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“Maggiorina” Rosso 2022
The Maggiorina vineyards in the municipality of Boca and Prato Sesia are situated at altitudes between 400 and 450 metres. The vines are now between 40 and 100 years old. Behind the name Maggiorina lies an ancient heritage of vineyard cultivation dating back to Roman times. The cultivation of vines in the hills of Novara was already mentioned by Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD) in his "storia naturalis". For centuries, the maggiorina system was the only way of planting vineyards in Boca: three vines develop in the four cardinal directions and form a square like a goblet (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 blackcurrant flavours and an incredible drinking flow. Maggiorina is fresh, lively, delicately perfumed and at the same time fruity, mineral and spicy. The bright red cherry fruit and a whole range of floral and herbal notes give the wine its striking aromatic presence. We are enamoured with its energy and personality, combined with a certain wildness and breed that is extremely appealing and distinctive. SUPERIORE.DE
"Mid-to-light crimson. Light impression of fragrant herbs and red fruits – mountain wild. A tight grip from both fine tannins and high acidity. Perfumed yet quite full-bodied."
read more- Grape Variety: 80% Nebbiolo, 20% Croatina, Vespolina and Other Autochthonous Varieties
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 12 months stainless steel
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: no
- Alcohol content: 13,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2028+
- Closure: Diam
- Total extract: 26,00 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,80 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,65 g/l
- Sulfite: 55 mg/l
- pH value: 3,60
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned05462122 · 0,75 l · 24,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Nebbiolo Colli Novaresi DOC 2023
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 represents the Alto Piemonte in a typical and unmistakable way. 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 cooler and you will be surprised how quickly the bottle is empty! SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Nebbiolo
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 9 months stainless steel
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 13,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2030+
- Closure: natural corks
- Total extract: 29,55 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,79 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,85 g/l
- Sulfite: 59 mg/l
- pH value: 3,55
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned05463123 · 0,75 l · 25,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
”βιαηκΩ" Vino Bianco 2023
βιαηκΩ is a highly precise white wine made from Erbaluce grapes from the Boca micro-region, which is so rare and popular that it is allocated every year. Matured 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, a rich, floral bouquet and full of charm. The fresh acidity on the finish makes the wine savoury and long. Flavours of wild alpine herbs and pears with a hint of exotic fruits are framed by a creamy texture and lead into a long-lasting final. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Heirloom
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 6 months tonneau
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: no
- Alcohol content: 13,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 10‑12 °C
- Storage potential: 2030+
- Closure: natural corks
- Total extract: 23,58 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,08 g/l
- Residual sugar: 2,79 g/l
- Sulfite: 66 mg/l
- pH value: 3,47
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned05460123 · 0,75 l · 30,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Mimmo” Rosso 2019
Mimmo is a triumvirate of the wonderful autochthonous grape varieties Nebbiolo, Vespolina and Croatina from 100-year-old vineyards on Montalbano and Santuario porphyry soils at an altitude of 500 metres. The Nebbiolo parcels 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 by tasting the lots after two years of ageing in large wooden barrels.
Some lots from the estate's own vineyards in the Boca DOC ripen 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 has helped to raise the quality level of the Le Piane winery to what it is today. With his approachable manner, he opens the door to the more complex Boca at a more affordable price.
Fine, floral bouquet. Great and precise fruit on the palate. Powerful tannins envelop a core of bright red fruits, tobacco, crushed flowers and liquorice. The flavours and supple texture round off beautifully on the deep finish with well-dosed pressure. It is rightly described as the younger brother of the Boca and is a great choice for drinking over the next five years. SUPERIORE.DE
"Light garnet red colour with a brick edge. Peppery, ageing red fruits, with an impression of crushed stones, fragrant but not floral. On the palate, chalky-dry tannins, refined and sinewy at the same time. The tannins still need time, even if they are finely integrated." Jancis Robinson
"The Mimmo 2019 is a deep, powerful wine, despite its medium-weight structure. Crushed rose petals, sage, mint, tobacco and cedar give it a remarkable brightness. Lively acidity and spicy accents round off the whole." Vinous
"Here is a great example of the Le Piane style in terms of complexity via blending, along with notable finesse and immediate drinkability. Aromas of wild strawberry, redcurrant, blood orange and red poppy. Very good acidity and impressive persistence. The finish is fruit-driven with excellent freshness and good persistence. A delight!" Decanter
read more- Grape Varieties: 70% Nebbiolo, 25% Croatina, 5% Vespolina
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 24 months tonneau
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: no
- Alcohol content: 13,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2030+
- Closure: Diam
- Total extract: 27,00 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,70 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,09 g/l
- Sulfite: 55 mg/l
- pH value: 3,60
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned05462219 · 0,75 l · 32,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping9 units available
“Mimmo” Rosso 2020
Mimmo is a triumvirate of the wonderful autochthonous grape varieties Nebbiolo, Vespolina and Croatina from vines up to 100 years old on Montalbano and Santuario porphyry soils at an altitude of 500 metres. The Nebbiolo parcels 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 by tasting after two years of ageing in large wooden barrels.
