Le Piane

The concept is as simple as it is ingenious: Christoph Künzli wanted to create a Nebbiolo that is fresh and easy to drink, whose beguiling sweetness and richness is convincing right up to the last sip, and which nevertheless typically and unmistakably represents Alto Piemonte. The convincing result is fresh, with a rich bouquet of berries and flowers, crisp and velvety in the mouth. Be sure to enjoy it a little chilled and you will be surprised how quickly the bottle is empty! SUPERIORE.DE

The Maggiorina vineyards in the municipality of Boca and Prato Sesia are situated at altitudes between 400 and 450 metres. The vines are now 40 to 100 years old. Behind the name Maggiorina lies an ancient heritage of vineyard planting that dates back to before Roman times. The viticulture in the hills of Novara is already mentioned by Pliny the Elder (23-79 A.D.) in his "storia naturalis". For centuries, the maggiorina system was the only way of planting the vineyards in Boca: three vines develop in the four cardinal directions and form a square like a cup (quadretto maggiorino).

Maggiorina is produced from Croatina and Nebbiolo grapes as well as 10 other indigenous varieties and is a so-called mixed set with a lot of bite, sour cherry and red currant aromas and an incredible drinking flow. Maggiorina presents itself fresh, lively, delicately perfumed and at the same time fruity, mineral and spicy. The bright red cherry fruit and a whole host of floral and herbal notes give the wine its striking aromatic presence. We are in love with its energy and personality, combined with a certain wildness and race that is exceedingly appealing and striking. SUPERIORE.DE

βιαηκΩ is a highly precise white from the micro-region of Boca, so rare and popular that it is allocated every year. Aged in large oak barrels and acacia casks, this wonderfully fresh and independent white wine has found its best form with this vintage. It is well structured, with good length, floral, rich bouquet and full of charm. The fresh acidity on the finish makes the wine spicy and long. Aromas of wild alpine herbs and pears with hints of exotic fruits are framed by a creamy texture and lead into a lingering final. SUPERIORE.DE

Mimmo is a triumvirate of the wonderful autochthonous grape varieties Nebbiolo, Vespolina and Croatina from 100-year-old vineyards on Montalbano and Santuario of porphyry soils at an altitude of 500 metres. The Nebbiolo lots come from the same vineyards as the cult wine Boca and are harvested and processed according to the same quality principles. The division between Boca and Mimmo is made after two years of ageing in large wooden barrels by tasting the lots.

Some lots from the estate's own vineyards in the Boca DOC mature a little earlier than others, without losing their original character. Together with 30% Croatina, the final result is Mimmo, named after an unforgettable person who in recent years has helped to make the qualitative level of the Le Piane winery what it is today. With his approachable nature, he opens the door to the more complex Boca at a more affordable price.

Fine, floral bouquet. On the palate then a great and precise fruit. Strong tannins envelop a core of bright red fruits, tobacco, crushed flowers and liquorice. The flavours and supple texture complement each other beautifully on the deep finish with well-dosed pressure. It is rightly described as the younger brother of the Boca and it is a great choice to enjoy within the next five years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light garnet with brick rim. pep, senescent red fruits, with an impression of crushed rocks, scented but not floral. On the palate, chalky-dry tannins, refined and sinewy at the same time. Tannins still need more time even though they are fine-boned." Jancis Robinson

The stunning Piane Rosso comes from 1.5 hectares of vineyards in the municipalities of Boca and Prato Sesia. These are old, rediscovered vineyards between 50 and 100 years old, whose plants were raised using the historic "Maggiorina system". Vineyards that can only be cultivated by hand. The exposed position on a hill ensures constant aeration, the soils are made of porphyry gravel of volcanic origin and are poor in organic matter and without lime.

