Italy, Piedmont, Coste della Sesia DOC
75% Nebbiolo, 20% Croatina, 5% Vespolina
Le Pianelle is a small estate in Alto Piemonte, established in 2004 by Dieter Heuskel and Peter Dipoli with the ambition of restoring abandoned vineyards in the historic Bramaterra winegrowing area. Working with winemaker Cristiano Garella, a leading figure in the revival of Alto Piemonte’s indigenous varieties, the estate has developed a thoughtful approach to viticulture and winemaking. Farming practices emphasize organic principles.
The vineyards occupy hillsides of volcanic porphyry soils, where the cooler Alpine climate and well drained terrain provide favorable conditions for Nebbiolo, Croatina, and Vespolina. These varieties combine to produce wines with vibrant acidity, aromatic complexity, and a distinctive earthy character.
The 2019 Al Forte presents a beautiful ruby color, with a hint of maturity developing around the rim, suggesting a wine entering an appealing stage of its evolution. The nose opens with cherry and a subtle suggestion of pine, offering an intriguing combination of ripe fruit and woodland aromatics.
On the palate, the wine is light to medium bodied, with an immediate charge of ripe cherry fruit that gives way to a distinctly earthy finish. Initially, the fruit and savory elements seem somewhat separate, but after approximately fifteen minutes in the glass, the wine opens beautifully, finding a more harmonious and unified voice.
A delicate trace of chocolate emerges as the wine develops, adding another dimension without overwhelming the fruit. The tannins are silky and beautifully integrated, lending the wine an understated elegance. There is no excessive weight or concentration, just a pleasing balance of fruit, earth, and texture.
What I particularly enjoyed was the wine’s simple elegance and graceful evolution in the glass. The transition from ripe cherry to earthy, savory notes, accompanied by its silky tannins, makes this an appealing expression of Alto Piemonte.
The 2019 Al Forte is drinking beautifully now. Its developing maturity, integrated structure, and gentle complexity suggest a wine that is ready to enjoy rather than one that requires further cellaring.