Wines from Piedmont

This wine bears the small print name Viola delle Viole, although its fruit comes from the Bricco delle Viole and Bricco Bertone vineyards, two sites with different soil types, one of which provides structure and the other aromatic purity. Vajra's Barbera d'Alba Superiore opens with a dark, almost impenetrable appearance. Powerful aromas of blackberry jam and preserved cherries unfold on the nose. You can feel its warmth and richness and there is no way around it. It is a super-sized Barbera that goes one better in terms of extraction and intensity. The finish is almost sweet, followed by good acidity. It shows great aromatic perfection, length and a very accentuated style. SUPERIORE.DE

"If our Barbera d'Alba DOC is a traditional red wine from the Langhe, we consider Gisep to be a representative of a grape variety that is also capable of astonishment. Gisep means Giuseppe in Piedmontese: a tribute to our grandfather, who was instrumental in the development of our winery. We make it from a selection of grapes from different vineyards, and only in the best years. Structured and lush, pleasantly complex and rounded, yet surprisingly long-lasting and full of character." Franco Massolino

Massolino's Barbera d'Alba Gisep focuses on the sultry, smoky and refined side of this favourite Piedmontese grape. If the winery's classic Barbera is a bare and exposed expression, this wine shows the smart clothes and accessories that elevate it to first class. Dark cherry, plum, smoke, liquorice, incense and new leather give the current edition a terrific complexity of flavour and depth. SUPERIORE.DE

Top Barbera from the Montemareto hill in the Nice DOCG. Intense ruby red with violet reflections. On the nose cherry, black cherry, sweet spices and floral notes of violets. Deep and complex on the palate, with an intense fruit core and soft tannins, intense long finish, great! SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep, brilliant crimson. Brooding, deep, sweet-sour raspberry and cherry nose. The longer it lingers in the glass, the more depth it shows. Great purity of raspberry and cherry fruit on the palate, carried by supple acidity and laced with bitter-sweet, grainy tannins. Very long with savoury spice notes on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Sleek and focused, with blackberry, boysenberry and pomegranate flavors that are intense from beginning to end. Balanced and bracing." Wine Spectator

"The opulent nose of this juicy Barbera opens with aromas of plums, baking spices, violets and vanilla. The lush palate is filled with tart cherries, herbs, toasted oak spice and lively acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Deep dark cherries on the nose with some dried meat, dark spices and geranium leading into a silky palate of dark sour cherries. Lively, juicy and polished." James Suckling

"The 2020 Nizza Montemareto is packed with wild dark cherries, rose petals, cherry, game, smoke, tobacco and incense. Deep and structured, the 2020 has a lot to offer. A year in the barrel is good to tame some of its natural wildness." Vinous

The pioneer of Riesling on Italian soil is Aldo Vajra. Already fascinated by the variety as a student, he planted the first vines of the White Riesling variety in the Langa. Very light yellow-green in colour when young, developing into a strong straw yellow. The flavours of the noble Pètracine also take a varied course. Starting with peach and apricot, delicate floral and citrus notes follow in the middle, while minerality takes centre stage as the wine matures. Harmonious and precisely structured on the palate, almost austere, fascinatingly complex and long. Great ageing potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Riesling Pétracine is a beautiful white that marries varietal notes with the natural richness of the year. Sweet jasmine, tangerine peel, ginger, passionfruit and lemon confit lend exotic beauty to Vajra's Riesling in 2022. I imagine time in bottle will bring out more of the textual oiliness that is in the background at present." Vinous

"The organic G.D. Vajra 2022 Langhe Riesling Pétracine (the name is hard to read given the vines surrounding the lettering on the front of the label) is very direct and bright with a sharp citrus quality that stands out thanks to crushed stone and tropical fruit. A bright, supple wine that is great fun to drink (especially young)." Wine Advocate

Barbera d'Asti Riserva from the noble DOCG Nizza opens with dark red fruit, followed by smoke, spices and flowers. Dense, intense fruit with a pleasantly salty, mineral note on the palate. Impressive Barbera presentation with a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of macerated black cherries and ripe raspberries combine with star anise, cedar and violets that pour out of the glass. The palate is loaded with notes of ripe plum, blackberries, fresh thyme and fine oak spices. Structured tannins give the wine heft, finishing with enough acidity to balance each component." Wine Enthusiast

