2013 Le Piane “Mimmo” Vino Rosso (Boca, Italy)
I did some digging. “Mimmo” is a bottling dedicated to a friend who collaborated with the winery to improve the vineyards. Nebbiolo (65%), Croatina (30%), Vespolina (5%). The grapes are apparently a selection of riper, less structured grapes from younger vines compared to the Boca. (But, as described below, that is relative as the wine comes across as a high-altitude, cold-climate wine with plenty of zing.) The Nebbiolo comes from vineyards planted in 1999 and 2000 at 450 meters above sea level. The Croatina and Vespolina come from 100 year-old vines on Montalbano and Santuario at 500 meters above sea level. Overall the soil is crumbled volcanic porphyry.
The wine is high toned, with aromas of cranberry and orange citrus leading to a similarly vibrant acid-driven red fruit and citrus explosion in the mouth. It is very fresh and dynamic and drinks well with food, cutting through proteins and a decadent Mac-and-Cheese.
