en primeur release piedmont...2016 piedmont 2016 is a vintage most winegrowers dream of. many...

S T A N N A R Y S T W I N E C O .

Stannary St Wine Co.16 Stannary StreetLondon SE11 4AA

020 7582 6865

www.stannarywine.com

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EN PRIMEUR RELEASE

PIEDMONT

April 2020

2016 PIEDMONT

2016 is a vintage most winegrowers dream of. Many reported that in all their years of farming they had never seen such a good vintage. The wines are characterised by transparency, elegance and freshness, as well as great structure and acidity that makes you salivate. Valter Fissore of Elvio Cogno was very proud to tell me that he thinks his Ravera is the best he has ever made. There have been whispers that it could be the best vintage in the last 20 years, even potentially outshining the outstanding 2010 vintage. Time will tell, but the growing season was certainly superior to 2010, added to the fact that a more subtle style has started to emerge all over the region since then. Focus on the vineyards rather than just the cellar is a phenomenon happening all over the Langhe. This was demonstrated by the 2014 vintage - the growers that had good results in such a challenging vintage knew that they were farming the vineyards the right way.

The year started slowly and it wasn’t until April that temperatures rose above average. Winter was dry, with a bit more rain in the Spring, but not too much for mildew to be a problem. Summer was classic, with the normal heat spike from end of July to September, however low humidity ensured that there wasn’t excessive heat and occasional rain showers tempered the temperatures. Evening temperatures

PHILIPPASAUNDERSItaly Buyer

dropped in September creating the perfect conditions for a late harvest – this is important for overall ageing potential as it improves colour and aroma profiles as well as guaranteeing slow, steady maturation whilst avoiding excessive ripeness. This also results in more elegance in the wines. 2016 benefitted from cooler temperatures than 2015 in the month before harvest. Almost no rain meant producers could chose their harvest dates, rather than rushing to the vineyards with a threat of rain (rain at this stage dilutes the grapes). Cool weather at harvest was a return to more ‘normal’ times, before global warming started to have a big effect. Harvest began anywhere between 5 and 13 days later than the average.

The combination of all these factors has led to an extraordinary sense of balance and harmony in the 2016s. There are no mediocre wines and many entry level bottlings are outstanding, always a sign of a spectacular vintage. It goes without saying that the best producers exceeded expectations and we are lucky to work with several of these. These truly astounding wines demonstrate everything that Nebbiolo is capable of and there is no doubt Barolo lovers will want 2016 in their cellars.

Please note: Quantities are limited, with little more than a few thousand bottles made of certain wines. Some wines are on allocation only. We are expecting high demand so please get your requests in early.

Stannary St Wine Co. • April 2020 • E&OE • All prices are indicated in bond, per case

A WORD ON 2017

2017 will suffer for no other reason than following 2016. It will be remembered for its high summer temperatures and was one of the earliest harvests on record, about one to two weeks earlier than the average. Towards the end of April, a sharp drop in temperatures caused some frost damage, though in Barbaresco only the bottom of the valleys and cooler slopes were affected. A spring hailstorm caused some damage to vineyards which limited yields for certain growers. From May, the weather was hot and dry which resulted in perfectly even fruit set. Despite the hot dry conditions, there was plenty of water in the soil from winter snow. Rain at the end of the summer also rebalanced the natural health and quality of the grapes and growers were happy with the results. Wines tend to show more richness with juicy, dark fruit profiles.

