Through his love of the land, Renzo Duella is one of the pas-sionate people who have fought to bring back the local tradition of Boca wines. This is a revival in a bottle!

What was once a thriving community of winemakers with 10,000 acres under vine, the hardships following World War II drove most farmers in the area towards the factors around Milan. The lack of demand and the increased growth of industrialization devastated this area’s wine production with only about 25 acres remaining by the end of the 20th Century. Comparable to the great wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the wines of Boca stand out because of the grape blend and the unique volcanic terroir.

The vineyards for this Boca DOC are a field blend of 70% Nebbi-olo, 20% Vespolina, and 10% Uva Rara with an area of 2.5 hectares (6 acres). Almost 100 miles north of Barolo and overshadowed by one of the highest mountain peaks in Europe, there is an opportu-nity to make energetic and age-worthy wines. The beauty of these wines standout, and we believe the wines of this region will soon be considered some of the greatest in the world. VARIETAL NOTES

Nebbiolo: This grape stands alone for its tannic structure, high acidity, and thinner skin. Typically a light garnet color, the grape can show surprising strength and has the potential to age for de-cades.

Vespolina: A rare grape related to Nebbiolo, this varietal has a lot of potential for greatness. Resistant to the cold weather and frosts of Northern Italy, this grape preforms well creating wines of struc-ture, very aromatic, and spicy. Rich in an aromatic molecule called rotundone that enhances notes of marjoram and rosemary.

Uva Rara: The name of this grape translates as “rare grape” be-cause the grape bunches on the vine are loosely packed and sparse. This large grape is a perfect blending partner to the more tannic Nebbiolo and Vespolina. The aromas are very developed and offer up red flower, red berry fruits, and sweet spices.

FOOD PAIRING

A classic pairing in this area is Gorgonzola cheese. Great with a perfectly seasoned steak, this wine is elegant enough for gamebirds like duck and quail.

Boca DOC

WinemakingWinemaker: Renzo DuellaWinemaking: Selective hand-har-vesting and sorting, followed by a minimum of 30 months in large traditional Slavonian oak (Botti).

VarietyNebbiolo, Vespolina, Uva Rara

Personally selected, hand-harvested winesfrom the best family vineyards.

Italy > Piedmont (Alto Piedmonte, or Northern Piedmont)

TerroirHigh elevations between 1400 - 1600 feet above sea level, on a south/southeast facing hill just below the Alps, with volcanic and glacial soils high in acidity and rich in minerals.

Production 800 cases

The region of Boca is a jewel in the cap of the Alto Piedmonte, a region that is quickly gaining in popular-ity throughout the world for high-quality, age-worthy

wines. The soils are completely unique because of the combi-nation of glacial and volcanic elements. Surrounded by forest at high elevation, the vineyards are within the UNESCO Geopark - Sesia Val Grande - and cultivated organically.

The DOC is represented by less than 15 hectares of vines, a fraction of its former glory leading up to the depression and industrialization following World War II. In the first half of the 20th century there were an estimated 4,000 hectares (over 10,000 acres) under vine around the region of Boca. By the year 1995, there was less than 10 hectares (25 acres). The blend for Boca requires a majority of at least 70% Nebbiolo with the remainder being comprised of Vespolina and Uva Rara.

The Duella family has been growing grapes and making wine in the Boca region for four generations. Like many people in the region during the last half of the 20th century, Renzo’s father, Guido, sold off much of the family’s land. In 2008, Renzo decided to use the remaining family vineyards and start Poderi Garona.

The name ‘Wine of Popes’ refers to the affection Pope Giuseppe Sarto had for these wines after discovering them in 1900, just before he was elected Pope in 1903. The secret is out about these dynamic wines being produced from Boca and other Alto Piedmonte regions. It is only recently that these wines have been made available to the American wine-lover. It’s a great time to be drinking wine!

Personally selected, hand-harvested winesfrom the best family vineyards.

Estate owned by: Renzo DuellaWinemaker: Renzo DuellaYear Founded:estate established in 2008, four generations of winemaking dating back to the mid 1800’s.

Farming and Land: Farming is organic with certification pending. The elevation of the vineyards is at an aver-age of 1400 feet above sea level and the soils consist of ancient volcanic remains and glacial deposits, producing high-acid structured wines.

Production:Boca DOC: 800 cases

Italy > Piedmont