E. PIRA CHIARA BOSCHIS BAROLO 2019 VINTAGE AND ALL THE NEW RELEASES ON SALE FROM ONE OF OUR FAVORITE PIEDMONT PRODUCERS
"Wine is life."
- Petronius
You know my favorite wine in the world is Nebbiolo and among my top ten producers of Nebbiolo is Chiara Boschis. Her newly released 2019 Barolos are once again some of the top-rated wines of the vintage!!
I know these wines are a bit young for most Barolo lovers’ palates but we had to open the 2019 Cannubi the day it arrived! We are doing scientific research here at Wine Watch and I always like to see how these wines are right now and I will also be setting some aside for future scientific research as most great vintage form Barolo need another 10-20 years in the bottle.
That is why god made Nebbiolo Langhe! These wines are sometimes from the same vineyards as the Barolo but are the younger vines that are not ready to be made into Barolo yet. This 2021 from Chiara’s E. Pira label is one of the finest that you will find and although it is a little expensive for Langhe Nebbiolo it is also all from the Raveira Barolo vineyards
Over the course of three decades this winery has produced one of the top wines made in Barolo every single year. Even in difficult vintages these wines really shine, like in 1994 when E. Pira was the only Barolo to receive the coveted "Three Glass" award from the Gambero Rosso. The 1995 is also one of the best wines that we have tasted from this very good vintage, but every vintage from 1996 – 2019 have been Most Excellent putting this producer in an elite group in the Piedmont who are making wine at another level. E. Pira has quickly risen to the top in an area that has had so many superstars emerge over the last twenty five years. The Piedmont has seen an unprecedented string of outstanding vintages from 1996-2001 and then 2004-2019 each vintage being different but all of them offer wines of unprecedented quality. The latest release 2019 being the best since 2016 and 2018 but E. Pira Cannubi is a wine that I collect so we do an offering on it every year!
I paid a visit to the E. Pira winery in the Piedmont (April 2004) just after Vin Italy. This tiny operation is making some incredible wines. The Cannubi vineyard produces some of the most prized nebbiolo grown in the Piedmont and the winemaker, Chiara Boschis is one of the most talented and hard-working people in the wine business. I would place these among the top 10 wines made in Barolo since 1994. Chiara oversees all aspects of production of her wines and when it is time to rack the wine, you will find the petite Chiara in the cellars moving barrels around, the locals find it amusing that some of her young male helpers find it hard to keep up with her. Her dedication to her work shows in the wines, the 2000, 2001 and 2003 vintage wines are some of the best that I experienced on my journey to Italy in 2004. The 2003 and 2004 vintages are very different but I appreciate both of these wines from Chiara and asked for special large format bottles as these were also the two vintages of Isabella and Antonio- my two children. So, I have 3 liter bottles from both vintages just waiting for the kids to reach their 21st birthday, at first I thought that the 2003 may not make it but it is one of my favorite vintages to drink today. Isabella turns 21 next year so we will drink it to celebrate! I thought that the 2004 would last much longer as this is considered a classic vintage in the Piedmont but I have liked both 2003 and 2005 better over the last few years, Antonio will have to wait another year to try his 3 Liter but we will see what vintage has held up better maybe we will drink them both on the same night….I LOVE BAROLO and great wines like the Cannubi from E.Pira will last a week once the bottle is opened.
This Langhe Nebbiolo gives you a chance to see one of the latest vintages and get a glimpse into what the Barolo will be like when it is released in 2025. By law Barolo can’t be released until the 4th year after harvest. Check out Chiara Boschis latest work and for those that missed the offering of her 2018 Barolo’s I have included them and all the other wines from this great producer on this offering.
The latest thing from E. Pira – An entry level wine from a Cru Barolo vineyard!
2021 E PIRA CHIARA BOSCHIS NEBBIOLO LANGHE
List Price: $52.50 Your Price: $46.20
From the most important vine of the Langa comes a wine that is an introduction to the King of Wines. The grapes come from a dedicated vineyard and from the so-called buffer zones: rows bordering on nonorganic vineyards of other producers. It has a ruby red color, tending to garnet and with purple reflections. The nose is sweet and fruity. In the mouth, non-intrusive tannins balanced by acidity.
