E. Pira & Figli Langhe Nebbiolo 2022

This Nebbiolo from Chiara Boschis comes from organically farmed vines in the Ravera di Monforte cru in Monforte d'Alba, planted on calcareous clay soils at around 400 meters elevation. The grapes were harvested in mid-October from vines about 15 years old, including fruit from the "fasce di rispetto," the rows bordering non-organic neighboring vineyards. After fermenting in stainless steel, the wine ages roughly 14 months in second-passage French oak barriques, followed by another two months in bottle before release. In the glass it shows a vibrant ruby red with garnet and violet reflections. The nose is fresh and inviting, with raspberry, wild strawberry, and cherry fruit alongside floral violet notes, sandalwood, and a touch of earthiness. On the palate it's medium-bodied and silky, with fine, well-knit tannins, balanced acidity, and a juicy, persistent finish that leans slightly saline. It's earned strong scores from critics, including 90 points from Jeb Dunnuck and 91 points from Treve Ring at Gismondi on Wine, with notes praising its clarity, freshness, and approachability. Annual production sits around 650 cases, making it a relatively small-batch introduction to Chiara Boschis's style and to the Nebbiolo grape itself. It pairs well with braised beef, mushroom risotto, cured meats, or aged cheeses like Castelmagno, and while approachable now, it has the structure to hold for several more years.