanilla. The velvety taste is extremely engaging. The delicately sweet wood tannins underline the elegant freshness in the fine finish. 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

The grapes for this exceptional wine come from vineyards 450 metres above sea level in the Neive district. Fine spicy notes, dark berries and wet earth dominate the precise structure and power of this yet very elegant red. Buy, store and savour in anticipation! SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of rose petals and botanicals with cherries and dried peaches on the nose. Full-bodied with juicy and plush tannins. Intensely flavoured and very long. There's a lot going on here. Very solid and crisp. Still needs time, drinkable in four or five years." James Suckling

"The 2021 Barbaresco Vigneto Valeirano is a complex, dynamic wine that captures all the presence of Treiso. This fruit is picked a bit riper, needed to soften the tannins, so the flavor profile is a bit racier. Even so, I am drawn to the wine's complexity, nuance and detail. It’s a gorgeous wine." Vinous

At the very top of the Serradenari parcel, the fruit grows for an exceptional Barolo, with which the young winemaker Giulia Negri has truly created a monument to herself. Marassio clearly benefits from the cool climate of Piedmont's high altitudes and will therefore hardly change its character even if the climate continues to change.

Rose petals, fresh cherry mousse and fine spicy notes on the nose. Lively yet precise on the palate, with an aristocratic coolness in which cherries, spices and forest floor are concealed with great restraint and only hesitantly reveal their complexity. The tannins are still demanding and gripping when young, but you can already sense the finesse and elegance that this great wine will confidently display in the glass as it matures, without ever becoming loud. SUPERIORE.DE

"An intense wine with aromas of peach peel, blood oranges, graphite, violets and cinnamon. The palate is soft and velvety with a medium to full body, fruit concentration and a chewy finish due to the tension of acidity and tannins. Slightly toasty finish. Graceful Barolo not without the structure for aging." James Suckling

"This wine elegantly marries the warmth of cedar and sandalwood aromas with an array of drying red fruits sprinkled with rose. Sturdy on the palate with vibrant acidity enhancing the perception of the high-toned, tart red fruits that yield to more savory and earthy elements on the elegant finish." Wine Enthusiast

Barbaresco Starderi from the municipality of Neive is almost austere with its scent of pink pepper and cocoa, which, combined with the subtle woody notes, creates a delicious overall aroma; the flavour is powerful and rich with the still superficial but very noble tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of strawberry, peach and fresh pink rose. Also some hibiscus. Full-bodied and very complex with lovely tannins that are soft and creamy in texture, yet compact and concentrated. Best after 2028, but already drinking so beautifully now." James Suckling

"The 2021 Barbaresco Vigneto Starderi is one of the classiest wines I have tasted from La Spinetta. Vibrant and poised, with striking beauty, the 2021 is wonderfully vivid in the glass. Crushed rose petal, spice, mint, orange peel and cinnamon all soar out of the glass. Brisk acids." Vinous

"This is our flagship wine, a Barolo recognised the world over, which we have always nourished and cared for with greatest respect. Nothing will change. This is why I will dedicate this special wine to my grandchildren Alessia and Stefano. From now on, it will carry their names." Luciano Sandrone on his intention to rename his world-famous Barolo Cannubi Boschis "Aleste" with the 2013 vintage. This Barolo is a masterpiece from Luciano Sandrone in every respect. Not only a historic product but also the only cru of the house from the renowned Cannubi area in Barolo. Rich ruby colour, balsamic bouquet, ripe and sweet. Great suppleness on the palate, lots of fruit, dense tannins, very persistent final with Burgundian elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby colour with a fine garnet shimmer. Opens with notes of plums, rose petals and pickled peach. Polished on the palate, shows layers of tannin, juicy strawberry fruit, flows calmly, very elegant and long." Falstaff

"This wine captivates with aromas of oil-infused rose petals and Maresca cherries overlaid with notes of incense that rise from the glass. The palate is intense, dark and rich, offering a mouth-filling experience of dark plums and an abundance of mixed sweet spices accompanied by dried bay leaves and black tea. The wine finishes with elegant tannins and a powerful acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"This red wine shows broad flavours of cherry, plum, tar, eucalyptus and sweet spices, with an accent of liquorice. It walks a fine line between power and elegance, with a well-integrated structure, refined tannins and a racy, resonant finish." Wine Spectator

"The Barolo Aleste 2020 is a noble, elegant wine that is easy to drink right from the start. Black cherry, plum, mocha, liquorice and dark spices resonate beautifully. Soft and juicy, with silky tannins, the 2020 Aleste is an absolute charmer." Vinous