Some lots from the estate's own vineyards in the Boca DOC ripen 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 has helped to raise the quality level of the Le Piane winery to what it is today. With his approachable manner, he opens the door to the more complex Boca at a more affordable price.
Fine, floral bouquet. Great and precise fruit on the palate. Powerful tannins envelop a core of bright red fruits, tobacco, crushed flowers and liquorice. The flavours and supple texture round off beautifully on the deep finish with well-dosed pressure. It is rightly described as the younger brother of the Boca and is a great choice for drinking over the next five years. SUPERIORE.DE
"Light carmine red colour. Pretty, with red fruit and citrus flavours. Wild, herbal and inviting. Excellent depth of cherry fruit, soft tannins, excellent balance and delicious length." Jancis Robinson
"The 2020 Mimmo, is a little more generous than the 2019 and easier to savour in its youth. Juicy dark red cherry, sage, menthol, liquorice and herbs are beautifully enhanced in a wine that combines fruit intensity with structure." Vinous
read more- Grape Varieties: 70% Nebbiolo, 25% Croatina, 5% Vespolina
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 24 months tonneau
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: no
- Alcohol content: 13,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2031+
- Closure: Diam
- Total extract: 29,35 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,79 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,05 g/l
- Sulfite: 56 mg/l
- pH value: 3,51
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned05462220 · 0,75 l · 34,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Limitation of 4 articles per customer“Piane” Rosso 2020
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 cultivated using the historic "Maggiorina system". Vineyards that can only be cultivated by hand. The exposed location 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 unrecognised indigenous Croatina grape achieves high quality in Boca and virtually challenges the extremely strict selection of grapes from the best old vineyards (up to 100 years old) on Montalbano, Traversagna and Santuario. The tannin-rich variety is then tamed for two years in small and large wooden barrels. 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 is combined with a terrifictexture and a velvety finish. Winemaker Christoph Künzli sees this red as his clear contribution to the reinterpretation and refinement of the traditional variety in Boca, which is why this wine also bears the name of the winery. Very deep and magical - and extremely successful! SUPERIORE.DE
"Deep purple red with a smudged rim. Dark fruit that reminds me of a hedgerow - elderberry and blackberry, but also a dark spicy flavour. Strong, firm tannin structure, all in balance with the fruit. Powerful, youthful, long." Jancis Robinson
"With a bright purple colour, and hearty aromas of myrtle, red plum and black cherry. There is excellent persistence and bright, juicy fruit with lively acidity. Tannins are medium in weight and there is a wild, slightly savoury character to the wine. Produced from some of the oldest vines on the property, this is a highly distinctive red with subtle spice." Decanter
"The 2020 Piane is packed with black fruit, leather, tobacco, spice, menthol, liquorice and mocha. This heady, unctuous wine is resolutely turned up. It's a style that works very well. There's not much subtlety, but the 2020 is compelling. It's a little rustic, but still very appealing." Vinous
read more- Grape Varieties: 95% Croatina, 5% Vespolina
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 24 months tonneau/double barrique 450l
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: no
- Alcohol content: 14,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2035+
- Closure: natural corks
- Total extract: 28,00 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,50 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,00 g/l
- Sulfite: 55 mg/l
- pH value: 3,60
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned05462420 · 0,75 l · 61,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Eós” Vino Bianco 2020
Only 2,500 bottles of the debut vintage were filled. Eós, named after the Greek goddess of dawn, is the result of a selection of the best Erbaluce grapes from our own vineyards on the volcanic porphyry soils of Boca. The grapes were pressed slowly with a vertical press (torchio) without being crushed or destemmed (whole bunch press). The juice was then poured into large Slavonian oak barrels, where it was aged on the lees for a year. This was followed by a further year of refinement in the barrel and in the bottle. Eós is rich, complex, creamy, with a long mineral finish and a fresh acidity that keeps it in marvellous harmony. One of the very great and rare white wines of Alto Piemonte. SUPERIORE.DE
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Heirloom
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 12 months tonneau on the fine lees
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: no
- Alcohol content: 14,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 10‑12 °C
- Storage potential: 2034+
- Closure: natural corks
- Total extract: 24,78 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,05 g/l
- Residual sugar: 2,41 g/l
- Sulfite: 69 mg/l
- pH value: 3,45
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned05460220 · 0,75 l · 72,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Boca” Rosso Boca DOC 2019
The grapes for Christoph Künzli's top wine come from the best small vineyards in the Boca DOC. The soils there consist of humus-poor porphyry of Vucan origin with a slightly red colour and are rich in salts and minerals. This minerality of the soil and the distinctive structure and class of the Nebbiolo grape combine in the winery's flagship wine to create an expressive, ingenious dream of a wine that has long enjoyed cult status among connoisseurs.