The often misunderstood autochthonous Croatina grape achieves high quality in Boca and virtually challenges an extremely strict grape selection from the best old vineyards (age up to 100 years) on Montalbano, Traversagna and Santuario. The tannin-rich variety is then tamed in small and large wooden barrels for two years. The result is impressive: the wine is intense, concentrated and shows notes of dark berries, cherries, smoke and ripe fruit. On the palate, dense substance combines with a terrifictexture into a velvety finish. Winemaker Christoph Künzli sees in this red his clear contribution to the reinterpretation and refinement of the traditional variety in Boca, hence this wine also bears the name of the winery. Very deep and magical - and extremely successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep crimson with smudgy rim. Dark fruit that reminds me of the hedgerow – elderberry and blackberry but also a dark spicy savour. Deeply chewy, firm tannin texture, and all in balance with fruit. Powerful, youthful, long." Jancis Robinson

The grapes for Christoph Künzli's top wine come from the best small vineyards of the Boca DOC. The soils there consist of humus-poor porphyry of vucan origin with a light red colour and are rich in salts and minerals. This minerality of the soils and the distinctive structure and class of the Nebbiolo grape combine in the winery's flagship to create an expressive, brilliant dream of a wine that has long enjoyed cult status among connoisseurs.

First impression: Aromas of violets, ripe wild berries and pomegranate to balsamic notes, citrus and tobacco. Then fresh cut flowers, sweet red berries, mint, pine and sweet red cherry. Then explosive, taut and wonderfully lively in the drink, with animating acidity, floral aromas and tons of energy. This is a wine that leaves nothing to be desired in terms of complexity, depth and personality. We are more than curious to see how this hammer wine will present itself only in a few years ... SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2016 Boca is every bit as impressive as it was from barrel, but it needs time. The only question is how much. Effusive aromatics soar out of the glass, suggesting a feeling of openness that is not quite there on the palate, where the wine is decidedly austere. The 2016 is a classic Boca laced with expressive small red berry fruits, blood orange, mint and rose petal. It will be magnificent once the tannins relent a bit. Don't miss it!" Vinous

The grapes for Christoph Künzli's top wine come from the best small vineyards of the Boca DOC. The soils there consist of humus-poor porphyry of vucan origin with a light red colour and are rich in salts and minerals. This minerality of the soils and the distinctive structure and class of the Nebbiolo grape combine in the winery's flagship to create an expressive, brilliant dream of a wine that has long enjoyed cult status among connoisseurs.

First impression: Aromas of violets, ripe wild berries and pomegranate to balsamic notes, citrus and tobacco. Then fresh cut flowers, sweet red berries, mint, pine and sweet red cherry. Then explosive, taut and wonderfully lively in the drink, with animating acidity, floral aromas and tons of energy. This is a wine that leaves nothing to be desired in terms of complexity, depth and personality. We are more than curious to see how this hammer wine will present itself only in a few years ... SUPERIORE.DE

"Künzli has released the 2019 vintage of his signature wine before the 2018, as the latter needs more time. Alluring aromas of nutmeg, morello cherry and red pepper flakes. Rich mid-palate, there are medium to full tannins and restrained oak notes. Excellent combination of Nebbiolo strength with the spice of Vespolina. The tannins are elegant and there is a subtle note of pepper on the finish." Decanter

The stunning Piane Rosso comes from 1.5 hectares of vineyards in the municipalities of Boca and Prato Sesia. These are old, rediscovered vineyards between 50 and 100 years old, whose plants were raised using the historic "Maggiorina system". Vineyards that can only be cultivated by hand. The exposed position on a hill ensures constant aeration, the soils are made of porphyry gravel of volcanic origin and are poor in organic matter and without lime.

The often misunderstood autochthonous Croatina grape achieves high quality in Boca and virtually challenges an extremely strict grape selection from the best old vineyards (age up to 100 years) on Montalbano, Traversagna and Santuario. The tannin-rich variety is then tamed in small and large wooden barrels for two years. The result is impressive: the wine is intense, concentrated and shows notes of dark berries, cherries, smoke and ripe fruit. On the palate, dense substance combines with a terrifictexture into a velvety finish. Winemaker Christoph Künzli sees in this red his clear contribution to the reinterpretation and refinement of the traditional variety in Boca, hence this wine also bears the name of the winery. Very deep and magical - and extremely successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep crimson with smudgy rim. Dark fruit that reminds me of the hedgerow – elderberry and blackberry but also a dark spicy savour. Deeply chewy, firm tannin texture, and all in balance with fruit. Powerful, youthful, long." Jancis Robinson

If you frequently participate in barrel tastings, you know that the same wine can develop differently in each barrel. So far so good, because usually it is only nuances that even out after bottling and further bottle ageing. In the case of the 2017 Boca, however, Christoph Künzli very quickly noticed that the wine from one of his barrels had a higher complexity and at the same time a youthful exuberance, which impressed him so much that he decided without further ado to wait with the bottling of this barrel. After a total of five years, he then bottled a Boca that not only opens up new facets, but also represents the terroir in a terrific way like no other. The result was a wine that he dedicated to Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD), who first mentioned the growing region in his "Naturalis Historia" ...