MILAN

GATTINARA

GENOA

TURIN

ASTI

BARBARESCO

ALBA

BAROLO

1 32

4

5

PIEDMONT

VINEYARDS


CONTACT US

SAM [email protected]

TOM BIRDHead of Private [email protected]

SARA GUIDUCCIHead of Private [email protected]

KIM SUDDENSFine Wine Account [email protected]

ALICE BRANDONFine Wine Account [email protected]

PIEDMONT

B A R O L O

B A R B A R E S C O

Guido Rivella page 74

Elvio Cogno page 4

E Pira & Figli (Chiara Boschis)

page 5

Giacomo Fenocchio page 6

12

3

G A T T I N A R A

Mauro Franchino page 75

Valter Fissore has steadily taken this wonderful estate to a new level. Having taken over from his father-in-law Elvio Cogno, he runs this 20-hectare estate with a clear vision of what he wants to achieve. The winery is perched majestically atop the hill looking down over his beloved Ravera vineyard and one can clearly see the subtle nuances of the slopes and the soil types from this privileged position. Valter is absolutely passionate about what he does and has expanded his cuverie and equipment to ensure that nothing is left to chance in his search for top quality. Such is his love of Burgundy it should come as no surprise that these wines ooze finesse and elegance and have tannins so lacy and silky that one could almost be tasting Pinot Noir. Valter has a large holding of Ravera and produces a high class version as well as two parcel-based Barolos from plots within Ravera. He uses a mix of smaller and larger barrels but the oak influence is minimal. The wines from here have never been better and there is little doubt that this is now very much one of the top names of Barolo. Please note that the Bricco Pernice and Vigna Elena are in very short supply and will be linked to orders of the Ravera.

VALTER FISSORE


2018 Pre-Phylloxera Barbera

This is inky deep purple in colour with a pink rim. It is from a parcel of pre-phylloxera vines situated in Berri, near La Morra - the sandy chalk soil has guaranteed natural protection from phylloxera. Incredibly low yields always ensure this is the most concentrated and silkiest Barbera that you’ll probably ever try, and the 2018 is no exception. Dark rich intense nose of morello cherry, blackberry, tobacco, spice and pine. No shortage of structure and muscle on the palate, this is serious Barbera that will age for 15-20 years.

2017 Barbaresco Bordini

This hails from Nieve and shows incredible focus and intensity. There is surprising elegance and grace for a warm vintage, showing the hand of a skilled winemaker. Open nose of orange peel, and exotic spice with a hint of truffle. Floral notes follow on the palate, with medium body and instant appeal. This has defined Nieve structure but also the ripe acidity and richness to balance it. It is made with the fruit from a friend’s vineyard and spends 24 months in Slavonian oak.

Drink from 20216x75cl • £210 IB

1x150cl • £80 IB


2016 Barolo Cascina Nuova

This is made to be enjoyed much sooner than the other Barolo wines. Stunning and expressive, this is pure delight even now. There is juicy, bright red fruit along with cinnamon and sweet spice, mint and white pepper. The palate also shows great fruit purity, full of sweet red berries and mouth-watering acidity. Tannins are graceful, silky and linear. Pure class.


2016 Barolo Ravera

Valter says the 2016 is probably the best Ravera he has ever made and I wholeheartedly agree with him. Sweet red cherry, white pepper and rose petal. Racy acidity dominates the attack with pure, red berry fruit, leather and herbs. Transparent and ethereal, there is energy and tension a plenty. There is firm structure behind with fine but intense tannins. The finish is long and lacy with great finesse despite the powerful structure. It needs a few years to be at its best but will not disappoint. We have a limited amount of 300cl & 500cl individual bottles to offer for the first time ever.

Drink from 2023

www.elviocogno.com

ELVIO COGNO

@ElvioCogno

@elvio_cogno

6x75cl • £330 IB

1x150cl • £120 IB

1x300cl • £250 IB

1x500cl • £420 IB

2015 Barolo Bricco Pernice

Bricco Pernice vineyard has a south westerly exposure that gets more sun than the main part of the Ravera vineyard. Named after the small hill where patridges build their nests, it is 100% Lampia clone. Perfumed and exotic, this is exuberant yet refined and translucent. Raspberry, cherry, petals and anise jump out of the glass, followed with more sweet spice and floral notes. This treads a fine line between opulence and finesse and is quite reigned in on the palate. Texture is velvety and tannins are round and fruit swathed. Don’t be fooled by its ease, this wine has a long way to go.


