Wines from Piedmont

Barolo Cannubi is a great wine that highlights the classic beauty of Nebbiolo. This wine is like a statue of a Greek goddess with perfect proportions and feminine aesthetics. The bouquet is complex, with bright fruits, white pepper, mint, orange peel and spicy liquorice. The tannins are polished and fine, with a hint of the characteristic limestone chalk that you sometimes taste in Cannubi. Lively acidity rounds out this extremely elegant, fresh and graceful wine. Very full-bodied and focused with great length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Scents of fresh fruit, topped with notes of smoke and sandalwood; pithy palate, robust tannins, accentuated acidity, the finish promising." Vinum

"Delightful. Very beautiful nose of cherries and ripe raspberries with mineral, chalky notes and a hint of oatmeal, but always very subtle. Purity, elegance and fullness on the palate. Long, fresh, precise finish of raspberries with a long and fine tannin structure. Wonderful fragrance on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"A very refined yet structured Cannubi with fine tannins that spread across the palate. Medium bodied with lovely juicy fruit of plums, berries and cedar. Persistent finish with citrus notes in the aftertaste." James Suckling

"Bright, noble ruby garnet. In the nose on lush black currant, liquorice, slightly after heart cherries, jasmine, cedar wood. On the palate polished, elegant, with juicy tannin and very well brought out fruit, harmonious interplay, great length." Falstaff

"A red of depth and opulence, with black cherry and blackberry fruit accented by earth, green olive tapenade, green tea and tobacco flavors. Complex, with considerable power and length, this will require a bit more time to integrate than its peers." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barolo Cannubi is simply stunning. Rich and beautifully structured, the 2019 shines from start to finish. Fresh cut flowers, mint, crushed red berry fruit, orange peel, salt and dried herbs are some of the many notes that grace this exquisite, beautifully nuanced Barolo from Chiara Boschis. Sweet floral and spicy overtones build on the finish. The precision of this Barolo is incredible. Barrel ageing works so well here. What a wine!" Vinous

"Tart, firm, very deep and rather cool, finely herbal and a hint of dried floral scent of more black than red berries with a hint of tomatoes, leathery tones, a little juniper, cedar and restrained barrel notes. Clear, polished, fresh-looking, fine-juicy and yet almost massive fruit with notes of resinous herbs, some nuts and a hint of smoke, youthful, very fine tannin, some bite, persistent and dense on the palate, leathery and tobacco nuances, lots of salt in the background, a hint of roses, elegant style for all its power and firmness, enormously deep and complex, still barely developed, very good to long, tart, taut and fine-juicy, almost cool-looking finish. Outstanding in its incredible blend of massiveness, freshness. Precision and finesse." Wein-plus

"Last autumn I had the opportunity to hike the Cannubi vineyard with Chiara Boschis. You really don't get a feel for how steep the inclines are and how dusty the ground is until you are on site and struggling with each difficult step. It masters the difficult terrain effortlessly. The 2019 Barolo Cannubi shows an etched or three-dimensional quality with sharp fruit aromas, blue flower and chalky stone. There were some weather extremes during the growing season, but it all evened out in the end. Phenolic ripeness was easily achieved. Chiara Boschis describes the 2019 as a cross between 2016 and 2017." Wine Advocate

"A "blessed" vintage for one of the house's historic crus, a wine of density and crisp tension. Notes of cranberries on the nose, with hints of blood orange and liquorice root, with classic end mentholation. Salty, acidic tannins on the palate, with a fruity, mentholated finish." Luca Gardini

Eucalyptus and red berries on the nose. Energetic, deep and elegant Barbaresco with a cornucopia of fruit, plus some rose petals and spices. Wonderfully polished style, one of Pelissero's great wines. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Barbaresco Tulin strikes a compelling middle ground in Giorgio Pelissero's range. It has the richness usually found in his wines, but a good bit of freshness too. Floral and spice overtones weave into a core of red/purplish berry fruit, lending striking inner perfume and energy throughout. Nicely delineated and impeccable in its balance, the Tulin is impressive today." Vinous