Deep bouquet of crushed flowers, small sweet red berries, mint and mountain herbs. On the palate of great fullness and richness with a beguiling texture and an almost weightless style. It captivates us until the long final, its purity and balance is unique. Plinius (i.e. this aforementioned cask of Boca 2017) is a fascinating and contemplative wine that should be followed in the glass for several hours (or days), if you manage to resist for that long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Künzli uses a hotter fermentation that melts the tannins together, resulting in a greater structure and longer ageing potential. With its aromas of ripe cherries, tobacco, cloves and peppercorns, you can think of it as an autumn or winter wine. Generous tannins, lovely acidity, restrained oak notes and excellent complexity." Decanter

After a hot August and a relatively early harvest at the end of September, owner Christoph Künzli was more than surprised by the first barrel samples. Instead of a rather ripe, muscular red, he had a wine in his glass that could hardly be surpassed in elegance. Therefore, he opted for a longer ageing and the bottling took place only after 4 years of barrel ageing. The result is a soft, extremely complex wine with a drinkability that is further enhanced by its great texture.

Powerful nose with aromas of fine spices and small red berries. On the palate, very complex and forward: The red fruits, plums and cherries furiously play around all the taste buds. A hint of liquorice, the perfectly balanced interplay of tannin and acidity flank the aromatic charge with finesse and freshness into an almost endless final. Majestic and excellently structured.

The grapes for Christoph Künzli's top wine come from the best small vineyards of the Boca DOC. The soils there consist of humus-poor porphyry of vucan origin with a light red colour and are rich in salts and minerals. This minerality of the soils and the distinctive structure and class of the Nebbiolo grape combine in the winery's flagship to create an expressive, brilliant dream of a wine that has long enjoyed cult status among connoisseurs. SUPERIORE.DE

"Le Piane's 2011 Boca is simply dazzling. Rich, translucent and remarkably vivid, the 2011 encapsulates all the reasons the wines from Alto Piemonte are so compelling. Sweet red cherry, rose petal, chalk, blood orange and mint are front and center, but it is the wine's superb textural polish that elevates it among some pretty lofty company among the great wines of Italy. The flavors are bold and pungent, but there is also striking depth to the fruit that ensures the savory notes aren't overpowering. This is simply a magical bottle. That's all there is to it." Vinous

Boca 2012 is always a very harmonious, great wine and this year close to perfection. Balsamic notes on the nose, surrounded by a distinctive scent of small red berries and Amarena cherries. Very powerful in the mouth with a wonderfully stable acidity, which provides an irrepressible freshness. The primary aromas are dominated by blackberries, blackcurrants and ripe cherries. Smooth and powerful as it progresses, its sensory harmony as well as its potential are more than convincing.

The grapes for Christoph Künzli's top wine come from the best small vineyards of the Boca DOC. The soils there consist of humus-poor porphyry of volcanic origin with a light red colour and are rich in salts and minerals. This minerality of the soils and the distinctive structure and class of the Nebbiolo grape combine in the winery's flagship to create an expressive, brilliant dream of a wine that has long enjoyed cult status among connoisseurs. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2012 Boca is immediately open and accessible. The bouquet is perfumed and floral with rose potpourri, lavender and rose hip. There is a slightly dry and perhaps more evolved quality to the inner fruit on hand with sun-dried cassis or cranberry. Pretty background tones of smoke, ash and tar add to the overall complexity of the aromas." Wine Advocate