Grape Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
Vineyard: San Giuseppe (Ravera) in Monforte d’Alba
Vine Age: 15 years
Altitude: 400 meters above sea level
Wine Watch Review: A beautiful bouquet of red cherry and wild strawberry fruit with notes of white truffles, rose petals, exotic spices and more a very pretty nose forward and seductive. Ripe forward red and black berry fruit showing through on the tongue with ripe round tannins a nice amount of that nuance and spice from the nose lingering through the finish, maybe a bit of chalky tannins coming in at the end but has lovely balance and richness. This wine is drinking nicely with an hour in the glass but will get better with 3-5 years the cellar. Finish 40+ Excellent
New Releases!
Chiara Bochis E. Pira Baroli from the outstanding 2019 vintage
And all the wines from this outstanding producer on SALE!!
2019 E. PIRA & FIGLI CHIARA BOSCHIS CANNUBI, BAROLO DOCG
Price: $180.00 Your Price: $158.40
2019 PIRA & FIGLI CHIARA BOSCHIS CANNUBI, BAROLO DOCG MAGNUM
Price: $465.00 Your Price: $409.20
(97 Points) "I had the chance to walk the Cannubi vineyard with Chiara Boschis this past fall. You really don't get a sense of how steep the inclines are and how powdery the soils are until you are there, struggling with each difficult step. She navigates the difficult terrain effortlessly. The 2019 Barolo Cannubi shows an etched or three-dimensional quality with sharp fruit flavors, blue flower and chalky stone. There were some weather extremes during the growing season, but everything balanced out in the end. Phenolic ripeness was easily achieved. Chiara Boschis describes 2019 as a cross between 2016 and 2017. In her portfolio, Via Nuova is the classic Barolo, Mosconi has the power and Cannubi shows the finesse of Nebbiolo. We fight with a bow and arrow, not with a nuclear bomb," says Chiara Boschis of her ongoing efforts to convert all the vintners in the Cannubi cru over to organics. She has almost succeeded in her goal, although a few holdouts remain. Her inspiring Cannubi Bio project is why E. Pira e Figli - Chiara Boschis is a recipient of the Robert Parker Green Emblem award." Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2018 E. PIRA & FIGLI CHIARA BOSCHIS CANNUBI, BAROLO DOCG, ITALY
Price: $171.00 Your Price: $150.48 Quantity in Stock: 24
2018 E. PIRA & FIGLI CHIARA BOSCHIS CANNUBI, BAROLO DOCG, ITALY MAGNUM
Price: $420.00 Your Price: $369.60 Quantity in Stock: 2
(97 Points) The E. Pira e Figli - Chiara Boschis 2018 Barolo Cannubi is a lovely wine with a classic playlist of true Nebbiolo aromas. This certified organic wine exhibits wild berry, rose, dried lilac and an earthy touch of white truffle. However, the floral aromas and the lifted fruit are the protagonists in this balanced expression. Chiara farms less than one hectare (just over 6,000 square meters) in the celebrated Cannubi MGA with ancient calcareous clay soils from the Miocene era. Production is limited to 3,594 bottles. This is one of the best wines of the vintage. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2015 E. PIRA & FIGLI CHIARA BOSCHIS CANNUBI, BAROLO DOCG, ITALY 3 LITER
Price: $725.00 Your Price: $638.00 Quantity in Stock: 1
2015 E. PIRA & FIGLI CHIARA BOSCHIS CANNUBI, BAROLO DOCG, ITALY MAGNUM
List Price: $375.00 Your Price: $330.00 Quantity in Stock: 9
(95 Points) My sample bottle of 2015 Barolo Cannubi was allowed to breathe overnight, and I really got a glimpse of how the wine evolves, showing beautiful minty notes on the bouquet with time. This Barolo is more compact in terms of build than the others and more streamlined in the mouth, but it comes across as extremely delicate, light and elegant. There is a sweet spot on the close. This wine has a unique style that is both graceful and petite, and given ample time to breathe, it would put a smile on any Barolo lover's face. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2018 E. PIRA & FIGLI CHIARA BOSCHIS MOSCONI, BAROLO DOCG, ITALY
Price: $130.50 Your Price: $114.84
2018 E. PIRA & FIGLI CHIARA BOSCHIS MOSCONI, BAROLO DOCG, ITALY MAGNUM
Price: $345.00 Your Price: $303.60
(96 Points) Chiara Boschis has recently purchased more vineyards in the Mosconi cru located at a cool 370 meters in elevation in Monforte d'Alba. Sourcing its fruit from an organic 1.9-hectare parcel, the 2018 Barolo Mosconi is available in a slightly larger production of 9,000 bottles. This is terrific news for those who love the focus and precision that Chiara Boschis is known for. The Mosconi carries generous fruit weight and volume over a streamlined mouthfeel and tight tannins. The wine ends with fresh notes of blackberry, plum and wild rose. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2017 E. PIRA & FIGLI CHIARA BOSCHIS MOSCONI, BAROLO DOCG, ITALY
