Notify me
2018 Barolo “Le Coste di Monforte”
Benevelli PieroLe Coste is a relatively new Barolo that Massimo Benevelli crafts from a little parcel a stone’s throw from his winery, the family home, and the adjacent trattoria where his sister concocts authentic renditions of local dishes. A charming contrast to the big, dense, tannic Barolos Monforte d’Alba is best known for, Le Coste is all about delicacy, finesse, and high-toned Nebbiolo fruit accented by perfumy floral notes. While Massimo’s Ravera and Mosconi bottlings strike a deeper register and should be cellared, this cru serves up all its nuances for our enjoyment right now and over the next several years. It would be perfectly at home next to a plate of his sister’s agnolotti, or perhaps a hearty braise at casa tua.
—Anthony Lynch
Wine Type: | red |
Vintage: | 2018 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | Nebbiolo |
Appellation: | Barolo |
Country: | Italy |
Region: | Piedmont |
Producer: | Benevelli Piero |
Winemaker: | Massimo Benevelli |
Vineyard: | 22 years average, 2.5 ha |
Soil: | Blue, grey marl |
Aging: | Aged 1 year in 8-year-old 225-L barrels, then a second year in 10-year-old 40-HL Slavonian oak botti |
Farming: | Traditional |
Alcohol: | 14.5% |
More from this Producer or Region
2019 Barolo “Mosconi”
Italy | Piedmont
One of the most prestigious vineyard sites in his village of Monforte d’Alba, if not all of Barolo.
2021 Langhe Nebbiolo
Italy | Piedmont
Deceptively light on its feet, it finishes with an impressive tannin that begs for a hearty stew or your favorite cut of steak.
2022 Dolcetto d’Alba “La Costa”
Italy | Piedmont
Bone-dry and tangy, with brambly black fruit and a bold, old-school Italian bite.
2015 Barolo Riserva “Cascina Dardi - Bussia”
Italy | Piedmont
The Fantino brothers’ Riservas are as good as Barolo gets.
2019 Barolo “Ravera di Monforte”
Italy | Piedmont
Beautiful, classic Barolo nose. Intense depth. Fresh and complex.
2022 Barbera d’Alba “Bricco del Pilone”
Italy | Piedmont
This Barbera tastes as good as it looks, too, with a mouthful of dark, balsamic-drizzled, berry fruit.
2022 Langhe Freisa “alla mia Gioia”
Italy | Piedmont
Massimo produces this delicious sparkling Freisa for his family’s consumption, but once we tasted one, we insisted on scoring some.
2022 Langhe Nebbiolo “Camilu”
Italy | Piedmont
A superb companion to stews, braised meats, and roasted vegetables.
2019 Barolo “Le Coste di Monforte”
Italy | Piedmont
While charming now, Le Coste di Monforte will reward you for many years to come.
About The Producer
Benevelli Piero
About The Region
Piedmont
Kermit’s love affair with the great reds of Piemonte dates back to the early days of his career: the very first container he imported from Italy, in fact, featured legendary 1971 and 1974 Barolos from Vietti and Aldo Conterno. Regular visits since then have seen our portfolio grow to now twelve Piemontesi estates, with a strong focus on the rolling hills of the Langhe.
Nebbiolo rules these majestic, vine-covered marl slopes, giving Italy’s most mystifyingly complex, nuanced, and age-worthy reds. When crafted via traditional production methods—long macerations and extensive aging in enormous oak botti—the powerful, yet incredibly refined Barolos and Barbarescos provide haunting aromatics of tar, raspberry, incense, tea, roses, and more. At times austere in their youth but well worth the wait, they pair beautifully with the hearty local cuisine starring veal in many forms, braised beef, pastas like tajarin and agnolotti, and of course, Alba’s famous white truffles.
Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Piemonte’s climate is continental, with baking hot summers and cold winters. Nebbiolo is only part of the story here: juicy, fruity Barberas and Dolcettos represent the bread and butter throughout the region, and other native grapes like Freisa, Croatina, and the white Arneis are also noteworthy. Value abounds in the Monferrato, while Alto Piemonte also has its share of thrills to provide.
Every corner of Piemonte is rich with tradition, especially when wine is concerned. It’s no wonder we have been singing the region’s praises for over forty years.
More from Piedmont or Italy
2021 Barbera d’Alba Superiore
Alessandro e Gian Natale Fantino Italy | Piedmont
2022 Langhe Nebbiolo “Camilu”
Guido Porro Italy | Piedmont
NV Barolo Chinato
A. & G. Fantino Italy | Piedmont
2022 Langhe Arneis
Cantine Elvio Tintero Italy | Piedmont
2022 Barbera d’Alba “Bricco del Pilone”
Piero Benevelli Italy | Piedmont
2022 Dolcetto d’Alba “V. Pari”
Guido Porro Italy | Piedmont
2022 Langhe Nebbiolo
Cantine Elvio Tintero Italy | Piedmont
2019 Barolo “Mosconi”
Piero Benevelli Italy | Piedmont
2022 Roero Arneis
Tenuta La Pergola Italy | Piedmont
2017 Barbera del Monferrato “Perlydia”
Cantine Valpane Italy | Piedmont
2022 Langhe Freisa “alla mia Gioia”
Piero Benevelli Italy | Piedmont
2021 Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba “Sörì Cristina”
Il Palazzotto Italy | Piedmont
2021 Barbera d’Alba Superiore
Alessandro e Gian Natale Fantino Italy | Piedmont
2022 Langhe Nebbiolo “Camilu”
Guido Porro Italy | Piedmont
NV Barolo Chinato
A. & G. Fantino Italy | Piedmont
2022 Langhe Arneis
Cantine Elvio Tintero Italy | Piedmont
2022 Barbera d’Alba “Bricco del Pilone”
Piero Benevelli Italy | Piedmont
2022 Dolcetto d’Alba “V. Pari”
Guido Porro Italy | Piedmont
2022 Langhe Nebbiolo
Cantine Elvio Tintero Italy | Piedmont
2019 Barolo “Mosconi”
Piero Benevelli Italy | Piedmont
2022 Roero Arneis
Tenuta La Pergola Italy | Piedmont
2017 Barbera del Monferrato “Perlydia”
Cantine Valpane Italy | Piedmont
2022 Langhe Freisa “alla mia Gioia”
Piero Benevelli Italy | Piedmont
2021 Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba “Sörì Cristina”
Il Palazzotto Italy | Piedmont
Kermit once said...
Kermit once said...
Living wines have ups and downs just as people do, periods of glory and dog days, too. If wine did not remind me of real life, I would not care about it so much.