Undisputedly the most powerful and robust Barolo in Roberto Voerzio's top range is the Rocche dell'Annunziata from one of La Morra's best sites. For us, it is a benchmark in determination and forward-driven dynamism. Wonderfully coordinated fruit and spice components, a great wealth of impressions and precisely drawn beauty characterise this exceptional Barolo. Intensely fragrant nose of plums, pickled cherries and lots of raspberry, rounded off by cedar, spices and tobacco. In its depth, complexity and determination it does not come to rest, even 24 hours after opening the bottle the connoisseur is still surprised with fine notes of mint and balsam and this immensely expressive and charming wine shows no signs of ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dried strawberry with some cherry, nutmeg and spice. Some dried meat, too. Full-bodied, chewy and rich with integration and focus. The tannins are really put together beautifully. Long and intense. Tight at the end. This needs at least four or five years to open." James Suckling

Its rich bouquet exudes the sweet scent of red cherries and an elegant blend of flowers, mint, spices and liquorice. The taste is velvety and inviting, with a perfect balance of powerful fruit, integrated tannins and beautifully balanced acidity. Radiance and complexity are overwhelming. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby garnet. Very present and intense nose, smells invitingly of ripe wild raspberries, plus some leather and liquorice. Very powerful on the palate, ripe cherry and plums in the aromas, grippy, gripping tannin, pithy, but also good melting, can calmly store a little longer." Falstaff

"Aromas of French oak and roasted coffee bean lead the nose along with whiffs of pressed rose petal, eucalyptus and the barest hint of berry. The firm, full-bodied palate offers licorice, coconut, vanilla and dried cherry alongside assertive, close-grained tannins. You'll also feel the warmth of alcohol on the close." Wine Enthusiast

"Expressing balsamic aromas and flavors of soy, eucalyptus, wild thyme and tobacco, this Barolo also delivers ripe plum and cherry midpalate, with earth and tar accents rounding out the profile. Gruff tannins mark the finish, so be patient." Wine Spectator

"Gaja manages two different plots in Cerequio, from where most of the grapes for Conteisa come. Both exposures - southeast and east - mark the character of this wine. If Sperss is the Yin, Conteisa would be the Yang: It's dark fruited with black cherry and plum complemented by graceful wild herbs and mint, and a bloody, olive-like savouriness. Full-bodied and crisp, the tannins are firm, thick and dusty yet evolved." Decanter

"The Gaja 2017 Barolo Conteisa opes to an immediate sense of dimension and textural width that distinguishes this hot growing season. In this case, that additional volume and power are expertly contained and refined in this wine with fruit from the Cerequio vineyard of Barolo. This wine excels most noticeably in terms of mouthfeel. The finish is silky and long and those more astringent 2017 tannins are gracefully absent here." Wine Advocate

"The 2017 Barolo Conteisa is rich, ample and inviting. Sweet pipe tobacco, cedar and dried flowers lend captivating aromatic presence to the Gaja family's La Morra Barolo. Even so, the 2017 is quite closed today, which is rather unusual for a wine that is typically far more open in the early going. That's probably a good sign for the future, though. Time in the glass brings out the classic Conteisa red-toned fruit profile. More than anything else, I am so impressed with how the 2017 gets better and better with air. This is a terrific showing." Vinous

"Fabulous aromas of ripe strawberry and raspberry with hazelnut and citrus follow through to a medium to full body with ultra-fine tannins and a racy and refined finish. It’s so fresh for the vintage and goes on for minutes. A classy and great wine. Better after 2025." James Suckling

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

Back then, when Angelo planted a vineyard with Cabernet Sauvignon, Angelo's grandfather spoke of a disgrace. This word (Italian: Darmagi) eventually gave the single-varietal Cabernet its name. The result is anything but a disgrace: black fruits, espresso, grilled herbs and cassis in the rich and dense bouquet. Elegance and harmony on the palate, flavours of leather and a certain earthiness increase the complexity. The tannin is already an imposing part of the composition and promises great things for the future. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Darmagi is elegant, delicate and refined. It shows the mid-weight structure of the year in Barbaresco, with lovely varietal character and exceptional textural finesse. Bright red/purplish fruit and lifted floral notes build into the polished, gracious finish. This is an especially classy, understated edition of Gaja's Cabernet Sauvignon." Vinous