Price: $130.50 Your Price: $114.84 Quantity in Stock: 30
(94 Points) Made with organically grown clones of Michel and Lampia, the E Pira-Chiara Boschis 2017 Barolo Mosconi softly presents bright berry aromas, raspberry, wild cherry, crushed limestone and delicate floral tones of lilacs and violets. Like other wines from this hot vintage, this expression from the Mosconi cru in Monforte d'Alba has that unique floral signature that is precious and unexpected. The wine shows great depth and balance with a pretty intensity that spreads over the palate. The tannins are dry with some dustiness, but the mouthfeel is spot-on in terms of length and polish. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2016 E. PIRA & FIGLI CHIARA BOSCHIS MOSCONI, BAROLO DOCG, ITALY
Price: $127.25 Your Price: $111.98 Quantity in Stock: 20
(96 points) Outer quote mark The E Pira-Chiara Boschis 2016 Barolo Mosconi is a little wider and richer compared to the Cannubi, with bigger fruit, more sweetness, spice, grilled oregano and a touch of crushed hazelnut. Despite the wide net of aromas offered on the bouquet, this wine shows a very sharp and focused approach with elegantly linear tannins and matching acidity. There is a lifted quality to both the nose and the mouthfeel that gives this wine beautiful momentum and length. Mosconi is one of the headline vineyards of Monforte d'Alba. (ML) Inner quote mark (7/2020) Wine Advocate
2015 E. PIRA & FIGLI CHIARA BOSCHIS MOSCONI, BAROLO DOCG, ITALY MAGNUM
List Price: $309.00 Your Price: $271.92 Quantity in Stock: 1
2015 E. PIRA & FIGLI CHIARA BOSCHIS MOSCONI, BAROLO DOCG, ITALY
Price: $126.00 Your Price: $110.88 Quantity in Stock: 6
(94 Points) All of the wines from Chiara Boschis are more vinous this year, more natural. They feel authentic, genuine and traditional. They show an extra degree of richness or texture, and the 2015 Barolo Mosconi is no exception. Its dark and spicy notes are very polished and graceful in this vintage but with considerable tightness to the tannins that will soften with time. This wine offers ample volume and girth, but it carries its weight with elegance. Once the bottle has reached maturity, it would be a great pairing match to rabbit. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2019 E. PIRA & FIGLI CHIARA BOSCHIS VIA NUOVA, BAROLO DOCG
Price: $120.00 Your Price: $105.60
(97 points) “The 2019 Barolo Via Nuova is another gorgeous wine in this tasting. Soaring and broad in its aromatic intensity, the 2019 has it all. The blend of seven sites works so well. Readers will find a seamless, wonderfully complete Barolo. Dried flowers, herbs, mint, rose petal, kirsch and orange zest lend notable complexity throughout. The 2019 is deep and also quite rich, but not at all heavy. There is a touch of oak sweetness, but it just adds to the wine's exotic beauty. (AG) “ 1/2023) Vinous
2018 E. PIRA & FIGLI CHIARA BOSCHIS VIA NUOVA, BAROLO DOCG, ITALY
Price: $115.75 Your Price: $101.86
(97 Points) The 2018 Barolo Via Nuova is fresh and lifted, with a really fresh approach. Supple with red fruit, red roses, and fresh orange, on the palate it offers fine tannins, a graceful, clean finish with a chalky texture, and a Burgundian aesthetic. A gorgeous wine, it is drinking beautifully now, and I think it will have a long life ahead as well. Jeb Dunnuck
2017 E. PIRA & FIGLI CHIARA BOSCHIS VIA NUOVA, BAROLO DOCG, ITALY
Price: $90.00 Your Price: $79.20 Quantity in Stock: 11
(94 Points) An expressive nose of rose, cherry, strawberry and eucalyptus doubles down on the palate, while the dense structure lends support. This red is balanced and long, with excellent intensity and freshness. Wine Spectator
2015 E. PIRA & FIGLI CHIARA BOSCHIS VIA NUOVA, BAROLO DOCG, ITALY
Price: $112.50 Your Price: $99.00 Quantity in Stock: 16
(93 Points) Offers pure rose perfume, backed by kirsch, raspberry and tobacco flavors that are tangy due to the vivid acidity. Eucalyptus and wild herb accents add depth as this tightens up on the lingering finish. Detailed and refined overall. Best from 2023 through 2039. Wine Spectator
2020 E. PIRA DOLCETTO D'ALBA
Price: $29.50 Your Price: $25.96 Quantity in Stock: 7
The Dolcetto d'Alba is intense ruby red with purple reflections. It has a persistent perfume of flowers and fruit with scents of violet and small red fruit. The structure is balanced and elegant.