"This wine has a red fruity character with notes of tea leaves, dried herbs and ground cloves. Medium-bodied with bright and lively fruit, crisp acidity and firm, polished tannins. Fresh and spicy." James Suckling

"A pure nose of cherry and other ripe red fruits. With sour cherry, plums and dried cranberries. Freshness and balance, precision and intensity, the oak is well integrated." Decanter

"The 2019 Nizza Riserva is packed with dark fruits, graphite, cured meat, cloves, leather and lavender. Deep and layered, with enormous stature, the Riserva is a wonderfully complete wine that just needs a few years in the bottle to round itself out. It is another impressive wine in this range from Olim Bauda." Vinous

In 2012, the Pecchenino family started to invest in the small but fine sparkling wine DOCG Alta Langa. The altitudes and soil conditions are ideal for fresh and fragrant sparkling wines that are not only very rare but also highly sought after internationally. Psea is named after the small village of Pezzea, where the winery's Chardonnay and Pinot Nero sites are located.

Straw yellow with copper reflections. Intense bouquet of bread crust, yeast, hazelnut and biscuits, accompanied by floral hints. Very firm and structured on the palate, creamy, fresh and of impressive persistence and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pecchenino's PSEA Pas Dosé is a bright and vibrant example of Alta Langa. A blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir, the wine shines with bright notes of lemon, tangerine and a touch of yeast. The wine is light on the palate with vibrant acidity - a great option for an apertivo." Wine Enthusiast

"Aromas of ripe apples and pears with leafy herbs, lemon rind and bread crust. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a round texture. Lively and energetic with a polished, chalky finish." James Suckling

This Barbera oscillates between richness and elegance. Wonderfully concentrated cherry fruit, finely layered, plus blackberry and some chocolate. Everything is in its place: acidity, fruit and finely woven tannins. Then warm, round and juicy on the palate, it keeps its balance until the long finish and is never too heavy or even too dense. SUPERIORE.DE

The still young DOC Colli Tortonesi is probably still one of the least known wine regions in Piedmont. The term Derthona is already used as a generic term. It is the old name for Tortona, a small village in the centre of the DOC. The indigenous white grape variety Timorasso led a shadowy existence for many years, but today some winegrowers are already calling it the "white Barolo". This is due to its great complexity and finesse on the one hand and the excellent ageing potential of the wines on the other. In addition, the grapes often vary in size and ripeness during the harvest, which makes selection a major challenge, just as with the great Nebbiolo crus.

Light yellow in colour, tending towards golden as it matures in the bottle. The nose is very fresh, floral and fruity, with some orange confit, petrol and honey. Rich and deep on the palate, with an almost Riesling-like minerality and fine acid wire. With increasing aeration, it becomes more multi-layered, complex and surprisingly deep, hinting at the great potential of the grape variety. Not an off-the-peg wine, but all the more convincing for those wine lovers who expect character, personality and a high degree of independence from a white wine. For us, Timorasso is THE white grape variety discovery of recent years and Vietti's new addition, alongside the whites from Roagna and Walter Massa, is an excellent example of how Italian white wines can play at the very top of the international league! SUPERIORE.DE

"This classic Timorasso showcases a distinctive herbal edge, with layers of aromas and flavors. The nose offers crisp green apple and lemon pith, hinting at the wine's vibrant character. On the palate, the green-apple notes become more pronounced, with a tart quality that adds to the freshness. The lemon pith brings a bitter, zesty dimension, complementing the wine's herbal undertones, which evoke sensations of freshly crushed thyme and sage. These flavors intertwine seamlessly, creating a complex and textured experience that highlights the unique attributes of the Timorasso grape." Wine Enthusiast

Bright, intense ruby colour, lots of fresh, concentrated berry fruit on the nose, very elegant, pronounced acidity on the palate, which then gives way to a fine tannin, long and juicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Straw yellow with greenish reflections. A lovely floral nose with hints of peach and banana. The flavour is clear, fresh and pure with spicy aromas of lemon, mandarin and crushed gravel. Roero Arneis is also known as Barolo Bianco, which is entirely appropriate for this excellent white wine from Neive's noble forge. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fresh and crisp white with light lemon, mango and bitter lime flavours. It is medium to full-bodied with lots of fruit. The hot vintage is noticeable, but it remains fresh on the finish." James Suckling

