Le Piane

The Le Piane winery, located in the Monte Fenera Natural Park in the province of Novara, is one of the oenological landmarks of northern Piedmont. Its activity has been fundamental in the growth of a small appellation of excellence, that of Boca. It was founded in 1998 by Swiss importers Christoph Kunzli and Alexandr Trolf, who died in the same year. In love with this unspoiled corner of Piedmont, the two friends bought the Campo alle Piane vineyard from Antonio Cerri, one of the last producers in the area, who was 80 years old at the time. With the support of an international group of enthusiasts, Christoph bought more vineyards and, within a few years, set up a small winery that has become a role model.

The excellence of the Le Piane winery is the result of a combination of a particularly favorable terroir and the recovery of ancient traditions. The soil of volcanic origin, mostly gravelly, and the pre-alpine climate are key elements in defining the wines produced there. In addition to this, labor management closely linked to environmental sustainability and virtuous traditions allows to produce, each year, a wine that is as great as it is ancient. Only copper and sulfur are used in the vineyard, with organic pesticides such as algae and mycorrhizae, while in the cellar fermentations are spontaneous, thanks to the action of indigenous yeasts.

Le Piane's most famous wine is undoubtedly Boca, the winery's flagship and an oenological monument of northern Piedmont, subject of numerous awards from the public and international critics. The whole production is characterized by a common physiognomy, played on elegance, finesse and a perfect balance between structure and drinkability, between extractive matter and freshness, between solidity and momentum. Christoph's activity, a true heir to the ancient practices of the area's farmers, has restored dignity and vigor to an area and a wine that were in danger of being forgotten, due to the depopulation of the countryside. Thanks to Christoph today Boca enjoys a legendary reputation.