First impression: aromas ranging from 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. Explosive, taut and wonderfully lively on the palate, 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're more than excited to see how this amazing wine will present itself in a few years' time ... SUPERIORE.DE
"The Swiss Christoph Künzli has made a significant contribution to the rebirth of the Boca growing region and presses wines with character and finesse, partly from ancient vines: This Nebbiolo with some Vespolina impresses with its notes of fresh berries, maraschino cherries and balsamic notes; polished on the palate, with fine-grained tannins, salty, fresh minerality, great length and, above all, elegance." Vinum
"Künzli released the 2019 vintage of his signature wine before the 2018, as it needs more time. Seductive aromas of nutmeg, sour cherry and red pepper flakes. The palate is rich, with medium to full tannins and subtle oak notes. An excellent combination of the power of Nebbiolo with the spice of Vespolina. The tannins are elegant and there is a subtle pepper note on the finish." Decanter
read more- Grape Varieties: 85% Nebbiolo, 15% Vespolina
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 36‑48 months tonneau
- Filtration: no
- Alcohol content: 13,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2036+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 30,25 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,90 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,04 g/l
- Sulfite: 70 mg/l
- pH value: 3,35
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned05462519 · 0,75 l · 82,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available
“Plinius III” Rosso Boca DOC 2017
If you frequently take part in barrel tastings, you will know that the same wine can develop differently in each barrel. So far so good, because it is usually only nuances that equalise after bottling and further ageing in the bottle. In the case of the 2017 Boca, however, Christoph Künzli very quickly realised that the wine from one of his barrels had a greater complexity and at the same time a youthful exuberance, which impressed him so much that he quickly decided to wait to bottle 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. The palate is full and rich with a beguiling texture and an almost weightless style. It captivates us until the long final, its purity and balance are unique. Plinius (i.e. the aforementioned Boca 2017 cask) is a fascinating and contemplative wine that should be savoured for several hours (or days) in the glass, if you manage to resist for that long. SUPERIORE.DE
"Künzli uses a hotter fermentation that melts the tannins together, resulting in greater structure and longer ageing potential. With its aromas of ripe cherries, tobacco, cloves and peppercorns, you can imagine it as an autumn or winter wine. Generous tannins, beautiful acidity, restrained oak notes and excellent complexity." Decanter
"The 2017 Plinius is a potent, explosive wine, rushing from the glass with macerated cherry, kirsch, rose petal, sage, mint and tobacco. The 2017 is deep, dense and expressive in its first impression, but then loses some of that persistence on the mid-palate and finish. Even so, the 2017 is a very pretty wine and a fine choice for drinking in the near term." Vinous
read more- Grape Varieties: 85% Nebbiolo, 15% Vespolina
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 78 months tonneau
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: no
- Alcohol content: 14,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2037+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 29,00 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,00 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,48 g/l
- Sulfite: 60 mg/l
- pH value: 3,60
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned05462917 · 0,75 l · 165,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping5 units available
“Boca” Rosso Boca DOC 2011 · MAGNUM
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
read more- Grape Varieties: 85% Nebbiolo, 15% Vespolina
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 48 months tonneau
- Filtration: no
- Alcohol content: 14,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2034+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 28,05 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,80 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,95 g/l
- Sulfite: 58 mg/l
- pH value: 3,40
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned05462611 · 1,5 l · 86,66 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping2 units available
“Boca” Rosso Boca DOC 2012 · MAGNUM
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
read more- Grape Varieties: 85% Nebbiolo, 15% Vespolina
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 48 months tonneau
- Filtration: no
- Alcohol content: 13,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2035+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 25,05 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,68 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,10 g/l
- Sulfite: 57 mg/l
- pH value: 3,36
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned05462612 · 1,5 l · 99,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping2 units available
“Plinius I” Rosso Boca DOC 2007 · MAGNUM in OWC
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
read more- Grape Varieties: 85% Nebbiolo, 15% Vespolina
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 78 months tonneau
- Filtration: no
- Alcohol content: 13,70 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2033+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 31,32 g/l
- Total acidity: 7,19 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,65 g/l
- Sulfite: 68 mg/l
- pH value: 3,35
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned05463007 · 1,5 l · 162,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping1 unit available
“Plinius III” Rosso Boca DOC 2017 · MAGNUM in OWC
