TASTING AT AZIENDA AGRICOLE PIANTA GROSSA
The Azienda Agricola Pianta Grossa di Luciano Zoppo Ronzero surveils the busy route that passes through the heart of, Donnas. The vineyard elevations climb from 318 to 500 meters above the winery. Here the Pergolas pour shade and folliage over every steeply terraced ledge, and the vineyard overflows with delicious, ripe fruit. After climbing among the terraces for 30 minutes, we tasted 2 of their exceptional wines.
Let us discover the wines
2023 Pianta Grossa “396 – Aesculus Hippocastanum” Donnas DOC – Valle d’Aosta – Nebbiolo (Picotendro)
90% Nebbiolo (Picotendro) 10% other indigenous vine varieties such as Fumin, Vine de Nus, Neyret, and Freisa-13% ABV 95/100
As the Pianta Grossa site states, “396—the age of the horse chestnut tree that once towered ove r the courtyard.” This wine is made from young Nebbiolo (Picotendro). It ages for 12 months in steel resulting in a fresh and elegant wine with refined drinkability.
ASPECT
— It displays a mature, garnet robe with browning edges emblematic if high altitude Nebbiolo
NOSE — Rich earth qualities exude intense minerality. Strawberries and pomegrabate introduce black fruit and freshly ground spIces. Aromatic pipe tobacco adds toasted and smokey notes.
PALATE
— A medium intensity palate opens with spicy, red fruit and a supple, rustic nebbiolo character. The delicate complexity of under-ripe strawberries and powdered spice fill the palate. The feel is silken with very light tannins. The balance is perfect throughout and* across the long finish. This is a sophisticated, sipping wine that will contribute nicely to a meal with roasted white meats, grilled and smoked birds, or charcoal grilled vegetables.
2021 Pianta Grossa “γεωργóς -Georgos, Donnas – DOC – Valle d’Aoste –
Stainless steel vat Nebbiolo 100% fermentation at 22°C, maceration for about 90 days. Wine is aged for 24 months in Austrian Stockinger Oak plus 6 months bottle age.13.0% ABV 96/100 Exceptional
ASPECT
— Ruby robe with garnet hues, a rust rim, and cherry reflections.
NOSE
— Delicate with the a dusting of Quatre Épices and bramble. Subtle red cherry adds the fruit quality to lift and balance the nose. Hints of licorice and cedar contribute aromatic freshness and complexity
PALATE
— Very delicate with old vine complexity and a wonderful spiciness. Touches of cigar smoke and cedar add a sense of age, rusticity, and smokiness. The long, balanced finish lacks intensity but one finds intense quality. This is a wine rich in subtlety and truly sophisticated. It demands focus to enjoy the complexity. Although it would accompany anything slow-roasted, I would enjoy it best with the artisinal cheese of the Aosta Valley. It would go perfectly with a rich and buttery Fontina, a gentle,creamy Bleu d’Aoste, or an austere and herbal Toma de Gressoney.
The Azienda Agricola Pianta Grossa di Luciano Zoppo Ronzero produces wine with style and finesse.
Although the wines have a rustic character, one finds a sophisticated winemaking philosophy that creates novel wines that demand attention.