"The 2020 Barolo Aleste is multi-layered with sweet earth and drunken cherry. It shows seamless integration and a crescendo of intensity that starts with ripe fruit and moves into oak elements, liquorice, spice and balanced acidity. This wine has a beautiful mouthfeel, with length and complexity. The Aleste is made from the fruit of Cannubi Boschis in the commune of Barolo. This is the full programme." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of cherries and hibiscus with hints of tar and dried flowers such as roses. Full-bodied and complex, with lots of juicy and rich fruit that shows the warmth of the vintage but is framed by creamy and chewy tannins that give it shape and intensity. A very serious and structured 2020." James Suckling

Ceretto's single-vineyard Barbaresco Bernadot plays up its elegance and graceful personality. From the fruit of a 4.8-hectare, organically and biodynamically farmed site in Treiso, planted at an altitude of 400 metres above sea level, this pretty Barbaresco unfolds very specific aromas of wild berries, spices, liquorice and iron rust. These aromas are also essential components of its classic Nebbiolo game on the palate, as is its light and silky texture. Barbaresco Bernadot is very straightforward, finely spiced and with a supple personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, medium dense ruby garnet. Clearly marked nose with notes of sour cherry, some thyme and coriander seeds. Very precise in attack and course, opens with fine-meshed tannin, builds well, pithy and firm on the final, sweet melting on the final." Falstaff

"Youthful-looking mid ruby. Rather closed on the nose and pure and concentrated fruit on the palate that is still a little embryonic and with firm but truly ripe, complex tannins. The finish is breathtaking, with perfect balance. Simply gorgeous." Jancis Robinson

"Dried herbs, sour cherries, peaches and fresh mushrooms on the nose. Some cedar, too. Succulent and medium-bodied with fine, sleek tannins. Bright and well balanced." James Suckling

"Ceretto planted vines in Bernadot (400 metres above sea level) in 1997 and 1998. The nose shines for its elegant notes of earthy strawberry, fresh violet and a restrained bloody character. The attack is savoury with pomegranate fruit to the fore. It's full and ripe in terms of tannic structure, despite the extraction, with crisp acidity and a dusty finish. A wine full of delicacy but not without structure for the long haul. One to follow." Decanter

"A bright red, delivering a core of cherry and raspberry fruit supported by earth, mineral and wild herbs. Intense, complex and dense, this is solidly built and persists with an aftertaste of dark fruit, mineral and spice." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barbaresco Bernardot is dark, fleshy and wonderfully nuanced. Soft contours and silky tannins give the 2019 its racy, super-inviting personality. The Bernardot is usually a potent Barbaresco, but in 2019 it is all finesse, all the way. Rose petal, mint, dried cherry and cinnamon linger in this super-expressive Barbaresco from the Ceretto family." Vinous

"The organic Ceretto 2019 Barbaresco Bernadot shows a broader character and a more open-knit personality compared to the Asili. There is a lot of dark fruit, spice, truffle and earth to frame the medium-build of this elegant wine." Wine Advocate

Ceretto's entry-level Barbaresco comes from different sites, mostly younger vines from Asili (35%) and the lower part of Bernadot (65%). Bright, elegant ruby red. It has full energy and vivacity and offers excellent persistence and remarkable balance. On the nose, sweet red cherry, mint, pine, liquorice and candied orange peel. Taut and ferruginous on the palate, very juicy, salty, stretches precisely across the tongue, with some pressure, considerable juicy-long finish. After good aeration already impressively accessible when young. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, elegant ruby red. In the nose noble, perceptible use of wood, discreet spice, red fruit core, blood orange, light leather. Taut and ferruginous on the palate, very juicy, salty, stretches precisely across the tongue, with some pressure, considerable juicy-long finish." Falstaff

"Pure flavors of cherry, strawberry and rose highlight this elegant red, accented by cut hay, white pepper and tobacco. It's solid and long, with a chalky feel on the finish. Best from 2023." Wine Spectator

"Ceretto's classic 2017 Barbaresco opens quickly and nicely in the glass. That playful accessibility is a trait that I found in many of the Barbarescos from this vintage. Compared to the two vineyard-specific expressions (Asili from Barbaresco and Bernadot from Treiso), this wine offers broad brush strokes of wild berry, spice, licorice and iron ore. That's exactly the mission of this wine: It provides an authentic portrait of a grape. Fruit represents a blend from various sites, including young vines from Asili and the lower parts of Bernadot. This wine is poised for near and medium-term drinking." Wine Advocate

