Pack the crampons and warm gloves, we are headed to the western European Alps! What is it about wines from alpine-influenced areas? The answer is found within a magical interplay between the warm sun, cool air temp and glacial-based soils. These conditions bring diurnal shifts between day and night, imbuing these grapes with enchanting aromas and sultry mouthfeel. And low ABV!
Le Piane 2020 Novaresi Rosso ‘Mimmo’ Piemonte
Le Piane Mimmo is a vibrant Nebbiolo blend grown from little Boca in northern Piemonte. Boca reds have such finesse on the palate, showing layered red fruit, good backbone and lots of acidity. There is bit of savory spice on the nose from the old volcanic soils throughout this area. Le Piane is an old estate, active back in the day when few winemakers worked the hills of Boca. Purchased in 1988 from an old winemaker who spent his life improving the quality of Boca wine, le Piane remains faithful to his vision. Christoph Kunzli and his team work a scant 8 hectar of vines in the ancient volcanic soils of Boca in the Colline Novaresi of Alto-Piemonte.
Franchino 2021 Gattinara Piemonte
A gorgeously crafted Nebbiolo from the old glacial and volcanic soils of Gattinara in Alto-Piemonte. Nebbiolo must work tirelessly here to punch through porphyry rocks to reach nutrients for growth, making berries packed with complexity. I love how silky and integrated this wine is, feeling like it’s been aged 10 years, yet resting on a sturdy frame of tannin and acidity. Franchino is a tiny estate led by Mauro and his nephew Alberto, who farm organically in the vineyard and employ long macerations before aging in big cask.
