Le Piane La Maggiorani Colline Novaresi Rosso, 2015

This amazing wine is from Boca in the mountainous far north of Italy. From 80 to 100 year old vines, it is 40% Nebbiolo, 40% Croatina and 20% miscellaneous indigenous grapes. The soil is very acidic, iron rather than limestone, and is a major feature in the wine.

In the center, the color is quite saturated--bright red with bluish tints. The garnet/orangeish tones of Nebbiolo are noticeable around the rim. With aeration, I get beautiful floral scents--violets and roses--mixed with red and purple fruits. Firm, grippy trannins and concentrated fruit that clings to the palate. Iron and spices, white pepper on the finish. Savory rather than sweet, almost tart in its acidity. Delicious.

This is the entry level red from Le Piane. I paid $17for it in November, 2018 at Eataly in Chicago. Other Boca wines from Le Piane are usually priced at $40 and up. I'm sure they are even more spectacular.

Chateau Feuillet Valle d'Aostra Torrette, 2016

This wine, a Kermit Lynch selection, comes from Valle d'Aosta, a mountainous area in the extreme northwest of Italy, near the border with France. It's a cool climate that gets abundant sunshines. The grapes are Petit Rouge (90%) and Mayolot (10%), and the wine after malolactic fermentation is aged in stainless steel and a small amount of wood for eight monrhs.

Bright red, medium dark. Fresh, fresh, fresh aromas of violets and red fruit. Fruity but very dry on the palate. Essence of red raspberries, red plums, spice and black pepper. Intense flavors that seem to hit all the taste buds. Hard to quit sniffing and sipping.