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

First bottled in 1967, Roncaglie (formerly Barbaresco Masseria) comes from a vineyard in Bricco di Neive and is essentially vinified and aged like a Barolo. Since the 2018 vintage, it now comes from a small parcel that used to belong to the Socré Barbaresco winery and is now deliberately released a year later to ensure greater harmony and balance. Floral and spicy notes merge with a core of rich, generous fruit in a generous Barbaresco based on pure resonance. Barbaresco Roncaglie is vinified and matured in the same way as Vietti's single-vineyard Barolos. This means long fermentation, six months in French oak and more than two years in barrique. This, together with the broad shoulders of Neive, results in a noble Nebbiolo with clear hints of Barolo and impressive depth. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby. Firm, concentrated raspberry-fruit nose becoming more opulent and perfumed with aeration. Impressively balanced on the palate with wired, juicy raspberry and fine tannins. Full aromatic spread on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"The Vietti 2020 Barbaresco Roncaglie Masseria has bright rose, cherry, redcurrant and angel food cake with strawberries. There are mineral notes as well, and the fruit unfolds over the palate with gentle intensity. There is some oak spice, but it is very well integrated; and the wine shows good balance, especially where the tannins versus acidity is concerned." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Barbaresco, from vines in Roncaglie, sizzles with tension. Bright, red-toned fruit, orange peel, mint, white pepper and crushed rocks are all beautifully delineated. In many vintages, the Roncaglie is quite showy. That is hardly the case in 2020, a vintage in which the wine is classically austere and in need of time. Super-classic." Vinous

"Very perfumed and pretty with sliced strawberries and citrus blossom. Plenty of forest berries, too. Medium to full body. Creamy tannins and a fresh finish. Fine texture and gorgeous." James Suckling

If you stumble across a vineyard by fate, then you might as well keep going. Luca Roagna, however, did what he had to do. He inherited this old vineyard, which was planted entirely with Timorasso, and as he immediately realised that he wanted to do something useful with it and was unfamiliar with this historic grape variety, he quickly asked Walter Massa, who had been dedicated to this rare variety for decades. And so, after just a few years, he succeeded in making a wine from it that more than rivalled those of his teacher!

Brilliant, clear straw yellow colour. Quince, citrus and a potpourri of yellow fruit on the nose. On the palate, this salinity is paired with a well-dosed woody flavour. The long maceration time gives this great white wine strength and persistence. Fine astringency is combined 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 either in France or in other Piedmont vineyards. And that is really saying something, as the white wines from this noble Italian region are improving from year to year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Luca Roagna's 2022 Timorasso Derthona Montemarzino is a gorgeous, exotic white. Hints of lemon confit, marzipan, white flowers and herbs build beautifully over time. Attractive floral overtones and silky contours give this creamy, layered Timorasso notable finesse." Vinous

Giulia Negri would certainly not have the nickname "Barolo Girl" if this wine did not exist. The grapes for this archetype of a modern-traditional (sic!) Barolo come from the top vineyards of Brunate and Serradenari, the latter of which lies at an altitude of up to 520 metres and the soils are clayey-sandy. The grapes are fermented spontaneously and then matured in large oak barrels. Barriques? Not a chance.

Deep, light ruby red colour. Rose petals, nutty notes and small red berries on the nose. The fine fragrance continues on the palate: even though it does not deny its origin or the grape variety, it has an almost unique elegance and freshness that makes it recognisable as a lively and complete top wine even at a young age. Further years of ageing are certainly not a mistake, as you can impressively feel how the increasing complexity with age joins the finesse and elegance that is already unmistakable today. A bottle for now and the rest not too far away in the cellar! SUPERIORE.DE

"Beautiful, fine tannins, velvety and polished, with a medium to full body. Juicy and full of flavour. A hint of orange peel. Seamless. Deep mouthfeel. Loamy soils." James Suckling

"Savory aromas swiftly emerge, accompanied by wild mixed berries and herbs. The palate delights with sour plum, Bing cherry, mint, warmed spices, tar and dark earthy nuances. An exceptional expression of Negri's winemaking prowess." Wine Enthusiast

Barolo La Serra emerges from the glass with a playful bouquet of dark red fruits, tar, smoke, liquorice, spices and new leather. The high-toned notes of rose petals, typical of this site near La Morra, are complemented by subtle strawberry and raspberry notes, resulting in this wonderfully elegant and subtle overall package, an attractive, supremely elegant Barolo that is hard to beat for finesse, purity and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fascinating aromas of cranberries, strawberries and sandalwood follow a medium body with firm, integrated tannins and a long, flavourful finish. Racy and concentrated. Elegance with power." James Suckling

"The proverbial craftsmanship of Roberto Voerzio in the interpretation of a great classic of the winery. La Morra range, pomegranate on the nose, with hints of undergrowth, juniper and rhubarb. The palate is very elegant and crisp, with spicy tannins complemented by notes of undergrowth and sensations of small red fruits." Luca Gardini

