Bewitching Boca Alert
Anna Sertorio of Podere Ai Valloni in the Boca region of Alto Piemonte, knows how to naturally treat her old vines and create such expressive elegant wines with finesse.
Boca is both a small DOC in the northeastern Novarra province of Piedmont, Italy. A relatively young DOC established in 1969, it is known for its unique red wine grown in volcanic soils. The wines are made from the Nebbiolo grape (locally named Spanna) (70-90%) with Vespolina and Uva Rara (Bonarda Novarese) together or separately (10-30%). The wine has to have Nebbiolo’s calling card is the high acidity, the Vespolina contributes color and softness, UVA Rara brings red bright fruit. The wines are very approachable and have great ageing potential. Comparatively, wines from Langhe region, located in the southwestern corner of Italy. This region is known for it’s famous big bold wines from Barolo (the king), Barbaresco (the queen) etc. These wines are 100% Nebbiolo, have different DOC regulations (longer ageing and oak requirements), The wines are grown in calcareous, clay soils which creates a much richer structure and complexity, grippy tannins and rich fruit.
Other DOC regulations for the region:
Vineyard elevation: Minimum 300 m (985 ft); maximum 550 m (1,805 ft)
Minimum alcohol level: 12.0% for Rosso and Riserva, except 12.5% for Riserva with a vineyard name
Aging: For Rosso, minimum 34 months, including 18 months in barrel, for Reserve, minimum 46 months, including 24 months in barrel
ᴘᴏᴅᴇʀᴇ ᴀɪ ᴠᴀʟʟᴏɴɪ ᴠɪɢɴᴀ ᴄʀɪꜱᴛɪᴀɴᴀ ʙᴏᴄᴀ 2012
A blend of Nebbiolo 70%, Vespolina 20% Uva Rara 10%, aged for 36 months in large oak barrels.
A glorious garnet gleams in the glass, my favorite gem and color of wine.
Be mesmerized by the swirl of the color and intense aromas of sour cherry, pomegranate, fig are accompanied by a beautiful floral bouquet of violets and roses. The volcanic terroir makes its appearance with a smokey whiff of underbrush, followed by aged notes of leather, cedar and espresso. The ever warming hug of star anise and licorice are rounding out the aromas.
First sip is a waterfall of acidity alongside firm close-grained tannins. A linear offering of tart and fine red fruit, dried cherry and fig, floral to an adoring savory undertone of balsamic, blood orange, tar, graphite and salted almonds. Long and lasting finish on allspice, anise and cedar. A perfect persistence and balance between tart and savory. Elegance is bliss.
Pair with Venison burgers, arancini, steak and blue cheese .
