Wine Advisor
Chiara Boschis (E. Pira & Figli), Barolo Cannubi 2017
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The Barolo Cannubi is absolutely gorgeous in 2017. Hot and brutally dry conditions notwithstanding, the Cannubi is creamy and sensual in the glass, with impeccable balance, soft, racy edges and tons of allure. It is easily one of the most sensual, compelling Barolos of the year. Ripe dark red/purplish fruit, spice, mint and cedar meld into the beautifully textured, resonant finish. I am so impressed with the wine's freshness. Perhaps the anti-hail netting helped keep some shade on the fruit. What a wine.
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
Chiara Boschis is a historic proponent of organic farming, and she lobbied to make the entire Cannubi cru a certified organic vineyard. Her 2017 Barolo Cannubi shows terrific balance and clean intensity in a vintage that presented quite a few challenges across the appellation due to the heat and drought, along with other issues such as an unexpected frost in April, but that caused the biggest damage to the lowest elevations. The Cannubi is less overtly fruity than the blended Via Nuova or the Mosconi. Instead, it has a more prominent saline imprint with mineral and crushed limestone. However, the quality of the tannins in this release is superior and silkier, and that added structure and focus give the Cannubi the longest drinking window in my opinion of these three new releases. 4,000 bottles were produced.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
Plums and ripe strawberries with some crushed-stone undertones. Full-bodied and layered with round, rich tannins and an intensely fruity finish. But then, some fine tannins that are cashmere-like. A little tight at the end. From organically grown grapes. Drink after 2024.
About the Producer
Chiara Boschis has some six hectares of vines under cultivation in the commune of Barolo, known for producing open, rich wines with great structure. As one of two women winemakers in the Langhe, she is of unquestionable confidence, determination, patience and charm. She took over the reins at E. Pira e Figli in 1990 with a clear idea of what she wanted to accomplish: to marry the extraordinary power of Barolo with approachability, enticing elegance, and lush, intense aromas. She achieves this goal through strict vineyard management, careful selection, and impeccable vinification techniques: shortened maceration, malolactic fermentation, and aging in barriques. Within the short time she has run the estate, she has quickly proved herself worthy of her peers, regularly garnering well over 90 points from major international publications for all of her wines. Total annual production is a precious 2,000 cases. This is truly a rare gem of an estate.
