From the Foothills of the Alps, Le Piane Colline Novaresi
The vineyards of Le Piane sit in the Colline Novaresi, a small appellation nestled in the northern reaches of Piemonte, in the foothills of the Alps. This region is believed by many historians to be one of the earliest homes of Nebbiolo, long before Barolo and Barbaresco became its most famous expressions. Here, the cooler alpine climate and mineral-rich soils give the grape a striking purity, with lifted aromatics and a refined texture. The wine does show best with a light chill on it.
Le Piane is a family-owned estate, devoted to preserving and reviving these historic vineyards. Their approach emphasizes respect for the land and traditional methods, producing wines that feel authentic to place and variety. The 2023 vintage highlights this philosophy beautifully: a wine that is bright, transparent, and deeply evocative of its alpine origins.
In the glass, the wine is all about perfume and finesse—rose petals, violets, wild strawberries, and alpine herbs unfold gracefully, supported by Nebbiolo’s signature fine tannins and fresh acidity. This is Nebbiolo in its most graceful register, approachable in its youth yet with the structure to evolve beautifully.
For those who love the elegance of Barolo and Barbaresco but want to experience Nebbiolo in a more ethereal, historic expression, Le Piane’s Colline Novaresi is a remarkable discovery. This is my kind of Nebbiolo.
