The Producer

Founded in 1978 by Piero Benevelli, the father of current proprietor Massimo Benevelli, the estate has been going from strength to strength in recent years. From Fresia, Dolcetto, and Barbera, to the three Barolo crus, each cuvee of the Estate exhibits their own character, with elegance and balance a common theme across the wines. The vineyards are mainly on the hillsides of Monforte, a commune at the south eastern boundary of the Barolo DOCG producing zone. The winery and cellars are in Le Coste di Monforte, and the focus is always in the vineyards, consistent with Massimo’s belief that great wines only follow from the best grapes.

The estate follows organic principles without certification, and all the grapes are hand-harvested and fermented in stainless steel tank with temperature control. Only indigenous yeasts are used, and fermentations are started spontaneously. The Barolos spend around 20 days in fermentation with daily pump overs, followed by extensive (20-30 days) submerged cap maceration, and aged typically in the first year in tonneau, and then old botti for another year.

The estate bottles three Barolo Crus of Le Coste di Monforte, Mosconi, and Ravera di Monforte, all distinctive wines despite their proximity to each other, and tasting them side by side is a great study of terroir. All the wines are made in a classical style that benefits from ageing.

The wines

The most recent released Barolo vintage of 2017 is, according to Antonio Galloni of Vinous.com, “a great vintage to pick up a few extra bottles of your favorite Barolos, something that might not be possible in more hyped years… There is plenty to like in the 2017s… Stylistically, the 2017s don’t really feel like wines from a warm year. I imagine much of that has to do with the final phase of ripening, which took place under generally favorable conditions.”

We are offering for the next month a mixed case of two bottles each of the below three newly released 2017 Barolo crus at a special price of $1,980 (normal retail price $2,460).

All in stock in Hong Kong, and offered subject to final confirmation and remaining unsold. E. & O. E. Offer valid until 8 April 2022.

Piero Benevelli Le Coste di Monforte Barolo DOCG 2017 - Normal Retail Price $390 per bottle

“Benevelli's 2017 Barolo Le Coste di Monforte is complex and inviting. Iron, white pepper, mint and dried leaves give the 2017 an aromatic profile that is quite distinctive. This powerhouse Monforte Barolo offers plenty of intensity and structure in a super-classic, austere style that is sure to find many admirers. Its translucent personality and nuance are both evident from the get-go.”

Score: 94

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com, October 2021

Piero Benevelli Mosconi Barolo DOCG 2017 - Normal Retail Price $390 per bottle

“The 2017 Barolo Mosconi captures all the darkness, power and breadth this site is so well known for. Black cherry, plum, gravel, dried herbs and licorice infuse the 2017 with shades of nuance. This potent, strapping Barolo needs a few years in bottle to soften, although it is pretty alluring today.”

Score: 93

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com, October 2021

Piero Benevelli Ravera di Monforte Barolo DOCG 2017 - Normal Retail Price $450 per bottle

“The 2017 Barolo Ravera di Monforte is dominated by searing tannins that are hard to get past. Dried cherry, leather, tobacco and dried herbs struggle to emerge. It will be interesting to see if the Ravera comes together in bottle. I think it will, but there is no denying the wine is completely unapproachable today.”

Score: 91

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com, October 2021