November 6, 2024
2020 Barolo's from Chiara Boschis - one of the regions most exciting winemakers
“Chiara Boschis is one of the protagonists of an exciting all-female group of producers in Barolo. She purchased E. Pira & Figli in 1981 from an old winemaking family that, sadly, finished its genetic line with no heirs after the death of its last male member. Chiara says she never wanted to change the winery’s name. Instead, she added her own in parentheses. All of her wines are simply stunning.” - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Chiara Boschis, known as ‘The Barolo Girl,’ was a pioneering force in Barolo’s transformation during the 1980s. She and fellow (male) modernists, including Luciano Sandrone and Elio Altare, famously drove north to Burgundy, where they studied the region’s winemaking techniques. Inspired by what they learned, they returned with fresh ideas that changed Barolo’s landscape. This included refining fermentation methods and using new French oak barrels, which softened Nebbiolo’s robust tannins and enhanced its aromatic complexity. Boschis’ innovative approach helped elevate Barolo from mass-produced wines to a globally celebrated fine wine, rejuvenating the region's quality and reputation.
Chiara Boschis was the first producer to earn a certification for organics in the town of Barolo. The Chiara Boschis portfolio includes standout vineyards such as Cannubi, Mosconi, and Via Nuova, each offering unique expressions of Nebbiolo. The Cannubi cru is legendary for its elegance and balance, while Mosconi provides power and structure. Via Nuova showcases vibrant aromatics and refined tannins. Boschis’ meticulous vineyard work and commitment to sustainable practices ensure that each wine captures the essence of its terroir, making her Barolos highly sought after by collectors.
The 2020 vintage benefits from a balanced growing season, resulting in a wine with both structure and elegance. With silky tannins and fresh acidity, it promises remarkable ageing potential, making it a standout addition to any collection. Consistent with Chiara Boschis’ approach, the wines were then aged in a mix of vessels—using large oak casks for vineyards known for their finesse, such as Cannubi, and smaller French oak barrels for more structured sites like Mosconi. This thoughtful use of different barrel types enhances the character of each vineyard, balancing elegance and power across the Barolo range.
The result are some fantastic wines with great purity, structure that are not over the top. With consistently high scores from the wine critics, we advise you to read the tasting notes below.
Secure your allocation now of this in demand Barolo pioneer.
Chiara Boschis Barolo Cannubi 2020
97 Points | Wine Advocate, Monica Larner
The E. Pira e Figli - Chiara Boschis 2020 Barolo Cannubi is a fine and delicate wine, although there is a little more grit and richness in this warm vintage. The quality of the fruit is exceptional, especially its crisp ripeness. Dark cherry, blackcurrant, rose blossom, pink pepper and white limestone add considerable high-toned notes. The freshness is great and the fruit stays juicy, fueling a long, elegant finish. Only 4,000 bottles were made.
97 Points | James Suckling
Nervy and complex nose with excellent depth. Oranges, nutmeg, steel, mineral and a touch of white pepper and oyster shell. Broad and expansive on the palate with very structured, chalky tannins that extend to a lengthy, mineral finish. Long and youthful. From organically grown grapes. Can drink now, but better from 2027.
96 Points | Jeb Dunnuck, Audrey Frick
Notes of crushed rocks leap from the 2020 Barolo Cannubi, which is vinified exactly the same way, but the terroir really shows its face in this wine. Offering exuberant aromas of ripe, fresh black raspberries and pure cherry candies, the palate is rich in its structure, with ripe tannins and broad shoulders, but it remains light on its feet, with loads of purity and a generous, elegant nature. Hold it another year and drink over the coming 15 or more years. It has loads to offer.
Chiara Boschis Barolo Mosconi 2020
98 Points | Jeb Dunnuck, Audrey Frick
Red/ruby in color, the 2020 Barolo Mosconi is more red-fruited on the nose, with lifted freshness in its delicate spice of red raspberry, anise, dried roses, and dusty earth. It has a more linear feel, with ripe tannins, a chalky texture, and wonderful, pure notes of apricot on the finish. An absolutely gorgeous red, the 2020 vintage for Cannubi really shines and Chiara has knocked it out of the park.
97 Points | James Suckling
Dried oyster savoriness and intriguing wet stones with a touch of nice peppercorn funk to the cherries, hibiscus and plums. Broad and compact on the palate with a full body and plump morello cherries in the middle. Quite expansive and long, but transparent. Even more powerful than her exciting Cannubi from this vintage. From organically grown grapes. Drink from 2027.
96 Points | Wine Advocate, Monica Larner
The E. Pira e Figli - Chiara Boschis 2020 Barolo Mosconi has some of the extra ripeness of the vintage with cherry cream syrup, grenadine, watermelon candy and a drop of Pastis. The wine ends on a powerful note with a balanced combination of fruit and fine oak tannins. The palate is very alive, and the fruit feels very vibrant at this young stage. Some 9,000 bottles were made.
Chiara Boschis Barolo Via Nuova 2020
97 Points | Jeb Dunnuck, Audrey Frick
The 2020 Barolo Via Nuova takes on a more introspective and serious tone, with more concentration and dark berry notes of black raspberry and cherry as well as dark earth and menthol. It is fresh on the palate, with significantly more concentration from the vintage, with cherry, tea leaf, and turned soil. (I love how each vintage is so transparent as a lens into the different nature of any given year’s climate and conditions.) This is the most muscular of the wines. Hold this one and drink 2026-2046.
96 Points | James Suckling
Bright and complex nose showing excellent depth and complexity. Expect to find fresh strawberries, white pepper, stones, fine herbs, chalk and even a touch of mezcal. Broad and zesty on the palate with fine, chalky tannins driving it to a long and ample finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
95 Points | Wine Advocate, Monica Larner
The E. Pira e Figli - Chiara Boschis 2020 Barolo Via Nuova opens to a little more dark fruit and ripe berry in this vintage. The wine is buttoned up from all sides into a tight little package of aromas. You get orange peel, bright cherry and a fragrant springtime fruit blossom. There are hints of herb, tar, violet and chalky mineral. The tannins are finely polished and smooth. This is a 15,000-bottle release.