Undeniably the most powerful and robust Barolo in Roberto Voerzio's top range is the Rocche dell'Annunziata from one of the best sites of La Morra. For us, it is a benchmark in determination and forward-driven dynamism. Wonderfully coordinated fruit and spice components, a great wealth of impressions and precisely drawn beauty characterise this exceptional Barolo. Intensely fragrant nose of plums, pickled cherries and lots of raspberry, rounded off by cedar, spices and tobacco. In its depth, complexity and determination it does not come to rest, even 24 hours after opening the bottle the connoisseur is still surprised with fine notes of mint and balsam and this immensely expressive and charming wine shows no signs of ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Crazy aromas of limes, dried strawberries and kumquats. Medium-bodied with very integrated tannins that caress and soothe your palate. Focused and long." James Suckling

"Bright ruby with brightening garnet rim. Multi-layered nose, opens with notes of anise, then plums and wild raspberry. Sparkles and shines on the palate, lots of sweet fruit melt, shows plenty of fine-mesh tannin on the back end, warm and smooth, very long, spicy finish." Falstaff

Barolo Brunate is a stunning expression with great complexity and finesse. The wine shows a lively garnet red colour with a balanced and intense bouquet: sage, mint, undergrowth, tar, tobacco and liquorice nuances give Brunate a striking aromatic complexity. At the core of the bouquet, as well as on the palate, there is a lot of dark fruit, including blackcurrants and plums. Gains breadth with time in the glass and with further bottle maturity, the already fine tannins will surely become even smoother. A Barolo of real presence and stature and for us the most accessible Barolo in Voerzio's exceptional collection! SUPERIORE.DE

"Strawberries and dried flowers, such as mustard, on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied, with firm tannins. Tight and focused. Needs time to open, but elegant and structured. Try after 2025." James Suckling

Barolo Cerequio unfolds its cornucopia of cherries, ripe red berries, violets, leather and tar in the glass only after many minutes. Firm and punchy on the palate - shows an impressive and solid construction, yet the wine remains delicate, mineral and finesse-rich all the time. It is perhaps the most balanced of Roberto Voerzio's top tier of wines, and even though it seems quite approachable when young, it too will only reveal its true potential and class in many years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Roberto Voerzio manages the extremes of Cerequio - a southern site in the lower part and two more east-facing sites in the upper part of the MGA. This combination gives the 2018 a special vivacity - there is no Granatton here. The aroma is soapy, with hints of cinnamon, black pepper and plenty of pencil lead. That graphite note shows on the palate too, along with ripe, creamy tannins, moderate but good acidity and a refreshing, polished finish. It's still marked by the oak, but otherwise ready to drink." Decanter

"One of the bottles that embody the winery and, in general, the Langhe area, a monument to the La Morra area from a mythological Cru. Great cleanliness in a wine that shows a nose of redcurrants, with hints of peony, laurel and star anise. The mouthfeel is dense, elegant and exciting, with spicy tannins and great persistence." Luca Gardini

"A level of ripeness and structure not found in 2018 Barolos, with aromas and flavours of ripe strawberries, cedar and fresh earth. Full and expansive but fine tannins and a fresh finish give this young red a seductive sensibility. Very, very long. Best after 2026." James Suckling

Extremely focused Barolo in a class of its own. Precisely defined fruit notes of wild berries, redcurrant, rosehip and crushed slate. Firm on the palate with a very well defined core, softly wrapped and cushioned by a very relaxed texture. Its elegance and extreme length, together with its well-dosed use of power, put it on a par with the Brunate from the same house. SUPERIORE.DE

Complex and multi-layered classic from the old master of Nebbiolo from Piedmont. Cedar wood, plum, red fruit, undergrowth and a hint of rose on the nose. Balanced, spicy flavour, firm tannins and a precise, long finish. This muscular monument of a red wine definitely needs a few more years in the bottle, with a little patience it will turn into pure elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

"Fragrant and complex with aromas of ripe wild strawberries, sour cherry, raspberry and blood orange, wonderfully floral with rose petals. Wonderfully juicy on the palate with fine grip and skilfully concentrated red berry fruit; despite the warm, charming vintage, it is very youthful and grippy with almost crunchy fruit, the nobly arranged tannins and gripping, fine acid veins give additional freshness and verve. It seems to me that a change in style is taking place here towards an earlier harvest and more freshness." Weinwisser

"This round red wine shows flavours of cherry, raspberry, minerals, eucalyptus and hay. Balanced, with a good dose of well-integrated tannins that provide support on the lively finish." Wine Spectator

