E. Pira & Figli (Chiara Boschis) Dolcetto d'Alba 2022

Chiara Boschis is one of Barolo's most admired figures — a pioneering woman in a region dominated historically by men, and the force behind some of Monforte d'Alba's most celebrated Barolos. The Dolcetto d'Alba is her everyday wine in the truest sense: not an afterthought, but a genuine expression of the same vineyards and values that produce the flagship wines. The fruit comes from three estate vineyards in Monforte d'Alba — Ravera di Monforte (15-year-old vines), Le Coste di Monforte (25-year-old vines), and Mosconi (50-year-old vines) — on the calcareous-clay soils typical of the Elveziano formation, with iron veins at around 400 metres altitude, farmed organically. Fermentation and ageing takes place entirely in stainless steel for a few months, a deliberate choice to preserve the pure, fresh fruit character that defines great Dolcetto. 

Graphite, tomato leaf, sour cherry and blackcurrant flavours are shored up by vivid acidity and a line of dusty tannins — a complex Dolcetto with a mouthwatering finish and genuine personality. Intense ruby red with purple reflections — persistent floral and fruity aromas of violet and small red fruits give it a pleasant immediacy, the contained tannins and balanced, elegant structure making it the everyday wine par excellence, satisfying without being too demanding. Really purple in colour, so floral and fresh — raspberry, dusty earthiness — bright, juicy and light with wild cherry fruit and real energy on the palate, finishing with a bit of citrus acidity: joyous to drink.