"Really open, rich and complex on the nose, showing dried roses, strawberries and cherries. Full-bodied, layered, rich and flavorful with dried-strawberry, white-truffle and mushroom undertones. Juicy and fruity at the end. A little more opulence than normal." James Suckling

If you stumble across a vineyard qua fate, then you might as well move on. Luca Roagna, however, did what he had to do. He inherited this old vineyard, which was completely planted with Timorasso, and since it immediately became clear to him to do something useful with it, and he did not know anything about this historic grape variety, he asked Walter Massa, who has been dedicated to this rare variety for decades, without further ado. And so, after a few years, he succeeded in making a wine from it that can more than compete with those of his teacher!

Radiant, clear stagnant yellow. In the nose quince, citrus and a potpourri of yellow fruits. On the palate, this saltiness is paired with a well-dosed wood spice. The long maceration time gives this great white wine power and endurance. Fine astringency is paired with a pressure that gives this wine - paired with well-dosed acidity and always very present fruit - the uniqueness that makes it at least equal to the great whites of the Loire or Burgundy, even in direct comparison. And yet it bears the individual Roagna signature: a style that cannot be found in France or in other Piedmont vineyards. And that really means something, since the white wines of this noble Italian region are getting better from year to year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Timorasso Derthona Montemarzino 2020 is a very beautiful and expressive white wine. Spicy and mineral accents are in the foreground. Taut and nervous, with great energy, the 2020 is a fine example of what Timorasso can be. Dried lemon peel, almond, mint, graphite, chamomile and spice take shape with a little coaxing. harvestunfamiliar with Timorasso should expect a phenolic, dry white wine with a lot of aromatic and flavour complexity, but not much fruit. This is a wine for the dinner table." Vinous

"The Roagna 2020 Derthona Montemarzino is an interesting and unusual wine. There is an almost herbal preface with minty apple and lemon thyme that cedes to softer white peach and quince. Timorasso gains in complexity as it ages, picking up elegant petroleum-like nuances and dusty mineral sensations with time. The 2020 vintage was warm, so it goes to stand that the wine is all about primary fruit now. But it should be worthwhile to come back and visit this bottle in five or 10 years' time." Wine Advocate

A few years ago, Pio Boffa, who has sadly since passed away, bought himself a "small" present for his 60th birthday. Not a new set of golf clubs, a picture to hang in the hall, a holiday for him and his family. No. Just a vineyard called Mosconi in Monforte d'Alba, a region of Piedmont where four generations of the Pio Cesare dynasty were never able to gain a foothold. Originally, the grapes from the 10-hectare vineyard were intended to enhance the quality of his classic Barolo, but after the first barrel samples, Pio Boffa realised unmistakably that this would be at least an equal - albeit stylistically different - counterpart to the hitherto undisputed flagship Ornato.

Mosconi is more light-footed than Ornato, the nose is dominated by red rather than black fruit, with an irresistible liquorice and a juiciness that will immediately put it at the top of the entire appellation. On the palate, it has a precision that is unrivalled; it is less powerful than Ornato, but more elegant and subtle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby-garnet colour. Mysterious nose, initially of cold black tea, then delicate earthy notes, then mint, cinchona bark, then delicate wild berry and raspberry fruit in the second area. Shows a lot of tannin and pressure on the palate, builds up like a pyramid, noble earthy tones on the finish, lingers for a very long time." Falstaff

"Mid-to-deep ruby with orange tinges. Less exalted that the Parusso version but with the same perfumed undertow and with savoury, minerally and oaky hints. Totally seductive palate of succulent, round fruit spiked with gripping tannins." Jancis Robinson

"This red wine with its cherry and raspberry fruit is ripe and lively, with a solid basic structure. It gains depth with notes of iron, liquorice and tar, while a salty note emerges on the long, intense finish. Ripe, with a sense of restraint - a fascinating combination." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barolo Mosconi is a great wine from this vineyard. Rich and explosive, the 2019 offers plenty of Mosconi intensity along with the more classic sense of structure that is now a signature of the house. Dark red fruits, sage, blood orange, tobacco and cedar all come through beautifully in this dramatic, full-bodied Barolo." Vinous

"The Pio Cesare 2019 Barolo Mosconi offers the structure and length of a Nebbiolo from Monforte d'Alba. You also get a salty mineral tone or rusty iron framing a core of wild berries and blackcurrants. The Mosconi always strikes me as very straightforward and direct, and this particular sharpness is what I like most about this vintage." Wine Advocate

