Feeling Appy on this beautiful Friday? This will make you feel even happier!

“Keeping up with the fervent pace of change in Alto Piemonte and Valtellina is no easy task these days, given the ever-increasing number of estates making fabulous, noteworthy wines.” – Vinous

There is more to Piemonte than Barolo. Much more…

And if you love Nebbiolo, Italian wine, or occasionally enjoy Italian fare from spaghetti with meatballs to Oso Bucco, you owe it to yourself to check out the wines of Alto Piemonte! This little age-worthy gem, at 95-points and today for 50% off – it’s maybe the best place to start.

Bursting with vibrant red fruits, earth, leather, and spices, its medium body carries a refreshing cut and firm tannins. Perfect for any meal, or for up to another decade in the cellar.

It is from a small region in Alto Piemonte, north of Barolo & Barbaresco. “Alto Piemonte is the collective term for several small DOCs in northern Piedmont, situated almost 100 miles northeast of Alba. It includes Boca, Bramaterra, Faro, Gattinara, Ghemme, Lessona and Sizzano. Through the middle of this cluster of vineyards runs the Sesia river.” Decanter explains in a recent article.

Organically grown with obsessive attention to detail, Boca in particular, with a long winemaking history with Nebbiolo that is starting to turn heads as a viable alternative to more expensive (though great!) wines of its more famous neighbors.

Proprietors Marco Bui and Annalisa Gri are among the few seeking to revive the region. “Tenute Guardasole is one of the many micro-estates in Alto Piemonte born from a rebirth of long-abandoned vineyards. The property comprises three parcels that total just two hectares under vine. Organic farming, low intervention winemaking and what is clearly extraordinary care yield reds that are incredibly distinctive. This is a fabulous set of wines from proprietors Marco Bui and Annalisa Gri who look set to join the stars of Alto Piemonte’s new generation.” extolls Antonio Galloni of Vinous, awarding their 2016 with 95 points!

He also noted that the wine would take some time to come around. But guess what? That was in 2020! This bottle of Boca is primed and ready to go, whether you pop the cork right away or cellar it for even more complexity down the road. (How many bottles under $50 can you say that about?)

In short - $35 for a 95-point library vintage Nebbiolo?!

You just don’t see that. We’re grabbing a case. Suggest you do the same!

95 Points – Vinous “Tenute Guardasole is one of the many micro-estates in Alto Piemonte born from a rebirth of long-abandoned vineyards. The property comprises three parcels that total just two hectares under vine. Organic farming, low intervention winemaking and what is clearly extraordinary care yield reds that are incredibly distinctive. This is a fabulous set of wines from proprietors Marco Bui and Annalisa Gri who look set to join the stars of Alto Piemonte’s new generation. The 2016 Boca is fabulous. A burst of sweet red cherry, cedar, tobacco, leather, woodsy and earthy notes gives the Guardasole Boca a real sense of assertiveness. Powerful and exuberant, yet within the classic framework of Boca, the 2016 has an untamed, wild personality that is impossible to miss. Readers need to spend some time with the 2016, as it has a lot to say. The 2016 is complex and introverted, but there is a lot going on. I would be tempted to cellar it for a few years, as the tannins are a bit overpowering today. Drink 2024-2036.”