Enzo Boglietti

The dynamic, young Enzo Boglietti is one of the new breed of Barolo producers who are electrifying the wine scene of Piedmont. Based in the town of La Morra - and with holdings in some of Barolo's greatest vineyards - Enzo took over his family's domaine in the early 1990's. He immediately went to work slashing yields in the vineyards and improving the winemaking and elevage in the cellar. The result has been a tranformation no less dramatic than the one that occurred in the 1980's in the cellars of Scavino, Altare, Clerico and Corino. In contrast to these producers, however, he takes a more moderate approach to some of the modern tecniques of these new-wave wineries, including traditional maceration (no roto-fermenters), and only short and partial aging in french barriqes, with much of the elevage in older Slovanian Botte.

The Barolo appellation covers a number of towns, but some of the greatest Nebbiolo vineyards of all are on the steep, mostly south-facing slope of La Morra. Along this slope are famous names like Case Nere, Fossati, Cerequio, and Brunate. Most of Enzo's vineyard holdings are on this "Golden Slope," and it is their quality that has allowed him to progress so quickly.

From these vineyards, Enzo produces between 300 and 400 cases each of three crus: Case Nere, Fossati and Brunate. He could produce a lot more from these vineyards if he wanted, and he could produce a straight Barolo as well. But instead he produces a super-Piedmont wine called "Buio." Made from 92% Nebbiolo from his Barolo vineyards, he adds 8% Barbera to contribute color, brighten the nose and add fruit.

His Dolcetto and Barbera vineyards are also very well-situated, and he makes good use of older oak in combination with tank to create beautiful, concentrated, fruit-forward wines of exceptional quality for these varietals. Of particular interest is his Dolcetto "Tiglineri"