Vino Italiano, Waltham MA
In 2024 I had the pleasure of meeting Chiara Boschis at a lovely wine dinner at Vino Italiano in Waltham, MA. On that evening, we enjoyed the incredible wines of E. Pira & Figli, and I was entranced by one of the most dynamic and pioneering woman, Chiara Boschis. Chiara is a true artisan farmer and winemaker, carrying the distinction of being one of the first woman winemakers in Barolo. As is always the case at Vino Italiano, the wines and accompanying food were spectacular.
From the 2024 blog that I wrote:
The wines of E. Pira & Figli go back several centuries and are rooted in one of the most prestigious winemaking families in Barolo. Unfortunately, the familial line died out when the last of the Pira males, Luigi Pira passed away. Luigi was a traditionalist, treading the grapes and eschewing mechanical devices to make his wines. The Pira sisters, who were unable to manage the business but understood the importance of carrying on the tradition of fine winemaking, sold the vineyards and winery to close family friends, the Boschis. The Boschis were also longtime farmers and winemakers in Barolo with their history going back as far as the Pira family. In 1990 Chiara Boschis, after graduating with a degree in economics, took over the reins at E. Pira & Figli, becoming one of the most highly regarded winemakers in Barolo, known for her incredible talent, knowledge, passion, and adherence to tradition.
Chiara is a true artisan grower, whose philosophy is to craft wines that combine the extraordinary power of Barolo with approachability, balance, intense aromatics, and elegance. This equilibrium is achieved through strict vineyard management, with all the work being carried out manually, careful fruit selection, organic farming practices, and meticulous vinification techniques that favor a gentler touch, allowing the grapes to express their true character. Chiara considers herself a farmer first and believes in uniting superior fruit with modern winemaking techniques in an effort to create the highest quality wines worthy of their centuries-old heritage.
E. Pira is in Barolo and the winery overlooks the square where via Monforte and via Vittorio Veneto (the so-called Via Nuova) intersect. From here, looking at the hills, one can imagine how much work is needed to maintain such steep terrain. E. Pira is truly an estate winery, using only grapes from their holdings in Barolo. E. Pira owns approximately (11) hectares, or approximately (26) acres, located among the best production areas of Barolo: (2) hectares in the M.G.A.s (Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva’s), or defined vineyard areas, of Cannubi, Liste and Terlo; (8) hectares in the M.G.A.s of Conterni, Mosconi, Ravera and Le Coste; and (1) hectare in the M.G.A.s of Gabutti, and Baudana. E. Pira believes in creating singular expressions from their properties, choosing to vinify their Cannubi and Mosconi grapes individually. to underline and enhance the specific organoleptic characteristics of each vineyard. As a tribute to their heritage, the Barolo “Via Nuova” is made from grapes from six vineyards: two from generic Barolo, two from Monforte, and two from Serralunga.
Fast forward to 2025:
And I had the pleasure of joining Chiara for another lovely wine dinner at Vino Italiano. The following are my notes from that evening, along with the amazing dinner that accompanied the wines.
2022 La Spinetta Derthona Timorasso
Colli Tortonesi DOC
100% Timorasso
Vibrant, lemony, floral nose – Gorgeous. Medium-bodied with firm acidity. Well-balanced with elegant structure. Citrusy, tart and juicy on the palate. Grapefruit, star anise and honeysuckle notes. Long finish. Delightful. Crisp and refreshing. A winner, always.
The wine was paired with an assortment of passed Italian Antipasti.
2024 E. Pira & Figli, Dolcetto d’Alba DOC
100% Dolcetto
Youthful, fruity nose with cherry, banana chip, and violet hints. Medium-bodied with firm acidity. Well-balanced with moderate tannins. Dark fruit core with black cherry notes. Tart with fresh herb. Long finish. Anise on the aftertaste. Interesting note: Whole berry fermentation, destemmed with natural yeasts – contributed to the almost Beaujolais-like freshness in the wine.
The wine was paired with Vitello Tonnato – Thin Sliced Veal Loin, Dressed with Caper-Tuna Aioli and Frisse Salad
2023 E. Pira & Figli, Barbera d’Alba DOC
100% Barbera
Dark nose with cherry and herb hints. Minerally. Medium-bodied with firm acidity. Well-balanced with moderate tannins. Dark fruit core. Black cherry (Amarena) – tart. Long finish with anise and black pepper on the aftertaste – Lovely.
2023 E. Pira & Figli, Langhe DOC
100% Nebbiolo
Bright nose with candied cherry fruit. Dried strawberry – unduly sweet in the nose. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity. Well-balanced with silky tannins. Spicy fruity palate. Fresh cherry. Floral notes. Long finish. Easy drinking.
The wines were paired with Tanjarin al Ragu – Classic Piemontese Beef Ragu, Hand Made Thin Pasta Ribbons, Pecorino
2020 E. Pira & Figli Cannubi, Barolo DOCG
100% Nebbiolo
Dried cherry nose with dried herb, cedar, and violet hints. Full-bodied with firm acidity. Well-balanced with silky tannins. Strawberry, anise on the palate. Delicate, yet powerful. Long finish. Tight, brooding, herbaceous with eucalyptus and mint on the aftertaste. (From 2024: Lovely, perfumed nose with black cherry, allspice, and anise hints. Full-bodied with firm acidity. Well-balanced with firm, dry tannins. Black cherry palate with mineral, and anise notes. Amazing and vibrant. Long finish. Very tight. The wine needs much more time to evolve.)
The wine was paired with Anitra Confit – Slowly Roasted Duck Leg Confit, Sweet Potato Puree, Spinach Strudel
2021 E. Pira & Figli Via Nuova, Barolo DOCG
100% Nebbiolo
Youthful, tight nose with fresh cherry, and cedar hints. Full-bodied with firm acidity. Well-balanced with firm tannins. Amarena cherry juice on the palate with fresh herb and licorice notes. Very young and powerful. Long finish. Crushed rose petal on the aftertaste.
2021 E. Pira & Figli Mosconi, Barolo DOCG
100% Nebbiolo
Young, vibrant nose with cherry, rosemary and violet hints. Full-bodied with firm acidity. Well-balanced with firm tannins. Structured. Tart, Bing cherry with tart blackberry notes. Long finish. Layered. Cedar and rose petal on the aftertaste. Amazing!
The wines were paired with Brasato al Barolo – Slowly Braised Beef Short Ribs, Pan Wilted Kale, Creamy Polenta
The meal concluded with Formaggi – Parmesan Croutons Dipped in Truffled Fonduta, Taleggio and Proscuitto Cotto Croque Monsieur Baklava di Miele e Gorgonzola Dolce
The evening was spectacular! Once again, David and his crew at Vino Italiano outdid themselves.
Thank you! Cheers!