Bovio
I am pleased to offer 3 distinct wines showing range and site specificity from one of the great families of Barolo, Bovio. After a recent portfolio tasting, these were far and away the standouts.
Since the 1970s, the Bovio family has been producing refined and expressive Barolo from their beautiful compound in La Morra. They are well-known for their family restaurant, "Bovio," a charming gathering place where winemaking families come together to enjoy meals into the wee hours, all orchestrated by the welcoming patriarch Gianfranco, a true ambassador for this region. Sadly, Gianfranco passed and the restaurant has been transformed by Roberto Conterno into a fine dining destination.
In the old days, Gianfranco's wines were crafted solely for the restaurant, but over the years, they blossomed into a thriving winery, becoming a cherished secret among sommeliers. So, why is that? Despite a traditionalist approach, Bovio's Barolo is surprisingly accessible in its youth, defying the common perception that Barolo requires years to mature. The family proudly farms 8 hectares organically across the picturesque communes of La Morra and Castiglione Falletto.
Bovio 2018 Barbera d'Alba 'Regiaveja'
From an old vineyard in La Morra that faces east (morning sun), the Regiaveja shows densely packed dark fruit with subtle layers of vanilla root and blueberry compote, spice, etc... After about an hour, the fruit unfurls and deepens.
VINEYARD: organic viticulture
WINERY: 25 days on skins in concrete, aged for 14m in mix of French and Eastern European casks
SERVE: Stand open for 1hr, enjoy slowly
$36/BTL
Bovio 2018 Barolo ‘Rocchettevino”
Refined with a high toned and focused expression, Bovio’s single vineyard ‘Rocchettivino’ perfectly captures the finesse of 2018: fresh with fine tannins and complex aromas to lift La Morra’s softer fruit-driven expression.
VINEYARD: organic viticulture
WINERY: 15 days on skins in steel, aged for 24m in mix of French and Eastern European casks
SERVE: Stand open for 1hr, enjoy slowly
$63/BTL
Bovio 2020 Barolo 'Gattera'
Continuing my love affair with 2020 Barolo, Bovio’s ‘Gattera’ is spicy with structured tannins. There is a rumbling core of red fruit beneath the surface, emerging after only an hour in the decanter. Excellent showing for one of La Morra's under-the-radar cru's.
VINEYARD: organic viticulture
WINERY: 15 days on skins in steel, aged for 24m in mix of French and Eastern European casks
SERVE: Stand open for 1hr, enjoy slowly
$74/BTL