"Macerated raspberries combine with wild roses and crushed chalk in this evocative wine that captivates from the first sniff. Mixed cherries emerge on the palate, dusted with aniseed, liquorice and savoury herbs, with superfine tannins leading to a long finish that I wish would never end." Wine Enthusiast

"Cru Mosconi, the house's latest acquisition, a perfect snapshot of the Monforte terroir. Dogwood on the nose, with notes of pink grapefruit and clove, in the mouth with iodised tannins, crisp and exciting, beautiful finish." Luca Gardini

"The flavours of blue fruits such as raspberries and blueberries are very pronounced. Liquorice. Crushed stone. Violets. Full-bodied. So noble with ultra-fine tannins that last forever. Wonderful depth with cool and concentrated fruit. A lively and sophisticated wine with power and finesse. A classic." James Suckling

The grapes for Roberto's "entry-level Barolo" come from four of his best vineyards, which are harvested a few weeks earlier than those reserved for his Grand Crus. It is also the most balanced of his Barolo wines, even if the fruit and acidity are anything but restrained, but the proportions are just right here. The structure is great, its length and elegance inspiring - the refined layered components such as raspberry, cherry and its subtle salty vein make it without doubt one of the most serious wines of the entire appellation - a real Voerzio for comparatively little money. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of plum, strawberry, orange peel, and loam with hints of cedar and hazelnut. Flowers, too. Full body, juicy fruit and a tangy finish. A combination of ripeness and pure fruit. Flavorful at the end." James Suckling

Bricco della Bigotta smells of cherries, cinnamon, black pepper and a hint of tobacco. On the palate, great finesse and harmonious balance between acidity and alcohol. Lingers long with character and class. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, deep dark ruby with a slight violet shimmer. Very intense and deep nose of dark wild raspberries and black cherries, in the background cinnamon and some red beet. Round and mouth-filling on the palate, showing lots of ripe cherry fruit, embedded in fine melting, unfolds elegantly and with persistence." Falstaff

"Aromas of baked plum, baking spice and mocha emerge from the glass. The bold, full-bodied palate offers cherry marinated in spirits, white pepper and cocoa alongside smooth tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Like all the Barberas from Braida in this flight, the alcohol content is recorded at a hefty 15.5% here, but the 2018 Barbera d'Asti Bricco della Bigotta shows a lot more ripeness, sweetness and rich concentration across the board. This expression is just heavier and denser. You sink your teeth into this red wine. There is oak spice and toasted cinnamon, and the wine carries extra fruit weight." Wine Advocate

Chiara Boschi's Cannubi 2020 beguiles on the nose with layers of fragrant fruit. A sensual Barolo and yet quite typical in its vineyard character. Soft, silky tannins frame the long finish. A wonderful wine, characterised by its balance and above all by the sweetness of its tannins. Very full-bodied, focussed and with great length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Exciting attack of stone fruit, dried flowers and herbs; powerful texture, combines character and polish, has length and ends on complex notes of forest fruits and spices." Vinum

"Sparkling, rich ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Initially of tea and rose petals, then blackberry and wild raspberry, some graphite in the background. Lots of red berry fruit, especially black cherry, then gripping tannin, gives the wine depth, savoury and long." Falstaff

"The Barolo Cannubi 2020 is elegant, silky and nuanced. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, cinnamon and orange peel give this medium-bodied, restrained Barolo a remarkable aromatic presence. All elements are beautifully balanced throughout. The 2020 is a lovely wine, but a lighter style even for Cannubi. The lighter body makes the tannins seem a little austere. It will be interesting to see how it develops." Vinous

"The talented Chiara Boschis has created a jewel from this cru in 2020. Pure mint and liquorice scents with deep notes of dried cherries, leather and blood orange. Very elegant with great persistence and a classic finish." Decanter

"A well of pure cherry bubbles up in this red, complemented by rose, strawberry, mineral, wet pine and underbrush aromas and flavors. Though exuding finesse, this is layered with chalky tannins, yet still extends with a kaleidoscope of red fruit, mineral and savory notes on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"Nervous and complex nose with excellent depth. Oranges, nutmeg, steel, minerals and a hint of white pepper and oyster shells. Broad and expansive on the palate with very structured, chalky tannins that expand into a long, mineral finish. Long and youthful." James Suckling

