Wines Boca Antonio Federici - 2021

Viniou Reviews

Antonio Federici’s Boca 2021 is a striking expression of Northern Italian winemaking steeped in history and complexity. Crafted primarily from Nebbiolo, with minor additions of Vespolina and Uva Rara, this red offers a unique take on the famous Nebbiolo grape, noted for its delicacy and finesse in the Alto Piemonte. The 2021 vintage benefited from a mild growing season and careful selection in the vineyard, ensuring optimal ripeness and aromatic intensity. Traditional vinification, often involving prolonged maceration and slow aging in older wooden casks, allows the wine to develop its intricate bouquet—marked by notes of wild cherry, dried rose, subtle spice, and a graphite minerality—while retaining crisp acidity and fine-grained tannins. Boca’s volcanic soils, rich in porphyry and well-drained, imbue the wine with remarkable texture and aging potential.

Boca is one of Piedmont’s most historic yet underappreciated appellations, located in the far north of the region. Its proximity to the Alps bestows a cool, breezy microclimate, with significant temperature differences between day and night that enhance aroma complexity and freshness. Volcanic soils lend a mineral backbone and help moderate heat, resulting in wines that are structured, elegant, and built to evolve gracefully over time. This part of Piedmont was prized for its vineyards as early as the Roman era, and today it is experiencing a well-deserved renaissance, beloved by aficionados for its distinctive style.

Antonio Federici’s Boca 2021 is a versatile gastronomic companion. Its firm tannins and vibrant acidity pair beautifully with Northern Italian classics: consider slow-cooked beef brasato al vino rosso, wild mushroom risotto, or agnolotti del plin with a rich meat jus. For local authenticity, it shines alongside rustic mountain cheeses like Toma or mature Castelmagno. Roasted game—such as quail or venison—is equally harmonious, as are earthy dishes featuring truffles or porcini.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for an hour to let its bouquet unfurl and serve at 16-18°C. This temperature range accentuates the wine’s aromatic complexity and polished texture, ensuring a rewarding tasting experience. While delicious now with hearty fare, Boca 2021 promises to develop further nuances over the next 8–12 years.