Convincing selection of "La Luna e i Falò" from grapes harvested exclusively in the DOCG area of Nizza Monferrato. Its colour is deep red and as dense as its bouquet of wild berries, plums and tobacco with a fine toasty vanilla note from the barrique. The soft, spicy taste lingers long and with great elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Exudes a promising aroma of black cherries, nougat and herbs; juicy in the mouth, the tannins close-meshed, well supported by the acidity, elegant lingering final. Can still mature." Vinum

"Aromas of bark, sap, blackberry and blueberry. Medium-to full-bodied with some salty-mineral notes. Juicy. A little savory, with vanilla and ground clove coming through at the end. Nicely structured." James Suckling

The pioneer of Riesling on Italian soil is Aldo Vajra. Already fascinated by the variety as a student, he planted the first vines of the White Riesling variety in the Langa. Very light yellow-green in colour when young, developing into a strong straw yellow. The flavours of the noble Pètracine also take a varied course. Starting with peach and apricot, delicate floral and citrus notes follow in the middle, while minerality takes centre stage as the wine matures. Harmonious and precisely structured on the palate, almost austere, fascinatingly complex and long. Great ageing potential! SUPERIORE.DE

With Kyè, Vajra has not only recognised the potential of the Freisa grape, but redefined it. The freshness of the grape variety is somewhat reminiscent of Barbera and has a similar structure to the Nebbiolo grape. An explosive wine with dark fruits, violets, minerals, menthol and spices. Insanely beautiful and multi-dimensional, the fruit remains primary and the tannins are firm. Elegance all along the line and at the same time completely Freisa, only without the old-fashioned rusticity of this indigenous variety. SUPERIORE.DE

Graceful ruby red Barbera d'Alba with a fine fruit aroma. The fully structured taste closes persistently with a light acid wire that contrasts well with the body. SUPERIORE.DE

The Nebbiolo grapes for this archetypal Barbaresco come from marl soils at an altitude of about 250 metres. After two years of ageing in large wood and a further 6-7 (!) years of bottle maturity, here comes a wine on the market which, with its perfectly matured tannins and fine sweet melting, is already giving even the most impatient Nebbiolo fan a lot of pleasure.

Ruby red with garnet reflections, convincing, spicy bouquet of violets, moss, rose petals and small red fruits. Nice pressure on the palate, yet open-hearted, fresh and full-bodied, with well-dosed extract-sweet notes of maraschino cherry and a beautiful fruit that promises another great future in combination with the fine-meshed tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich bright cherry red with dark reflections. Inviting bouquet of juicy wild raspberries, blackberries, also something of cardamom and delicate bourbon vanilla. Pleasant on the nose, winds gracefully through the palate, powerful in body with a sparse structure, yet clear, goes into the lingering final with good pressure." Falstaff

"Lustrous maturing ruby with orange tinges. Sweetly scented ripe cherry nose with the merest suggestion of fruit cake and hugely appealing. A succulent mouthful of marasca-cherry fruit with coating tannins. Long, concentrated and highly enjoyable and still not at its peak." Jancis Robinson

"Rich and broad with a fleshy opulence to the wine. Blackberries touched by truffle oil, smoked meats, and dried herb perfume." Decanter

"A solid 2015 Barbaresco with spice, cedar and plum character. Full body, lots of fruit and chewy tannins. This needs time to soften and come together." James Suckling

A Nebbiolo for purists. Pine resin, dried fruit and ethereal spices on the nose. On the palate, we find sweet plums, lots of juicy cherries and cassis, as well as robust tannins and a fine mineral acidity. This wine calls for a strong food companion and is a great pleasure in this combination! SUPERIORE.DE

This Nebbiolo comes from one of the best vineyards in the Roero and is vinified by Luciano Sandrone with the same care as a Barolo. Brilliant ruby-garnet colour. Wonderful aroma of light red fruit, mainly raspberry and cherry. Earthy on the palate with a lovely strawberry touch and an incredible amount of elegance. The fine-grained tannins are wonderfully integrated and, together with a subtle minerality, give this Nebbiolo a race, depth and finesse that is unrivalled. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby red with a subtly brightening rim. Subtle nose, a potpourri of watermelon, oranges and rose hips, light spice on the finish. On the palate with a polished fruit core and great juiciness, comes in several waves, savoury, radiant, drinks very well." Falstaff