1x150cl • £140 IB

2014 Barolo Riserva Vigna Elena

2014 Riserva Vigna Elena is from a small 1 hectare parcel of pure Rosè clone. Yields are very low, which results in intense perfume and power, but without too much weight. Rose petal and creamy morello cherry intermingle with blood orange, mint and red licorice. Intensely complex, beguiling and seductive. 2014 has effortless weight and shows that there were some sensational wines made in this vintage. It spends 36 months in large 50hl Slavonian oak before spending another 24 in bottle pre-release.


1x150cl • £140 IB

E Pira & Figli is one of the oldest wineries in the Langhe dating back to the 17th century. Bought by the Boschis family in 1980 (who were great friends of the Pira family) Chiara Boschis came to the family estate in the late 80s after graduating from winemaking school. She became one of the first women producers in the region and was also one of the original ‘Barolo Boys’, exploring more modern vinification techniques in order to bring accessibility to what had traditionally been an austere wine. Chiara was joined by brother Giorgio in 2008 when they bought the estate from their parents. All work on the vines is carried out by hand, with meticulous attention to detail. They have 20 hectares of vineyards in total over the communes of Barolo, Monforte and Serralunga. One of the early pioneers of organic viticulture, Chiara took up the challenge of convincing her vineyard neighbours to convert to organic farming and now 26 out of 28 hectares of Cannubi vineyard are farmed organically. She makes three Barolos, two of which are single vineyard crus – Cannubi and Mosconi. Via Nuova is a blend of vineyards, a technique favoured by most growers in the region until the 1960s. Wines are aged in a mixture of large casks and barriques before further ageing in bottle. Please note that quantities of these wines are very limited.

CHIARA BOSCHIS

E PIRA & FIGLI

(CHIARA BOSCHIS)


www.pira-chiaraboschis.com

@chiaraboschis

@chiara_boschis

@EPiraFigliChiaraBoschis

2016 Barolo Cannubi

Pretty and gracious, this has signature Cannubi elegance aplenty. Perfumed rose, red cherry, tea and dried herbs all float out of the glass. The palate is silky and textural with plenty of fruit to balance the underlying structure. Tannins are powdery and of remarkable distinction. Acidity gives drive and adds to the long length. Sculpted and pure class, there is nothing not to like.


1x150cl • £150 IB

1x300cl • £360 IB

1x500cl • £595 IB

2016 Barolo Via Nuova

Now a blend of seven different vineyard plots, it is open, ripe and intensely attractive from the onset. With remarkable aromatic complexity, notes of morello cherry, lavender, rose and balsamic spice leap out of the glass. Sensational drive and energy from ripe veins of acidity, and silky but pervasive tannins. Galloni deemed that her 2016 Via Nuova is the best Barolo she has ever made in her illustrious career.


1x150cl • £155 IB

1x300cl • £350 IB

1x500cl • £575 IB

2016 Barolo Mosconi

Mosconi always has greater overall power than the other two; muscle and tannin are its signature. Despite the impressive structure, the 2016 is very well reigned in and there is finesse as well as swathes of dark cherry, chocolate and spice, to fill out its frame. This is supported by a bright core of acidity. The natural richness and breath of Mosconi marries well with the elegance of the vintage.


1x150cl • £120 IB

1x300cl • £285 IB

1x500cl • £465 IB

Described by Italian expert Kerin O’Keefe as a ‘cult winery’, the Fenocchios have been making wine in Monforte d’Alba since 1894 and today the estate is run by 5th generation Claudio Fenocchio. Claudio took over from his father Giacomo in 1989, during the rise of the Barolo Boys who preached a modern take on Barolo with fast extractions and heavy influence of new oak, which were rewarded with high scores. Yet, Claudio remained loyal to the traditional Barolo production methods with long skin contact and long ageing in large Slavonian botti. The biggest change he made in the winery was in the vineyards where he decided to farm organically. His decision to remain focused on the purity of Nebbiolo and a desire to translate the individual terroir has put him into the top echelons of traditional producers. In 2014, The New York Times rated Fenocchio in second position in a tasting of 2010 Barolos – coming behind only Elio Altare and ahead of Elio Grasso and Vietti and in 2018 he was mentioned by Tom Hyland in the Forbes’ list of The 25 Best Producers Of Barolo.

