Le Pianelle “Al Forte”

Coste della Sesia Rosso, ITALY |  2019

Alto Piemonte is one of those “if you know, you know” regions. It’s Nebbiolo country, but shaped by high mountain elevations, volcanic and ancient marine soils, and the cool air that funnels down from the Alps and Apennines. The result is Nebbiolo with more tension and lift than its cousins from Barolo or Barbaresco.

The five-hectare Le Pianelle estate is a modern love letter to this rugged landscape. Founded in 2004 by Dieter Heuskel and Peter Dipoli, the project began with the purchase of an abandoned vineyard in Brusnengo. Over time, they carefully rebuilt a patchwork of sites using a purely Alto Piemonte philospohy: thoughtful viticulture, restrained winemaking, and allowing Nebbiolo and its native companions to speak clearly of place.

“Al Forte,” first produced in 2016, was conceived as a more immediately charming counterpart to their structured Bramaterra, incorporating a higher percentage of Croatina in the blend to impart freshness. Fermentation and aging take place in old French oak with 18 months in barrel followed by a year in bottle before release. Nothing is rushed. The wine only comes to market when the team believes it is ready to be opened and enjoyed, and at 7 years of age, it is in a great spot right now.

The 2019 blend is 75% Nebbiolo (known locally as Spanna), 20% Croatina, and 5% Vespolina. It offers red cherry, dried rose, subtle smoke, spice, and that distinctive Alto Piemonte crushed-rock minerality that makes these wines so compelling. Pair it with truffle pasta, mushroom risotto, braised meats, pork, or aged cheeses.