Le Pianelle

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Country of Origin: Italy
Location: Bramaterra
People: Dieter Heuskel & Peter Dipoli, Owners | Cristiano Garella, Winemaker
Viticulture: Practicing Organic

Items

Le Pianelle 2023 'Al Posto dei Fiori' Rosato, Coste della Sesia DOC Login AG 93 In Stock
Le Pianelle 2018 Bramaterra DOC Login AG 96
Le Pianelle 2019 Bramaterra DOC Login AG 95
Le Pianelle 2020 'Al Forte' Coste delle Sesia Rosso DOC Login — In Stock

On his very first visit to the Piedmont region in late November 1985, Dieter Heuskel was fascinated by its blend of nature, wines, and vineyards. Ever since, he has returned several times a year, and in 2002 he decided to embark on a winemaking adventure in Northern Piedmont. Coming from the world of German finance, Dieter teamed up with Peter Dipoli, a vintner; wine merchant; reviewer; and writer in Alto Adige, to invest in the great potential of the Alto Piemonte.

Who better to have as their winemaker than Cristiano Garella. Born in Northern Piedmont, Cristiano has spent his life as an passionate vigneron on a mission to restore the glory of the wines from Alto Piemonte. After WWII, the vineyards shrank from 120,000 acres to about 5,000 acres today (as of 2017). At only 32 (as of 2017), his resume is impressive: seven-year run as CEO of Tenute Sella. Today he is the winemaker for several small wineries like Le Pianelle.

Le Pianelle is the name of the vineyard that started this estate in Alto Piemonte. Dieter Heuskel and Peter Dipoli bought this abandoned vineyard in December 2004. Over the years, they were able to acquire more parcels and today own nearly 10 acres. Le Pianelle's vineyards are located in the towns of Brusnengo and Roasio, stretching from the rice fields of the Po Valley to a range of hills of 500–650 to 1,800 meters above sea level, which finally reach the peak of Monte Rosa at 4,634 meters above sea level. They grow Nebbiolo, Vespolina and Croatina of which they make two wines: a rosato, Al Posto dei Fiori, and a red Bramaterra. Their cellar is in an old house in the historic center of Brusnengo.

Media Links
I'll Drink to That!: Episode 381: Cristiano Garella
Wine Spectator: A Youthful Obsession

Reviews

  • Le Pianelle 2023 'Al Posto dei Fiori' Rosato, Coste della Sesia DOC
    Vinous
    Rating: 93 (5/21/2024)

    The 2023 Rosato Al Posto dei Fiori is flat-out delicious. Presenting a blush-red color in the glass, it emanates the essence of ripe red cherry, almond, sweet flowers and orange oil. The 2023 zips across the palate like a jet ski, leaving behind a wake of salty minerality, crushed seashell scents and vivid, energetic berry fruit flavors. There's a hint of spritziness here—whether intentional or not, that contributes to the freshness factor. Continuing to evolve in the glass and reveal more and more charming layers, this is surely one of the most distinctive rosés out of Italy, or anywhere, in 2023.

  • Le Pianelle 2019 Bramaterra DOC
    Vinous
    Rating: 95 (11/12/2023)

    The 2019 Bramaterra is magnificent. Soaring in its intensity, the 2019 is immediately captivating. Sweet tobacco, cedar, mint, dried herbs and menthol soar out of the glass. Weightless on the palate, yet possessing striking depth, the Bramaterra is all class. Pure, silky and elegant on the finish, the 2019 is a wine for readers who can be patient.

  • Le Pianelle 2018 Bramaterra DOC
    Vinous
    Rating: 96 (11/16/2022)

    The 2018 Bramaterra is captivating from the very first taste. Sweet, perfumed and almost intoxicatingly beautiful, the 2018 possesses striking inner sweetness and huge depth, marrying power and elegance to a degree I have not seen in previous vintages. As alluring as the 2018 is today, it is most certainly a wine to put away for at least a handful of years. I especially admire its explosive energy. This is the first vintage made with stems, about 35%.