If you frequently take part in barrel tastings, you will know that the same wine can develop differently in each barrel. So far so good, because it is usually only nuances that equalise after bottling and further ageing in the bottle. In the case of the 2017 Boca, however, Christoph Künzli very quickly realised that the wine from one of his barrels had a greater complexity and at the same time a youthful exuberance, which impressed him so much that he quickly decided to wait to bottle 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. The palate is full and rich with a beguiling texture and an almost weightless style. It captivates us until the long final, its purity and balance are unique. Plinius (i.e. the aforementioned Boca 2017 cask) is a fascinating and contemplative wine that should be savoured for several hours (or days) in the glass, if you manage to resist for that long. SUPERIORE.DE
"Künzli uses a hotter fermentation that melts the tannins together, resulting in greater structure and longer ageing potential. With its aromas of ripe cherries, tobacco, cloves and peppercorns, you can imagine it as an autumn or winter wine. Generous tannins, beautiful acidity, restrained oak notes and excellent complexity." Decanter
"The 2017 Plinius is a potent, explosive wine, rushing from the glass with macerated cherry, kirsch, rose petal, sage, mint and tobacco. The 2017 is deep, dense and expressive in its first impression, but then loses some of that persistence on the mid-palate and finish. Even so, the 2017 is a very pretty wine and a fine choice for drinking in the near term." Vinous
read more- Grape Varieties: 85% Nebbiolo, 15% Vespolina
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 78 months tonneau
- Vegan: yes
- Filtration: no
- Alcohol content: 14,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2039+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 29,00 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,00 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,48 g/l
- Sulfite: 60 mg/l
- pH value: 3,60
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned05463017 · 1,5 l · 170,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping2 units available
“Boca” Rosso Boca DOC 2011 · Double MAGNUM in OWC
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
read more- Grape Varieties: 85% Nebbiolo, 15% Vespolina
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 48 months tonneau
- Filtration: no
- Alcohol content: 14,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 18‑20 °C
- Storage potential: 2036+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 28,05 g/l
- Total acidity: 5,80 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,95 g/l
- Sulfite: 58 mg/l
- pH value: 3,40
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned05462811 · 3 l · 96,66 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping2 units available
Christoph Künzli actually wanted to settle on Etna until he became aware of another unique wine region in northern Italy. The largely unknown Alto Piemonte reflects the true, historic home of Nebbiolo and was once considered the most progressive winegrowing region in Italy. From here, the noble grape variety is said to have made its way to the more southern, legendary hills of the Langhe.
150 years ago, the Nebbiolo wines of Alto Piemonte were even more important than the now world-famous Barolo. This area has a rich viticultural culture that was almost completely displaced due to early industrialization and its new economic priorities. The vineyards were gradually abandoned and taken over by the forest until only about 600 of the initial 40,000 hectares remained.
When the region reached its nadir, a small group of wine lovers provided new, hopeful prospects for the future: in 1998, Christoph Künzli took over the Le Piane winery in the village of Boca, Piedmont's easternmost and highest wine-growing region. At that time, he bought the south-facing vines at an altitude of 400 to 450 meters, including the wine cellar, from the last great Boca winemaker, Antonio Cerri.
Today, the Swiss-born vintner farms around ten hectares, more than five of which have been completely newly planted. He took over 80-100 year old vines planted according to the unique "Maggiorina" system, which dates back to before Roman times. This grapevine system combines four vines in one stalk, extending in the four cardinal directions, forming a chalice-like square that can provide precious shade.
The area is the dream of every winemaker, you can still discover there ideally aligned abandoned vineyards in the forest. The remaining vineyards are scattered in the gently sloping hills in the province of Novara, between Lake Orta and the Sesia River. Here, unlike in the Barolo or Barbaresco areas, Nebbiolo is not pressed as a single variety, but is blended with the autochthonous grape varieties Vespolina, Bonarda, Uva Rara or Croatina.
In the cool Alto Piemonte, the vines grow on loose porphyry soils of volcanic origin. Nestled between the first hills of the foothills of the Alps, these are protected from the cold mountain winds and produce particularly high quality grapes. Christoph's team of just five produces particularly fine fruity character wines from the indigenous grape varieties Nebbiolo, Vespolina, Croatina and Erbaluce, which are a credit to northern Piedmont viticulture.
The entire range possesses impressive depth, fruit and acidity, and delights both when young and after several years of aging in large Slavonian oak barrels. Christoph Künzli is convinced of one thing: "Alto Piemonte has great potential. Especially from Nebbiolo, one can create very distinctive wines here in special locations."
We too believe that the production of world-class wines in Alto Piemonte will soon take on a whole new significance. Against this background, we are extremely grateful that the talented Swiss has finally shelved his then plan to go to Sicily. SUPERIORE.DE
Facts
- Year of foundation: 1998
- Owners: Christoph Künzli
- Oenologists: Christoph Künzli
- Annual production: approx. 60,000 bottles
- Vineyard: approx. 10 hectares
- Natural viticulture