Chiara Boschis’ 2018 Barolo’s

The first time I tried Chiara Boschis’ 2018 Barolo’s, they came straight from the tank. It was bottling day at the winery, and the 2018 Barolo’s were making their way from tank to bottle. The wines were obviously a bit stressed, but I remember thinking that the 2018 vintage was something to look forward to! And I was right.

I know there have been mixed messages about the 2018 vintage, but I will say what I always say: there is no such thing as a bad vintage. And Chiara Boschis’ 2018 Barolo’s are proof. Seriously, they are stunning.

But before we dig into the 2018 Barolo’s, I’d like to share my notes on her other wines as well. I myself am a huge fan of Dolcetto, and don’t think the wine gets nearly enough attention! And guess what, Chiara thinks “there might be a return of Dolcetto”.

Chiara Boschis Dolcetto 2021

One of my absolute favorite things about Dolcetto is it’s aroma. And the one from Chiara Boschis is no exception! Beautiful nose; so fruity. But the wine isn’t just fruity. It also has some structure. She makes one of the more complex Dolcetto’s in Langhe. A true treat.

Chiara Boschis Barbera 2020

A stunning Barbera. 2020: bad year for human kind, good year for wine. A bit of an austere nose with aromas of red fruits. Good structure and great potential for aging.

Chiara Boschis Langhe Nebbiolo 2020

Typical Nebbiolo nose with aromas of red fruit and rose petals. A very fruity and fresh Nebbiolo.

Chiara Boschis’ 2018 Barolo’s

… and a surprise treat at the end!

Chiara Boschis’ 2018 Barolo’s
Chiara Boschis’ 2018 Barolo’s

Chiara Boschis Barolo Cannubi 2018

I kid you not, my notes actually say “holy shit”.  What a nose! Crisp, mineral, complex, rich, beautiful, feminine. There are aromas of tar and roses. Good depth and long finish. Chiara herself describes the Cannubi as “a kind wine”. And I can’t argue with that.

Chiara Boschis Barolo Via Nuova 2018

The Via Nuova is a bit more austere. A fruity and balanced wine. I agree with Chiara that the 2018 Barolo’s are more Burgundian than other recent vintages.

Chiara Boschis Barolo Mosconi 2018

I guess the word I’d use about Mosconi is “more”. More complex nose, more masculine, more spices, more structure. There are also hints of orange, apricot, peach and white pepper in this wine.

Chiara Boschis Barolo Via Nuova 2010

The Chiara Boschis Barolo Via Nuova 2010 is still so fresh! It’s basically a baby. Floral and feminine with almost no tertiary aromas. Still has good structure. You can keep this for quite a while, if you’re still lucky enough to have a bottle or two.

# Piemonte Slipp

Piemonte Slipp Release List

Can’t access it? Send me a message and I can send it to you!

Piemonte Slipp x Piemonte Girl

Thursday – It’s happening! Similar to the Burgund Slipp, exclusive & rare wines from Piemonte will be released Thursday morning, spread throughout special stores across the country. You’ll find me at Aker Brygge! You can also follow #PiemonteSlipp on Instagram to stay tuned.

Piemonte Slipp vs Burgund Slipp

Which wines can you expect?

Compared to the Burgundy release, the number of wines are fewere and the prices lower. Some of my favorites are on the list, like Chiara Boschis, Francesco Rinaldi and Brovia. It’s not limited to Piemonte, wines from Tuscany, Sicilia and more also made the list. You might also get your hands on a Soldera for 4000kr (roughly $450).

Chiara Boschis Mosconi

One of the wines to be released is Chiara Boschis Barolo Mosconi 2015. A single vineyard cru from Monforte, aged in barrique for 2 years and then one year in bottle. Although the wine is from a more “masculine” terroir, Chiara manages to integrate the tannins very well, allowing the floral notes of barolo to surface. The spice notes, like chocolate and pepper, are also present. 2015 was a good vintage, but I would keep this wine for at least 10 years.

Chiara Boschis Piemonte Slipp

Francesco Rinaldi Cannubi

Cannubi, a historic cru in Piemonte, also made the Piemonte Slipp list! Francesco Rinaldi, located in Barolo next to the Cannubi hills, take pride in this barolo. The soil in Barolo is more sandy than in Monforte, giving the wine more floral and fruity flavors. You can drink it now, or keep 10+ years. I find that the wines from La Morra, Barolo & Castiglione are more apporachable early, compared to wines from Serralunga and Monforte. But this is all about personal taste as well.

Francesco Rinaldi Cannubi Piemonte Slipp

Oher wines at the Piemonte Slipp

Famous names like Bruno Giacosa, Roagna, Manzone, Elvio Cogno & Aldo Conterno are also on the list. There will also be a few magnums. And it doesn’t seem like any of the wines have a quota, like with the Burgundy Release, so it’s every woman for herself! Wish me luck!

Manzone Piemonte Slipp

What is missing at the Piemonte Slipp?

There are many names that have not made the list (at least not yet). Where are the wines from Giuseppe Rinaldi? Or Bartolo Mascarello? Burlotto? What about Elio Altare? I also think the Rocche dell’Annunziata from Trediberri should be on the list… Still trying to wrap my head around how the system works at Vinmonopolet, so if anyone knows, feel free to enlighten me!

The Barolo “Boy”

Chiara Boschis – a Barolo “boy”

About 30 years ago there was a revolution in the Langhe area, when the so called “modernists” where born. You may be able to debate how it started, but it can be argued that Elio played a big role when he brought his father’s big barrel outside and turned it into kindling. What followed was a sort of “war” between the modernists and traditionalists.

Chiara Boschis

I’m not sure you’ve heard of the “Barolo Boys“, but they are the main characters in this so called war. And amid all the boys – Elio Altare, Accomasso, Beppe Rinaldi & Roberto Voerzio – you have Chiara Boschis. Chiara assumed responsibility of the winery in 1980, and back then it was uncommon for women to be winemakers. But she persevered and the results are outstanding.

Chiara Boschis Wine Cellar

Chiara is a fiery, feisty, fantastic person with boatloads of passion. And her incredible energy is contagious. Chiara is not just a winemaker, she is a hard core farmer on a mission to save the planet. Global warming or global climate change is a common topic in the area these days.

Extreme weather & temperatures creates all sorts of issues for the vines. This year, there has been almost no rain, and rain is crucial in this period when the buds are appearing on the vines. And if there is frost after the buds have appeared, then there is a whole other set of issues. Just look at Burgundy the past week.

But Chiara, along with many other winemakers in the area, fights with all she’s got. Biodiversity & organic are popular words these days, and for Chiara they are words to live by! She always looks for new ways to aid the land where she grows her wine. She continuously thinks of new ways to improve. Chiara never gives up!

As for the wines, Chiara always strives for perfection. 2014 was a difficult year, so 2015 I think would automatically be a good year (compared to the 2014). As with any agricultural product, the wine reflects the vintage was well as the soil. Chiara Boschis made excellent wines both years, but I think I prefer 2015 over 2014 Mosconi. I look forward to the next vintages, as well as the transformation of the wines in the bottle.