Le Piane is in the tiny Boca DOC, in Northern Piedmont. Like Barolo, which is 90 minutes to the south, the Nebbiolo grape reigns supreme in Northern Piedmont and soils are dominated by limestone and clay. However, there are some small details that set the Boca area apart. The soils contain porphyry and crystals that glisten in the sunlight, held together by reddish sand and clay. This unique mineral composition is evident in every sip. 

Maggiorina is, as noted above, a field blend containing Nebbiolo (40%), Croatina (40%), Vespolina (5%), and nine other native local grapes (including some white varieties). The assorted vineyard sources for the wine are all planted with vines trained in the ancient maggiorina method, wherein the vines are fashioned into a large, goblet-shaped bush. This wine undergoes a relatively short maceration on skins during its fermentation in stainless steel. It is aged briefly in stainless steel tanks before bottling.

Lovers of Barolo, Barbaresco, and the other great Nebbiolo-based specialties of Piedmont will be right at home here, although “Maggiorina” is a lighter style of red by design. Nebbiolo’s dried cherry fruit, rose-petal florals and leathery savor is complemented by the darker, meatier flavors of Croatina, which also contributes a black pepper note. It is a tangy, earthy red that craves rustic, somewhat fatty food to show its best. Splash it in a decanter for 30 minutes and serve cool!