Italy
Pira E. & Figli
Chiara Boschis
Barolo
Winemaker: Chiara Boschis
Viticulture: Certified Biodynamic
The Boschis family purchased Pira E. & Figli in 1981, propelling the young Chiara into a role significantly different to that intended by her economics degree. The family was, until recently, proprietors of Barolo's historic Giacomo Borgogno estate (Chiara originally learnt her wine-making skills from her brothers) but she brought her considerable determination, charm, patience and confidence to bear on raising the quality and image of Pira to that which it enjoys today. Her philosophy is to craft wines that marry the extraordinary power of Barolo with approachability, promoting great aromatics, lush textures and elegance. This has been achieved through strict vineyard management, careful selection and impeccable vinification techniques. Beginning as one of only two female oenologists working in Barolo, Chiara is nowadays regarded as every bit the equal of her peers.
Chiara produces two Barolos from the single vineyards of Cannubi and Via Nuova, both overlooking the village of Barolo. Cannubi, a vineyard renowned for wines of incredible power, depth and elegance, reveals plush fruit and is multi-layered with sweet fruit, spice, great texture and silky tannins. Via Nuova, from the 'Terlo' hill behind the winery, is more perfumed and fruit-driven with beautiful balance. Dolcetto is made from fruit from a half hectare of the Liste cru, planted in 1981, and is unique in that it is matured in two year old barriques for nine months, showing ripe tannins and floral notes. Barbera, now 'Superiore' following an extra twelve months bottle age, has beautiful rich fruit with juicy freshness. Our total allocation is tiny, as Chiara's total production is 12,000 bottles, so look out for her wines when available on Italy Direct.
What's new: Chiara is making her first visit to Australia as a special guest for the 2010 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.
Visit the wine-maker's website
Wines
Dolcetto d'Alba DOC
Barbera d'Alba Superiore DOC
Barolo DOCG Cannubi
Barolo DOCG 'Via Nuova'