Exploring the Red Grapes of Piedmont: A Seasonal Harvest Flight at Stoneburner
The Corino family estate was established in 1952 in the prestigious La Morra Commune of Barolo.
At Stoneburner, we believe a wine list should be more than a collection of recognizable labels, more so it should be a map of a region’s soul. This month, we are focusing our curation on the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. Often referred to as the "Burgundy of Italy" due to its emphasis on terroir and single-varietal excellence, Piedmont offers a hierarchy of flavors that mirrors the timing of the harvest.
Our new "Red Grapes of Piedmont" flight is organized chronologically by when the grapes are picked, offering a liquid education in Italian viticulture. We think you’ll really enjoy the line-up…we sure do.
1. Dolcetto: The Early Harvest
Francesco Boschis | Dogliani, Italy 2021
In the rhythm of the Piedmontese autumn, Dolcetto is the first red grape to reach maturity. We selected the Francesco Boschis estate because it represents the pinnacle of traditional, sustainable farming. Established in 1968, this family-run farm promotes biodiversity by dedicating half their land to hazelnut trees and beehives.
Terroir & Technique: Low-intervention, natural fertilizer from their own cattle, and a focus on the Dogliani DOCG.
Tasting Profile: An aromatic profile of wild berries, violets, and blood orange. The palate is defined by juicy blue fruits and a sophisticated almond pith finish.
2. Barbera: The Mid-Season Ripening
Renato Corino | Alba, Italy 2021
As the temperatures dip, the Barbera grapes are harvested. Renato Corino, situated in the prestigious La Morra Commune of Barolo, is a leading figure in the "modern school" of Piedmont. Through meticulous green harvesting and sustainable viticulture, Corino produces a Barbera of rare finesse.
The Producer: A legendary estate split between brothers, Renato’s half is known for light extraction and elegance.
Tasting Profile: Notes of luscious cherry, wet herbs, and cinnamon. It features the signature fresh acidity that makes Barbera one of the best food-pairing wines in the world.
3. Nebbiolo: The Late-Autumn King
Giuseppe Nada | Barbaresco, Italy 2021
The harvest concludes with Nebbiolo, the grape behind the world-renowned Barbaresco. The Giuseppe Nada estate has a storied history, with land gifted from the Gaja family in 1900. They have been bottling their traditional expressions of Nebbiolo since 1964, carving out a reputation for power and longevity.
The Heritage: Small-batch, family-owned, and deeply rooted in the history of the Barbaresco DOCG.
Tasting Profile: A complex bouquet of red plum, orange zest, rose, and tobacco. Oak aging lends subtle hints of vanilla and coffee to a robust structure of firm, fine-grained tannins.
Why Stoneburner is a Destination for Wine Lovers in Seattle
The Stoneburner cellar is a "hidden gem" in the Pacific Northwest. While we are known for our farm-driven Mediterranean fare, our wine program is built on over a decade of collecting and curating. From vintage Barolo to grower Champagnes, our list is curated to provide both approachable glass pours and rare, cellar-aged bottles that you won't find anywhere else in Ballard.
Experience the Piedmont Flight tonight. Book your table here.