"Chiara Boschi's 2020 Barolo Cannubi is a fine and delicate wine, even if it is a little more pithy and rich in this warm vintage. The quality of the fruit is exceptional, especially the crisp ripeness. Dark cherry, blackcurrant, rose petal, pink pepper and white limestone add considerable notes. The freshness is great and the fruit remains juicy, leading to a long, elegant finish. Only 4,000 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"A wine of density, tension and crispness. On the nose, notes of cranberry, hints of blood orange and liquorice root, with a powerful finish of wild mint. Salty, juicy tannins on the palate, with a return of small red fruits and mentholated notes." Luca Gardini

If you stumble across a vineyard qua fate, then you might as well move on. Luca Roagna, however, did what he had to do. He inherited this old vineyard, which was completely planted with Timorasso, and since it immediately became clear to him to do something useful with it, and he did not know anything about this historic grape variety, he asked Walter Massa, who has been dedicated to this rare variety for decades, without further ado. And so, after a few years, he succeeded in making a wine from it that can more than compete with those of his teacher!

Radiant, clear stagnant yellow. In the nose quince, citrus and a potpourri of yellow fruits. On the palate, this saltiness is paired with a well-dosed wood spice. The long maceration time gives this great white wine power and endurance. Fine astringency is paired with a pressure that gives this wine - paired with well-dosed acidity and always very present fruit - the uniqueness that makes it at least equal to the great whites of the Loire or Burgundy, even in direct comparison. And yet it bears the individual Roagna signature: a style that cannot be found in France or in other Piedmont vineyards. And that really means something, since the white wines of this noble Italian region are getting better from year to year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Timorasso Derthona Montemarzino is ethereal and light on its feet. More importantly, Luca Roagna coaxes a level of textural finesse that is not common with Timorasso, all while retaining the grape's phenolic feel. Mint, dried lemon peel, almond, sage, lime and yellow flavors all develop in this savory, vibrant dry white." Vinous

Scarrone Vigna Vecchia" has been certified organic since the 2019 vintage. Multi-layered aroma with notes of wild berries, chocolate and mint, lots of power, fruit and fullness on the palate, spicy-opulent final. A Barbera that can and should mature. The small edition of this exquisite extract from just under 1.4 hectares of vineyard is usually sold out in no time at all. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wow, this wine is all about concentration and power. This is due to several factors, including firstly the hot vintage and secondly the great age of these precious vines. Just remember that they were planted in 1918, during the final offensive of the First World War. The Vietti 2020 Barbera d'Alba Scarrone Vigna Vecchia has a deep black appearance and is certainly not shy about its thickness and density. The wine coats the palate with baked fruit and blackberry jam. This is an extreme expression of Barbera, but considering the nuances, the wine also shows very careful balance." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Barbera d'Alba Scarrone Vigna Vecchia captures all the magic of the old vines in this cru from Castiglione Falletto. Black cherry, plum, liquorice, incense, melted road tar and spices combine in a Barbera of unusual complexity, power and elegance. Again, the purity of the flavours is downright compelling." Vinous

"Concentrated aromas of black cherry, cinnamon, black tea and rosebud are found in the glass. The palate is a study in both richness of fruit and lifted elegance as the lush cherry and blackberry flavors set the stage but are then bolstered by the vibrant acidity and sweet and savory spices. It's well-balanced and supremely structured." Wine Enthusiast

If you frequently take part in barrel tastings, you will know that the same wine can develop differently in each barrel. So far so good, because it is usually only nuances that equalise after bottling and further ageing in the bottle. In the case of the 2017 Boca, however, Christoph Künzli very quickly realised that the wine from one of his barrels had a greater complexity and at the same time a youthful exuberance, which impressed him so much that he quickly decided to wait to bottle this barrel. After a total of five years, he then bottled a Boca that not only opens up new facets, but also represents the terroir in a terrific way like no other. The result was a wine that he dedicated to Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD), who first mentioned the growing region in his "Naturalis Historia" ...

Deep bouquet of crushed flowers, small sweet red berries, mint and mountain herbs. The palate is full and rich with a beguiling texture and an almost weightless style. It captivates us until the long final, its purity and balance are unique. Plinius (i.e. the aforementioned Boca 2017 cask) is a fascinating and contemplative wine that should be savoured for several hours (or days) in the glass, if you manage to resist for that long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Künzli uses a hotter fermentation that melts the tannins together, resulting in greater structure and longer ageing potential. With its aromas of ripe cherries, tobacco, cloves and peppercorns, you can imagine it as an autumn or winter wine. Generous tannins, beautiful acidity, restrained oak notes and excellent complexity." Decanter