"The Barbaresco 2020 is a very young wine. In most years, the Gaja Barbaresco is quite striking, but the 2020 clearly needs time. It has great fruit intensity. Nowadays, the Gaja wines have less oak influence, which pushes the fruit forward, but also produces a wine that is a little more austere at the beginning." Vinous

"This wine shows the class, beauty and vitality of the noble Nebbiolo grown in the soils of Barbaresco. The wine opens with aromas of ripe cherries, warmed strawberries in sweet spices, fresh herbs and mixed flowers. The palate is lifted and vibrant with a verve that electrifies the palate as flavors of boysenberry, dried blood orange and black tea saunter about alongside well-intergrated tannins, making this wine drinkable now but ready for the cellar." Wine Enthusiast

"So many flavours of fresh rose petals and hibiscus tea. Medium bodied with a crisp and floral character with sliced strawberries and a bright finish. Very appealing with nice structure. Powerful on the finish." James Suckling

"Depth, structure and complexity are the hallmarks of Nebbiolo, and this wine not only offers these characteristics, but also a juicy portion of fresh berry fruit. It is blended from 14 different vineyards throughout the Barbaresco DOCG area with an average vine age of 40 years. Barbaresco is the wine with which the Gaja legacy began in 1859. Aromatic notes of spiced orange peel, an assertive bouquet of dried violet flowers and a hint of dried mint. On the palate, the spicy character of baking chocolate and fennel seed is balanced by an abundance of ripe red berry fruit - notes of strawberries and balsamic, raspberries, fresh mint and dried tobacco. The wine is richly structured, but a stylistic shift in the younger vintages of Barbaresco makes this wine immediately drinkable." Decanter

"Bright ruby-garnet colour, sparkling. Extremely fragrant nose of peach and pomegranate, then fresh plum, appears extremely fresh. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, opens up with elegant, polished tannins, fine raspberry notes, lingers for a very long time." Falstaff

Rabaja and Asili are probably the most famous vineyards in Barbaresco. Medium, delicately fragrant nose of rose petals, cherries and blue flowers, with restrained ethereal herbal notes. Powerful and compact on the palate, with a well-proportioned cornucopia of black fruits such as blackberries and cassis, plus some liquorice. As the wine progresses, its power and a certain pressure become apparent, but this never comes across as wild or ostentatious, but always reflects the elegance of the site and the Giacosa-typical ageing in large wood. Impressive flavour and length! SUPERIORE.DE

"Pungent nose. And very fine and fresh. The fruit literally jumps out of the glass. Normally rather powerful, but the 2020 has great finesse. Long!" Jancis Robinson

"This red starts out smooth and almost creamy, displaying cherry, strawberry, earth, iron and eucalyptus flavors. Firm and balanced, with excellent energy and a long, resonant finish that evokes white pepper. Offers brilliant intensity and expression." Wine Spectator

"Wow. The purity of the fruit and the sophistication are out of this world. Peaches, strawberries, light-coloured plums and berries. Full-bodied and yet compact. The tannin structure is there, but you can't see it. It is dense and decisive with perfect balance and length. A masterpiece. It's so exciting to taste." James Suckling

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, its precision 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

The grapes come from the single vineyard MGA Rabajà in the municipality of Barbaresco. 2019 is a retro vintage, so to speak, as it marks a return for Vietti, who vinified Rabajà back in the 1980s. The soils are calcareous and clayey, with a south/south-west exposure and an altitude of around 235-315 metres above sea level. The average age of the vines is 51 years and they are cultivated according to the Guyot system. Intense garnet red colour. Opulent and delicate on the nose with floral scents of rosehips and violets and ripe black cherry. Amazingly fresh and enveloping for a mature Riserva from the very first sip. The tannins are ripe, soft, silky and wonderfully integrated, giving the wine a great structure and elegance. What completely won us over during the tasting was the almost immeasurable length of the wine, which is still resonating as we write this. Complimenti! SUPERIORE.DE

"This Barbaresco leaps from the glass with aromas of black raspberry jam from the farmers' market, including seeds, blue violets, sweet spices and subtle herbal notes. The palate is polished and lush, with tart cherries that stand out, while lively acidity keeps the palate fresh and rounded tannins carry the wine through to the savoury finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Transparent and clear flavours of cherries and berries with some cedar and lavender, which fade into a medium body, with fine and round tannins and a delicious finish. Now very accessible and refined." James Suckling