"The 2012 Boca is fabulous. Rich, ample and deep, the 2012 offers a level of pure immediacy that, while not typical of this wine, does mean that the 2012 will drink well with only minimal cellaring. Even so, I expect the 2012 will age beautifully because of its palate density and weight. Wild cherry, sweet tobacco, licorice, smoke and underbrush build into the powerful finish. As always, the Boca presents slightly darker shades of Nebbiolo." Vinous

If you frequently participate in barrel tastings, you know that the same wine can develop differently in each barrel. So far so good, because usually it is only nuances that even out after bottling and further bottle ageing. In the case of the 2007 Boca, however, Christoph Künzli very quickly noticed that the wine from one of his barrels had a higher complexity and at the same time a youthful exuberance, which impressed him so much that he decided without further ado to wait with the bottling of this barrel. After a total of six and a half years, he then bottled a Boca that not only opens up new facets, but also represents the terroir in a terrific way like no other. The result was a wine that he dedicated to Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD), who first mentioned the growing region in his "Naturalis Historia" ...

Deep bouquet of crushed flowers, small sweet red berries, mint and mountain herbs. On the palate of great fullness and richness with a beguiling texture and an almost weightless style. It captivates us until the long final, its purity and balance is unique. Plinius (i.e. this barrel of Boca 2007) is a fascinating and contemplative wine that should be followed in the glass for several hours (or days), if you manage to resist for that long. SUPERIORE.DE

If you frequently participate in barrel tastings, you know that the same wine can develop differently in each barrel. So far so good, because usually it is only nuances that even out after bottling and further bottle ageing. In the case of the 2017 Boca, however, Christoph Künzli very quickly noticed that the wine from one of his barrels had a higher complexity and at the same time a youthful exuberance, which impressed him so much that he decided without further ado to wait with the bottling of this barrel. After a total of five years, he then bottled a Boca that not only opens up new facets, but also represents the terroir in a terrific way like no other. The result was a wine that he dedicated to Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD), who first mentioned the growing region in his "Naturalis Historia" ...

Deep bouquet of crushed flowers, small sweet red berries, mint and mountain herbs. On the palate of great fullness and richness with a beguiling texture and an almost weightless style. It captivates us until the long final, its purity and balance is unique. Plinius (i.e. this aforementioned cask of Boca 2017) is a fascinating and contemplative wine that should be followed in the glass for several hours (or days), if you manage to resist for that long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Künzli uses a hotter fermentation that melts the tannins together, resulting in a greater structure and longer ageing potential. With its aromas of ripe cherries, tobacco, cloves and peppercorns, you can think of it as an autumn or winter wine. Generous tannins, lovely acidity, restrained oak notes and excellent complexity." Decanter

After a hot August and a relatively early harvest at the end of September, owner Christoph Künzli was more than surprised by the first barrel samples. Instead of a rather ripe, muscular red, he had a wine in his glass that could hardly be surpassed in elegance. Therefore, he opted for a longer ageing and the bottling took place only after 4 years of barrel ageing. The result is a soft, extremely complex wine with a drinkability that is further enhanced by its great texture.

Powerful nose with aromas of fine spices and small red berries. On the palate, very complex and forward: The red fruits, plums and cherries furiously play around all the taste buds. A hint of liquorice, the perfectly balanced interplay of tannin and acidity flank the aromatic charge with finesse and freshness into an almost endless final. Majestic and excellently structured.

The grapes for Christoph Künzli's top wine come from the best small vineyards of the Boca DOC. The soils there consist of humus-poor porphyry of vucan origin with a light red colour and are rich in salts and minerals. This minerality of the soils and the distinctive structure and class of the Nebbiolo grape combine in the winery's flagship to create an expressive, brilliant dream of a wine that has long enjoyed cult status among connoisseurs. SUPERIORE.DE

"Le Piane's 2011 Boca is simply dazzling. Rich, translucent and remarkably vivid, the 2011 encapsulates all the reasons the wines from Alto Piemonte are so compelling. Sweet red cherry, rose petal, chalk, blood orange and mint are front and center, but it is the wine's superb textural polish that elevates it among some pretty lofty company among the great wines of Italy. The flavors are bold and pungent, but there is also striking depth to the fruit that ensures the savory notes aren't overpowering. This is simply a magical bottle. That's all there is to it." Vinous