Pianodario is the coolest and highest of the three vineyards, at 800m above sea level. Terraced with dry stone walls to enable farming on the steeply sloping terrain, the soils are shallower here and rich in minerals consisting of volcanic sands, small- to medium-sized rocks, and pumice. The average temperature is 3˚C lower than in the Rampante vineyard, and the wine is marked by higher acidity and tannins – a marked austerity. Vinified in the same way as Rampante, with 12 months in Slavonian oak, this is fresh, cool, aromatic and tightly mineral, displaying characteristics of rose petal and redcurrant. Fantastic length and power.

Subtle and complex with cooked-apple, pie-crust and biscuit aromas and flavors. Full body. Extremely creamy and beautiful with plenty of cooked apples, light pears and light honey at the finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

Another beautiful Barbaresco with bright florals, ranging from fresh hibiscus to fruit tea and raspberries. Fresh stems and a mowed-lawn note are also somewhere in the mix. The same transparency cuts through with brilliant minerality on the full-bodied palate and firm, slicing tannins. Drink from 2021.    

The daring nose here beckons you in, captivating with its wide range of dried oregano, rosemary, thyme, dried cranberries, tamarind and lemon drizzle cake. Then it seduces you with its athletic build, casting a steely net of crafty tannins over soft fruit, like chain mail over supple skin. A spattering of acidity rises from the midst, electrifying the whole palate and turning any remnants of dried fruit into raindrops of mineral citrus. Not a hugely powerful wine, but an essay in structure and elegance. Drink from 2024.    

This is a captivating Montepulciano d’Abruzzo with freshly picked blackcurrants, bright elderberries, citrus, bark, dried nutmeg and tea leaves. Medium to full body, racy but structured tannins, linear acidity and a gliding, polished finish. Drink from 2021

VV stands for Vieilles Vignes ('old vines'), denoting that this wine is made from a plot of vines planted back in 1961. The soils are rich in rocks, formed mainly by volcanic sand with basalt and pumice. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and aged for 12 months in 25hl Slavonian oak barrels. There is seamless elegance on display here, with incredible balance, and great concentration and energy. The structured, spicy red fruits with a deep mineral core have wonderful finesse and length. Great aging potential. Drinking Window 2019 – 2030

10 STELLAR PIEMONT REDS AT 90+ POINTS  

High-toned black currant, black cherry and violet aromas and flavors are accented by vanilla and toast notes in this suave red. Supple and intense, with a lingering aftertaste of dark fruit, licorice and spice. Drink now through 2024. 6,000 cases made, 3,000 cases imported. ~ Bruce Sanderson    

WINE SPECTATOR 2019 TOP 100 #54 

Bright black cherry, plum, earth, vanilla and toasty oak flavors are the hallmarks of this well-crafted red. Balanced, this needs a year or two to integrate more fully and extend the finish. Firm grip. Sangiovese, Colorino, Canaiolo and Merlot. Best from 2021 through 2033. 16,000 cases made, 2,600 cases imported.