"The Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà 2019 is a new wine from Vietti. It emerges from the glass with a captivating bouquet reminiscent of crushed flowers, herbs, mint and orange peel. The aromas alone are beguiling. Vibrant and classic in structure, with a wonderful inner sweetness, the 2019 is absolutely irresistible." Vinous

"Bright with strawberry, cherry, rose, wild rosemary and iron aromas and flavors, this red is expressive but also firmly structured, harmonious and elegant, lingering with a complex aftertaste of fruit, mineral and savory elements." Wine Spectator

"Vietti worked at Cru Rabajà in the 1980s and has now returned to produce this inaugural vintage of the portfolio's latest wine. And what a stunning wine it is. The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà has lush, well-rounded fruit and a generous disposition of wild mountain blueberries, grenadine and watermelon candy. There are also hints of resin, tar, linseed oil, fern or forest plants. The nose is one thing, but the palate is even more powerful, with very solid tannins, fresh acidity and generous fruit intensity. This Riserva is firing on all cylinders." Wine Advocate

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

Barolo Riserva Ravera Vigna Elena is a wonderful wine from Elvio Cogno and, not surprisingly, as is so often the case, the best from the collection of the family business from Novello. It is aged in large Slavonian oak barrels and only produced in selected vintages. It exudes delicate truffle notes and aromas of wild berries with a hint of exotic spice. The wine is soft, lush and well-structured, making your mouth water. This Barolo shows the power and inner structure of the Ravera Cru and should age beautifully over the next two decades. SUPERIORE.DE

"Comes from a one-hectare vineyard planted with a special Nebbiolo clone: fresh berry notes in combination with orange zest and balsamic spice flavours; precise evolution, carried by polished tannins and a crisp acidity, berry, invigorating, long and full of finesse." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby colour with a pronounced garnet rim. Fine, inviting nose, opens with notes of blood orange, plus fresh plum, some leather in the background. Lots of juicy, present fruit on the palate, clear flavours of fresh raspberries, pithy, dense tannins, built up in many layers, rich and full-bodied on the final, salty." Falstaff

"Pale ruby red colour. Lots of minerals on the nose and only slowly raspberry fruit and iodine notes. A slow-burning wine. Great freshness, length and juiciness. Multi-layered, with lots of tannins on the finish. You can approach it now, because it's hard to resist." Jancis Robinson

"The Barolo Riserva Ravera Vigna Elena 2018 is an airy, ethereal wine. Dried cherry, tobacco, incense, dried flowers, spices and leather are the first to open up, supported by Ravera acidity and tannin." Vinous

"This elegant, expressive, straightforward and powerful red wine shows flavours of strawberries, cherries, rose hips, eucalyptus, juniper, iron and salt. Supple and nimble, with a line of resonant tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

"This is an elegant, flavoursome and refined Barolo. Medium-bodied, with notes of sour cherries, orange peel, mahogany and balsamic notes framed by silky tannins. Transparent character. Already delicious now, but even better from 2026." James Suckling

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

Angelo Gaja's 2021 Barbaresco is a wine with poise and grace that has a lot to offer. Expressive spicy and floral notes are the first to open up, but what really stands out is the wine's nuance and delineation. The transparency is unmistakable. Sweet red cherries, mint, cinnamon and rose petals develop in the glass and add further nuances. The flavour is balanced and spicy, the tannins firm and the finish precise and long. This muscular monument of a red wine definitely needs a few more years of bottle ageing, with a little patience it will transform into pure elegance. Put simply, the 2021 is one of the best Gaja Barbarescos of recent times. SUPERIORE.DE

"A selection of the best Barbaresco vineyards: Impressive bouquet of red berries and flowers, also balsamic nuances; combines precision and fullness, the long-lasting tannins and the pithy acidity in harmony, straightforward and elegant." Vinum

"Bright ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Very precise nose, opens with notes of fresh plums and raspberries, plus some cinnamon. Juicy and salty on the palate, grippy, savoury tannin, shows good depth, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"A beautiful, elegant and expressive red wine that offers flavours of strawberries, cherries, roses and minerals. Refined tannins and lively acidity give the wine the right support and an overall sense of harmony. The wine becomes beautifully taut and austere, with red fruits and spicy notes in the long aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The aromas of liquorice, minerals, light tar and dark berries such as raspberries are very attractive. It is medium-bodied with a tight and integrated palate with fine tannins that are seamless and invisible. It is long and lively. It needs two to four years to open up. Try it after 2027." James Suckling