CLAUDIO FENOCCHIO


www.giacomofenocchio.com

@GiacomoFenocchio

@gfenocchio

GIACOMO

FENOCCHIO

2016 Barolo

A great introduction to the house style of the estate, this is made with the younger vines and captures the essence of the cantina with distinct notes of wild roses, red cherry and mint. A core of acid lifts the palate. Tannins are soft and well knit. This is ready to drink on release, but would benefit from at least 3-5 years in the cellar.

6x75cl • £138 IB

2016 Barolo Castellero

The Castellero vineyard is located between Bussia and Cannubi in the Barolo commune. There are only three producers in this excellent vineyard and Fenocchio have a small 0.4ha west facing plot at altitude. Vines are 40 years old and located on a soil marked by gravel that produces very fine tannins and savoury aromatics. This has a real mixture of plums, smoke, liquorice and spice. There is a wonderful sense of poise and precision to it with the mineral structure typical to this cuvee. Annual production is only about 300 cases.

6x75cl • £186 IB

6x150cl • £420 IB

2016 Barolo Bussia

This is the original heart of the estate and has been in the family since 1867. The vineyard is located in the centre of the Monforte d’Alba commune, right next to the winery, and the family holdings are in the original part of Bussia on pure Helvetian soil (limestone and blue clay marl). It is a perfumed wine with exuberant notes of wild roses, raspberry and spice followed on the palate with bold sweet red fruit, intense minerality and softly textured fine tannins. There is a real completeness about this wine even at this early stage.

6x75cl • £186 IB

6x150cl • £420 IB

2016 Barolo Villero

This is the only vineyard that is located in the commune of Castiglione Falleto and came into the family through Claudio’s wife. The soil is very similar to Bussia but with a higher iron content and it boasts the same exposition and altitude as the famous Monprivato vineyard, just a stones throw away. It is a proper old vine cuvee (vines are 70 years old) and as a result there is a natural structure to this wine, as well as precise aromatic complexity. It has layers and layers of violet and lilac notes as well as savoury dried red fruit. There is complex richness combined with weightless elegance. The length is astounding.

6x75cl • £198 IB

6x150cl • £456 IB

2016 Barolo Cannubi

From a small 0.5ha plot that was purchased by Claudio’s father in 1972, comes this incredible dense and black-fruited Barolo. This shows depth and intensity, but with classic Cannubi grace. Aromatic layers of sweet black cherry, dried herbs and loganberry unfurl in the glass along with floral notes of rose petal and sweet spice. Tannins are firm but already well integrated. The finish is silky and endless.

6x75cl • £210 IB

6x150cl • £528 IB

Drink from 2022

Drink from 2024

Drink from 2026

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Drink from 2027

After 44 years as the oenologist at Gaja, Guido retired in 2014. Since then he has been making tiny quantities of wine with his children Enrico and Silvia at his small family estate in Barbaresco. Coming from a rural family, Guido was born in Barbaresco just down the street from where the cantina sits today, at the entrance of the Montestefano Borgata in Barbaresco. After graduating at the prestigious Oenological School of Alba, Guido worked for a brief period outside the Langhe and then returned to Barbaresco to start his lifetime collaboration with the Gaja family. Over the last few years, Guido Rivella and his children Enrico and Silvia, have restructured their farm and the complex now includes a small bed and breakfast and a spotless cantina. Today, in just under 4 hectares, the cantina produces approximately 15,000 bottles. In the best vintages, Guido make three Barbaresco - a straight Barbaresco made from vineyards in Montestefano’s sub-zones of Patricone and Bibinet, and two single Barbaresco crus - Fausoni and Montestefano. In weaker vintages, all the fruit is combined to make a single Barbaresco. The wines are vinified in small temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and aged in used French oak. In 2017 a spring hailstorm damaged part of the Fausoni vineyards and none was made this year.

