Le Piane
Christoph Kunzli, originally a Swiss wine importer, was introduced to the tiny and little known region of Boca by Paolo di Marchi, owner of the famous Chianti estate, Isole e Olena. Located in the highest and most eastern part of Piedmont the region has a rich history of winemaking up until the 1950s when investment turned from vineyards to textiles. In the 19th century the Boca region boasted almost 40,000 hectares of vines, but by the 1990s had dwindled to less than 10, leaving it all but abandoned and largely forgotten, with most of the area returning to woodland. At the time Antonio Cerri was the owner of the Le Piane vineyard, one of the last remaining in this region, and making wines which he sold only to the local market. So impressed was Christoph by both the quality of the wines and the vines that he immediately made an offer to buy the vineyard, which was vigorously turned down by Cerri. Years of persistence finally paid off, when following a mild heart attack Cerri relented and sold the vineyard to Christophe. The cellar was full of older vintages which Cerri had been in no hurry to sell, since his philosophy had always been to release the wines only when they were ready to drink. Christophe has only made a few changes, apart from adding five hectares of vines to the original two, planted with Nebbiolo, Vespolino, Bonarda and Croatina (cf. Refosco),and all of which are surrounded by dense woodland with not another vine in sight. Christophe follows much the same philosophy as Cerri, using vineyards practices which are leading towards becoming fully biodynamic, and being totally non-interventionist in the winery, choosing to make the wines 'by his mouth' rather than by science. Whatever he is doing he is doing it very well and these are some of the most natural and exciting wines we have found from Piedmonte; totally expressive, quite unique and with a wonderfully elegant and fine profile.
 |
Boca Piedmont Italy
Made from the oldest vines on the estate, this Croatina/Nebbiolo blend is lighter in colour than the estate's other wines. Pepper and spice on the nose with a hint of oak. Bright fruits with fresh acidity and again a touch of spice on the palate, this would be wonderful with a plate of salami.
 |
Boca Piedmont Italy
Made of the local Croatina (known as Bonarda in Lombardia) which has some resemblances to Dolcetto, but in this instance about as close to a Pinot Noir as you might get, without actually being Pinot Noir, and blended with Nebbiolo. Aged two years in 'tonneaux' (large French oak barrels) this has a pronounced bright acidity and at the same time is concentrated with lovely texture and fruit. A mixture of dark ripe fruits and tobacco on the nose. All... (more info)
 |
Boca Piedmont Italy
Boca DOC is a blend of Nebbiolo, Vespolino and Bonarda from old vines, and is a wine that is capable of ageing a long time. Made quite traditionally, with a maceration which extends to one month in open tanks with daily pumping over of the skins, followed by a month in two and three hectolitre casks. Following a natural malolactic fermentation the wine is kept for three years in large oak casks and a further year in bottle prior to release. The combination... (more info)