2018 Boca 91VM
Antonio Vallana
Boca, Alto Piemonte

$34.99 on 6+ (code: 6saves2)
$36.99 reg

94 pts Vinous (Galloni)
Vallana's 2018 Boca is an old-school, super-classic wine. Firm tannins wrap around a core of macerated dark cherry, cinnamon, licorice, dried herbs and menthol. The 2018 needs a good decant. Readers will find a sturdy, virile Alto Piemonte red endowed with tons of character. - By Antonio Galloni on February 2024

• A blend of Nebbiolo (65%), Vespolina (20%) and Uva Rara (15%)
• Nebbiolo confers the structure and the aromatic background; Vespolina adds a fresh, floral quality, and Uva Rara brings a round, silky texture
• Each variety is harvested and fermented separately
• Fermentation in cement vats with aggressive pump overs
• Wines are blended aged in 10 HL casks for two years
• Boca must age at least 4 years before release and Vallana goes further to age their wines longer, seeking the optimal time to release their wine

Boca is a hidden jewel! If Gattinara is the King, Boca is the Queen. The best words to describe this wine are elegant, finessed and delicate. This is a true example that beauty in youth and elegance in age are not mutually exclusive. The Boca appellation is located near Ghemme and Gattinara in the Alto Piemonte.

This cuveé is a blend of three native grape varieties: Nebbiolo to 70%: Nebbiolo, (65%), Vespolina (20%) and Uva Rara (15%). Nebbiolo confers the structure and the aromatic background; Vespolina adds a fresh, floral quality, and Uva Rara brings a round, silky texture. The grapes are picked by hand and fermented in cement tanks with pump-overs to develop tannins and color. The wines are then blended and put into large Botti (old neutral oak tanks) where they will develop for two years. Boca must age at least 4 years before release and Vallana goes further to age their wines longer, seeking the optimal time to release their wine.