"Very restrained on the nose, with liquorice, smoky forest notes and dried and ripe cherries. Firm tannins, somewhat dusty on the mid-palate, with refreshing acidity, a medium body and good fruit concentration." James Suckling

The grapes for this Nebbiolo all come from recent Barolo sites and Roberto Voerzio (who would have thought otherwise) applies the same perfectionism to his work in the vineyard and cellar as he does to his great Barolos. And so here is a Nebbiolo in a class of its own that conveys enormous joy and excitement with every sip. Bright and lively bouquet of wild berries, black cherry, liquorice and grilled herbs. Then on the palate, medium pressure, very smooth texture and a mouthfeel like velvet and silk. Not quite as punchy as a house Barolo, but with plenty of style and a finesse and elegance that is to the point. SUPERIORE.DE

Top Barbera from the Montemareto hill in the Nizza DOCG. Intense ruby red colour with violet reflections. Cherry, black cherry, sweet spices and floral notes of violets on the nose. Deep and complex on the palate, with an intense fruit centre and soft tannins, intense long finish, great! SUPERIORE.DE

"Blackberry, plum and spice flavors are enhanced by the polished texture of this rich, dense red. Accents of tamarind and roasted almond add detail as this winds down on the tactile finish." Wine Spectator

"Black fruit, sage and toasted walnuts on the nose. Some blood oranges. It’s full-bodied with approachable, fine tannins. Supple and tasty finish." James Suckling

Strongly Nebbiolo-influenced variant of a Langhe Rosso and thus in the impression like a Barolo with the discreetly juicy and fruity component of the Barbera grape. On the nose some cherry and blueberry, then autumn leaves, walnuts and forest floor. Very soft and delicate on the palate, the polished tannins make it seem smoother and more accessible than the Nebbiolo dominance would suggest. A wine of great freshness and complexity, with good structure and made for a long life. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Domenico Clerico 2021 Langhe Arte offers a hybrid of flavors from the playlist of both Piedmont native grapes. Aged in new and neutral oak, the wine has the wild, delicate aromas of Nebbiolo along with the thicker fiber and black fruit aromas that come with Barbera. There is some sweet spice on the close and you get a lot of food-pairing versatility with this wine."

Uvaggio is a traditional regional blend of Nebbiolo with smaller proportions of Vespolina and Croatina. Bright ruby in colour. On the nose, morello cherries, small red and black wild berries, mild herbaceous spiciness, some plum. A silky potpourri of red fruits, young leather and complex spicy-earthy notes on the palate. The minerality of the terroir is also clearly evident here, with well-dosed tannins and a fresh acidity flanking the long-lasting red into a furious and spicy final. SUPERIORE.DE

Medium-deep ruby red with orange reflections. Wonderful bouquet of fine sour cherry and strawberry compote with restrained oak spice. Multi-layered and juicy on the palate with a potpourri of dark fruits, framed by fine-grained tannins. Well structured, it leads into an interesting, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This red wine is fleshy and shows notes of cherries, strawberries, mint and earth, accompanied by a firm, lively structure. Although this wine sounds rather austere now, it is fresh and has a lingering fruity and spicy aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"This wine is lively and racy with ripe raspberries, blackcurrant leaves, rose petals and bergamot. Also dry earth. Medium to full body with crisp tannins and chalky texture. Structured and a little chewy, yet fresh and red-fruited with a mineral finish." James Suckling

"The Barbaresco Bordini 2020 (with fruit from the village of Neive) shows a medium-bodied density with more texture and structure in this vintage. The Bordini is a little more austere in character and savoury overall. This added richness is accompanied by an open approach that makes this wine approachable in the medium term. Or you can wait if you prefer." Wine Advocate

"Black raspberries, medicinal herbs and spiced tea dominate the aromatic profile. The firm palate reveals that the fruit is at the core, surrounded by sweet and savory spices, including notes of cigar box and worn leather. Mouthwatering acidity adds to its appeal." Wine Enthusiast

Medium-deep ruby red with orange reflections. Wonderful bouquet of fine sour cherry and strawberry compote with restrained oak spice. Multi-layered and juicy on the palate with a potpourri of dark fruits, framed by fine-grained tannins. Well structured, it leads into an interesting, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh and floral in aroma, this medium-bodied wine offers charming rose petal, orange rind and rooibos tea aromas followed by tangy raspberries, citrus and red cherry tones with good depth and length on the finish." James Suckling