"The 2017 Plinius is a potent, explosive wine, rushing from the glass with macerated cherry, kirsch, rose petal, sage, mint and tobacco. The 2017 is deep, dense and expressive in its first impression, but then loses some of that persistence on the mid-palate and finish. Even so, the 2017 is a very pretty wine and a fine choice for drinking in the near term." Vinous

Ceretto's entry-level Barbaresco comes from different sites, mostly younger vines from Asili (35%) and the lower part of Bernadot (65%). Bright, elegant ruby red. It has full energy and vivacity and offers excellent persistence and remarkable balance. On the nose, sweet red cherry, mint, pine, liquorice and candied orange peel. Taut and ferruginous on the palate, very juicy, salty, stretches precisely across the tongue, with some pressure, considerable juicy-long finish. After good aeration already impressively accessible when young. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright garnet red with ruby reflections. Intense nose of sour cherry and rosehip, then some leather, tobacco and forest floor, complex. On the palate filigree mouth entry, with soft tannin, harmonious and well balanced, elegant, juicy finish." Falstaff

"This has aromas of oak and toasted nut that come to the forefront while berry and spice stay in the background. Tightly wound and primary, the palate offers raspberry jam, vanilla and licorice alongside close-grained tannins that grip the close. Fresh acidity keeps it bright." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Barbaresco is bright and nicely focused. Crushed red berry fruit, cedar, tobacco and spice are lifted. Veins of supporting tannin and acid give this mid-weight, nervy Barbaresco lovely energy. The 2019 is elegant and also quite promising." Vinous

"The 2019 Barbaresco displays high-toned aromas of sweet raspberries, rose petals and liquorice that anticipates an open-knit palate with clear-cut flavours of crunchy raspberries and redcurrants. Ripe acidity and well-extracted tannins extend the attractively floral and balsamic finish." Decanter

"This is a very firm young Barbaresco with dried strawberry, crunchy fruit and fresh flowers, such as roses. Bitter lemon and tar, too. Full-bodied, chewy and polished. Flavorful finish." James Suckling

"The Ceretto 2019 Barbaresco is an organic wine that paints a clear picture of a beautiful vintage. Tart cherry, white licorice and dusty earth lift from the bouquet and give this wine a sharp sense of focus and intensity. Ceretto has released a superb set of Barbarescos this year, starting with this classic expression." Wine Advocate

A few years ago, Pio Boffa, who has sadly since passed away, bought himself a "small" present for his 60th birthday. Not a new set of golf clubs, a picture to hang in the hall, a holiday for him and his family. No. Just a vineyard called Mosconi in Monforte d'Alba, a region of Piedmont where four generations of the Pio Cesare dynasty were never able to gain a foothold. Originally, the grapes from the 10-hectare vineyard were intended to enhance the quality of his classic Barolo, but after the first barrel samples, Pio Boffa realised unmistakably that this would be at least an equal - albeit stylistically different - counterpart to the hitherto undisputed flagship Ornato.

Mosconi is more light-footed than Ornato, the nose is dominated by red rather than black fruit, with an irresistible liquorice and a juiciness that will immediately put it at the top of the entire appellation. On the palate, it has a precision that is unrivalled; it is less powerful than Ornato, but more elegant and subtle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby colour with a delicate garnet rim. Very fragrant and surprisingly fresh nose of dewy roses, with pithy plums and some dark cherries. Full-bodied and straightforward on the palate, initially showing fine fruit, then spicy components of fennel seed and leather, full-bodied pressure on the final." Falstaff

"The Mosconi unfolds with a medley of ripe plums and cherries, underpinned by the gentle scent of blue violets and rosebuds, with sandalwood, wild herbs and roasted shiitake adding depth. On the palate, the red fruits shine with a refined and silky structure, flanked by a rich carpet of savoury spices and a hint of salty minerality." Wine Enthusiast

"The Mosconi opens with an appealing rusty aroma intermingled with macerated cherry and balsamic herbs. Its character is vertical, with a more red-fruited profile compared to the broader, palate-spanning, dark-fruited Ornato. Dusty tannins and savoury red and black cherries at the core are surrounded by flecks of orange peel, iron, salt, herbs, black pepper and oak. A beautiful, complex and age-worthy Barolo." Decanter

"Enchanting flavours of flowers such as violets and lemon blossom, with raspberries and cranberries. Full-bodied yet focused, with a structure that builds and builds and builds on the palate, remaining fresh and lively. The tannins are energetic and very, very long. A contemporary jewel. Fascinating. A thoughtful wine." James Suckling