2021 E. PIRA & FIGLI CHIARA BOSCHIS BARBERA D'ALBA SUPERIORE, PIEDMONT
Price: $49.50 Your Price: $43.56
(92 Points) A deeper, more opaque hue, the 2021 Barbera D'Alba Superiore offers notes of graphite, lavender, and plum. It is medium to full-bodied but doesn't feel weighted and has fresh acidity and sweet tannins. Its notes of berries and fresh herbs last long on a clean finish. Jeb Dunnuck
2020 E. PIRA & FIGLI CHIARA BOSCHIS BARBERA D'ALBA SUPERIORE, PIEDMONT
Price: $49.50 Your Price: $43.56
(93 Points) The 2020 Barbera D'Alba Superiore is transparent with a rich ruby and youthful luminescence and is fragrant with the sweet perfume of blackberry, candied violets, and sweet herbs. It is medium bodied with freshness throughout and has a bit more depth. Jeb Dunnuck
2019 E PIRA CHIARA BOSCHIS NEBBIOLO LANGHE
List Price: $49.50 Your Price: $43.56 Quantity in Stock: 15
From the most important vine of the Langa comes a wine that is an introduction to the King of Wines. The grapes come from a dedicated vineyard and from the so-called buffer zones: rows bordering on nonorganic vineyards of other producers. It has a ruby red color, tending to garnet and with purple reflections. The nose is sweet and fruity. In the mouth, non-intrusive tannins balanced by acidity
Grape Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
Vineyard: San Giuseppe (Ravera) in Monforte d’Alba
Vine Age: 15 years
Altitude: 400 meters above sea level
=indigenousselections.com
Soil: Calcareous clay soil
Harvest: October Yield per acre: 2,500-4,000 kg/ha Fermentation: Vinified at our winery in the village of Barolo using modern methods, automatic temperature control of fermentation along with automated punch downs
Aging: 12 months in French oak barriques and a minimum of 2 months in the bottle
Alcohol content: 14.5% alcohol by volume
Production: 7,700 bottles (750 ml)
Tasting Notes: Fairly intense ruby red trending to garnet in color. Fruity on the nose and dry, velvety, and harmonious on the palate.
-indigenousselections.com
A brief History of Barolo
Barolo has a long history of wine production, the area was named some 400 years ago and probably came from the Celtic brolio or brol, meaning "wood" or "orchard". The region of Barolo encompasses approximately 3,000 acres of vines situated southwest of the town of Alba, in all or part of 11 communes. First is La Morra, with nearly one-third of the total acreage. Following in decreasing order are Serralunga d’alba, Monforte d’Alba, Barolo, and Castiglione Falletto, and parts of six other villages. One of the most famous and most sought after vineyards in Barolo is Cannubi.
There are two main valleys in the Barolo production zone: the Barolo Valley to the west, and the Serralunga Valley to the east. La Morra and Barolo itself are the major villages in the western valley, which also encompasses Cherasco, Novello, Roddi d’Alba, Castiglione Falletto and Monforte are the major towns; Diano d’Alba and Grinzane Cavour are also included in this district. There are distinct characteristics that are indigenous to the wines of various area: the wines of Serralunga Valley have suggestions of licorice and tar, the Barolos of Serralunga itself display camphor and mint; those from Castiglione Falleto have a pronounced licorice characteristic as well as nuances of spice, mint, dried peaches, and prunes; those from Monforte recall spices, mint hazelnuts, and almonds. The wines from the Barolo Valley bring up underbrush and truffle, as well as licorice. Those wines from the village of Barolo have less of a licorice character but more suggestions of underbrush, truffles, and mint. The wines of la Morra, especially those from the slopes, combine nuances of white truffle, mint, tobacco, spices, cherries, and blackberries and those from Cannubi display motes of white truffles, underbrush, raspberries, and black cherries.