2012 Cantine Fratelli Guidetti, Boca DOC, Piedmonte Italy.
Filippo Guidetti’s lovely and pure Boca DOC is made from 85% Nebbiolo and 15% Vespolina, it’s a detailed and classic Alta Langhe (Northern Piedmonte) red that is crafted in traditional fashion. Guidetti employs cool fermentations in wood vats before the wine is transferred to barrel for the malos and aging, there is a very all natural feel to his wines and the Nebbiolo really delivers a classic punch without being overly tannic or tartly rustic, it’s rather pretty and the Vespolina adds floral tones and delicate fruitiness, mid palate roundness to the whole. A wonderful expression of Boca and a wine that keeps changing in the glass, much the way you love in a good Burgundy, it starts with clear fruit and subtle rose petals leading with cherry, strawberry and wild plum along with hints of hosin, fig, menthol and anise, but gaining truffle, leather and earthy dimension with air allowing it’s Nebbiolo character to unfold and take control in this wine. Maybe not at the Level of Le Piane, one of the region’s most successful producers and maker of exceptional wines, but Guidetti’s are lovely efforts and this 2012 is a great value Boca and a real quality red. Imported by Balanced Selections Imports, Filippo Guidetti is a small authentic winegrower that crafts very transparent, generous and vital Nebbiolo wines, I’ve been pleased and impressed with his recent offerings, especially his 2010 and 2012 Boca DOC’s, I recommend getting to know this area and Guidetti, this 2012 is a great place to start, it is a wine that highlights traditional style and terroir and will drink openly and well for a decade, though solid and joyous right now too.
($29 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive

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