Le Piane 'La Maggiorina' Colline Novaresi Rosso, Piedmont, Italy

Rooted in ancient tradition and blended from over fifteen native grape varieties, the 2021 Le Piane 'La Maggiorina' Colline Novaresi Rosso is a uniquely expressive red wine from the hills of northern Piedmont, Italy. Grown on old vines using the historic Maggiorina training system, where three vines are intertwined and trained to grow in four directions, this field-blended cuvée is a vibrant tribute to the region’s rural heritage and viticultural resilience.

Product Details:

• Varieties: 40% Nebbiolo, 40% Croatina, 5% Vespolina, and 15+ other native varietals (including some white grapes)
• Fermentation: Stainless steel with skin contact and pump-overs for 4–5 days
• Aging: 12 months in stainless steel
• Alcohol: 13% ABV
• Vineyard Location: Boca (Province of Novara)
• Vineyard Age: 40–100 years
• Soil: Mineral-rich porphyry and gravel
• Elevation: 400–450 meters
• Farming: Traditional, sustainable
• Winemaker/ Owner: Christoph Kuenzli

Sensory Description:

Pale ruby in hue with a lively clarity, the wine opens with delicate, lifted aromas of rose petals, cherry, raspberry, and wild herbs. On the palate, it strikes a fresh yet grounded balance, Nebbiolo’s structural tension provides an elegant backbone, while Croatina offers rich, juicy fruit. The presence of white and lesser-known red varietals adds a whisper of spice and a mineral edge, giving the wine its signature complexity. Youthful, refreshing acidity and fine tannins carry through to a clean, slightly savory finish.

Winemaker's Background:

Le Piane is a boutique winery located in the newly recognized Boca DOC, founded by Christoph Kuenzli and Alexander Tolf after being inspired by local grower Antonio Cerri in the late 1980s. With a mission to preserve and revitalize the traditional methods of the Alto Piemonte, Le Piane continues to farm by hand, maintain old vines, and vinify with minimal intervention. The estate comprises numerous micro-parcels across the Boca region and is known for crafting soulful wines that express volcanic soils, high altitudes, and centuries-old agricultural wisdom.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 61–63°F (16–17°C) in a wide goblet to capture its delicate aromatics and vibrant texture. This versatile red pairs beautifully with cured meats, Piemontese antipasti, mushroom risotto, or a simple plate of agnolotti al ragù. It's also an ideal companion to picnic fare or enjoyed lightly chilled during the warmer months.

The 2021 Le Piane 'La Maggiorina' Colline Novaresi Rosso is more than a wine, it’s a living record of Alto Piemonte’s deep-rooted traditions and the soulful expression of its field-blended past. Honest, elegant, and joyfully rustic, it invites you to discover a forgotten corner of Italian viticulture with every glass.