Bovio Gianfranco
Background
The boutique Bovio Barolo estate is found at the very heart of the area where Barolo, Italy’s greatest red wine, was born, high along the misty hilltops surrounding the small village of La Morra in the Northwestern region of Piemonte. The vineyards here have been revered for centuries and are comprised of cherry plots with perfect exposure perched high above the Langhe valley. The top crus of Gattera, Arborina, and Rocchettevino are found here along with many other famous names.
Gianfranco Bovio began to look after his father Alessandro’s holdings in the 1970s, renovating the old cellars and dedicating himself to making wines from their 6.5 hectares of estate vineyards.
Today Alessandro’s daughter, Alessandra, her husband, Marco Boschiazzo, and daughter, Elisa continue the family tradition with the cooperation of winemaker Matteo Franchi, and Robert Tofan. The operation has expanded some but still remains relatively tiny - a mere 70,000 bottles from eight hectares.
The production includes the two top Barolo crus Arborina and Gattera in their home village of La Morra as well as a classically styled Barolo from a blend of Rochettevino and Annunziata vineyards. These are raised in large casks of both Slavonian and French oak, and then rest in cement tanks for six months prior to bottling. Traditionally the type of oak was selected according to the personality of each cru (French for Arborina, Slavonian for Gattera, etc.), but winemaker Matteo Franchi is now transitioning to French oak exclusively, as he believes it to be a better fit for the estate’s traditional aesthetic.