GUIDO RIVELLA


GUIDO RIVELLA

2017 Barbaresco

All of the Fausoni left after the hailstorm went into the straight Barbaresco which has meant even more concentration and complexity than usual. This is super slick and expressive, delighting with notes of rich black cherry, sweet spice, licorice and violets. It is seductive and opulent on the palate, and tannins are plush and well integrated. This is approachable even now, but will be best after 3+ years.

6x75cl • £270 IB

1x150cl • £100 IB

2017 Barbaresco Montestefano

From 47 year old vines, this is powerful and rich with dense black cherry, smoke and cured meat. It opens up nicely after ½ an hour in the glass to anise, cherry and notes of incense. On the palate, the acid is bright and lightens the power, but it is quite foursquare and chunky at the moment, and will need some time to knit. All the elements are there and it will be a savvy buy for those that can. It spends 20 months in used tonneaux oak barrels before 6 months in bottle before release. Only 1000 bottles produced.

3x75cl • £240 IB

1x150cl • £185 IB

There is something Château Rayas-esque about this operation. Its honest, simple approach produces very classic, authentic, most pleasing wines of real quality. For the last 18 months it has been run by Alberto, Mauro’s nephew (although he still works in the vines even in his seventies). To get to the cellar, you have to cross the ramshackle courtyard and to get to the tasting room (the dining room) you have to pass Grandma in the kitchen on the way! The estate is tiny, totalling just 3 hectares, and producing only two wines, both made from Nebbiolo and some Vespolina for the Coste della Sesia. It lies in the northern part of Piedmont, about two hours drive north of Barolo to the west of Milan. Its vineyards were planted in 1967 and annual production is a mere 5000 bottles. The vineyards have very little top soil, which is composed primarily of decomposed porphyry from the Alps, and this paucity is a primary contributing factor to the refinement and understated character of the wines. The Gattinara is fermented in concrete vats and aged in big old Slavonian casks for three years. These are elegant, pure, classical wines that offer something very different from Barolo, despite the geographical proximity.

ALBERTO RAVICIOTTI

MAURO FRANCHINO

Drink

from 2025

Drink

from 2023

2016 Gattinara

The 2016 Gattinara is a wine of sheer distinction and depth; it delivers intriguing notes of wild red berries, spices and dried flowers along with slate, flint and iron. The palate is firm and austere, but wonderfully textured with incredible length and with minerality right to the end. It should age for decades. The 1959 that was opened recently was still showing wild strawberry fruit. A must buy for nebbiolo lovers who can be patient.

6x75cl • £120 IB

Drink

from 2023

Available for immediate delivery. This special sample case of Piedmont Italian wines contains 1 bottle of each of the following wines.

£175 FOR

6 BOTTLES

Including all taxes& free delivery

in Mainland UK

SPECIAL TASTING CASE

PIEDMONT

2014 Barolo Ravera • Elvio Cogno

2018 Langhe Nascetta di Novello • Elvio Cogno

2018 Dolcetto D`Alba Vigna del Mandorlo • Elvio Cogno

2015 Barolo • Giacomo Fenocchio

2015 Barolo Villero • Giacomo Fenocchio

2014 Gattinara • Mauro Franchino

S T A N N A R Y S T W I N E C O .

TUSCANY & SOUTHERN ITALY

Next Releases • April 2020

en primeur release piedmont...2016 piedmont 2016 is a vintage most winegrowers dream of. many...

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