2021 is an exceptional year in Piedmont. Buyers seeking wines of the highest quality that rely on vibrancy and aromatic prowess rather than pure ripeness should look no further – this is a year that manages to be fleet-footed despite its intensity, with a brilliant translation of the region’s varied sites into the glass. Antonio Galloni writes “The 2021s are marked by good color, open aromatics, pliant fruit and finessed, ripe tannins. At the very pinnacle of excellence, the finest 2021s are compelling and profoundly expressive of place.”

The vintage conditions were just about perfect for growing Nebbiolo. A cold, snow-laden winter gave the vines the rest and reserves needed for a long growing season, with dry months from May through to August that went from warm through to hot. Relief in September through rain showers and cool nights reinvigorated the vines, before a sunny October with warm days but cold nights ideal for retaining the grapes’ aromatics and acidity while developing the structure. Yields are not high, certainly not as generous as in the following three years. Frost in April is the cause, reducing volumes without damaging quality.

Producers have been quick to say this vintage completes a trilogy of great vintages for the region. Stylistically, the 2021s marry richness and vibrancy, with Galloni believing “They are richer than the generally austere 2019s but more vibrant than the open-knit 2020s, making 2021 the most harmonious and consistent of the group.” Monica Larner, writing for the Wine Advocate, says “The wines offer beautiful elegance and complexity today and promising evolution for tomorrow”, and Also Fiordelli of JamesSuckling.com writes “2021 has secured its place as a modern classic.” You can find great wines from top to bottom, in a vintage that has raised the floor as well as the ceiling.

One of Piedmont’s most important factors is the rapidly evolving landscape of growers, with new names always cropping up and established producers finding new refinement in the vineyard and winery. As Galloni puts it, in 2021 “the wines themselves are just as marked by choices producers made in the cellar, if not more so.” 2021 marries a superb growing season with a set of producers striving to reach new heights. The results are superb.

Our selection is below and will change as more wines are released.  Further details on each producer and tasting notes can be seen by clicking on the wine.

The wines will ship to the UK this Autumn.