This is an old estate, established in the Neive area of Barbaresco in 1948 by Guido Busso, Piero’s father and Pierguido’s grandfather.
Piero Busso bottled his first Albesani Barbaresco in 1982. He quickly found a local following for his seductive, modern style of Barbaresco that offered drinkers a change from the rustic norm at the time. Over the years, he showed enormous vision by acquiring parcels in the Mondino cru of Neive’s Balluri district (1985), in Gallina (again in Neive, 1999) and San Stunet in Treiso (2000). The latter remains the estate’s only vineyard outside of the Neive commune.
An instinctive winegrower unafraid to follow his own path, Piero Busso built up an enviable reputation among his peers as no-compromise vigneron; a grower’s grower of his era. Busso avoided synthetic herbicides from the beginning (very unusual at the time), meaning that even in the 1980s his vines and soils were as healthy and resilient as any in the region.
"Piero Busso are based in Neive and make stunning wines from some of Barbaresco’s smartest sites. Winemaking is traditional, but the wines taste very modern (in a good way) – long macerations of up to 45 days, then ageing for 2 years in large (2500 litre) casks made of Slavonian oak.”
― Jamie Goode, Wineanorak
In 2010 Piero Busso was joined by his children, Pierguido and Emanuela. Since his arrival, Pierguido has instigated an even greater level of precision in the vineyard, from tempering yields by hard pruning, using natural cover crops and, in sunny years, crafting an ‘umbrella’ of apical shoots to provide shade for the grapes. The 10 hectares farmed today are certified organic, and the domaine remains small enough for the family to be involved in all aspects of physical work.
In the winery, Pierguido takes a minimalist approach. Having built up the population of ambient yeast, fermentations are now entirely spontaneous. Macerations typically last 40-45 days using submerged cap—a very traditional method. Aging takes place in 1000 to 2500-litre botti, and all the wines are bottled unfiltered.
Despite emerging as one of Barbaresco’s most captivating producers, the wines of Pier Busso (Pier is short for Pierguido) continue to fly under the radar, perhaps because it’s still early days since most of the changes have occurred, and perhaps also, as the Busso family are very low-key, humble people. Nonetheless, it would be difficult to find a more exciting ‘new’ grower within the DOCG’s boundaries, especially if you love the classical style of Piemontese wine. Packed with character and depth, these are Piemontese wines to sweep you off your feet.
“The wines made by Pier Busso were some of the purest, most fragrant and effortless wines I tried on my trip. Beautiful balance and expression through the range. The Bussos are making wines of incredible integrity and purity.”
– David Clarke, Ex Animo Wine Co.
In the Busso section of Albesani MGA looking southwest at Gallina MGA
The vineyards from which Barbera d’Alba DOC Majano is produced have calcareous clay soil. Barely noticeable wood emerges from a structure that highlights a full, fruity and vinous body. Altitude: 180 m above sea level. Exposure: south-westerly. Comune: Neive. Soil: clay-sandy. Variety: 100% Barbera d’Alba. The oldest vines here have reached 50 years of age, bringing uncommon depth and vinosity. The wine was matured in stainless steel for 12 months before bottling.This is superb; bloody and ferrous yet with lovely florals and a pure, dark cherry core. It immediately speaks as to why we love this producer. There’s depth yet great finesse and it’s loaded with character.
Altitude: 180-200 m above sea level. Exposure: south-westerly. Comune: Neive. Soil: clay-sandy. Variety: 100% Nebbiolo. The Langhe Nebbiolo is crafted from a selection of 10- to 15-year-old vines in the Neive crus of Balluri, Albesani and Gallina. The wine fermented in stainless steel and then aged in oak botti for 12 months before being bottled unfiltered.This is just a gorgeous, old-school rendition of Nebbiolo. Pale-coloured, medium-bodied, and loaded with red and blue fruits, hints of rosewater, red meat and leather, as well as plenty of powdery tannins. A Nebbiolo to open when you’re in the mood for a Pinot-weighted wine. Gorgeous.
On the western hills above Neive, Albesani is one of the shining stars of Barbaresco. In his Barbaresco MGA, Alessandro Masnaghetti writes that here, “…the combination of soil, stature and exposure creates one of the greatest vineyards of the Langhe”. ‘Vigna Borgese’ refers to the small plot of vines that surrounds the Busso family’s home and cellar in Neive. The vines were planted between 30 and 70 years ago at 260 metres above sea level on soils of limestone, clay and marl with an ideal southwest exposure. This fermented naturally in tank, then aged in 25-hectolitre cask for 26 months. This is old-school classic in terms of its fruit profile and structure. It’s medium- to full-bodied, with sweet fruit suggesting fresh plum with hints of leather, honey and iodine complexity, clove and nutmeg spice and a cool freshness. It’s intense yet elegant, with flesh and complexity. Lovely stuff.
Purchased in 1999, the domaine farms 1.3 hectares of what is possibly the best-known MGA of Neive (made famous by Bruno Giacosa). Sitting at 240 metres altitude on a low and twisting ridge opposite the Albesani Cru, Busso’s vines are south-west exposed and face the river. It’s a windy microclimate despite not being particularly high. The soil here is the limestone-rich Sant’Agata marl with sandy and calcareous layers. The vines for this wine were planted between 25 and 50 years ago. Aging is the two years in Slavonian oak casks.
“Worn-in leather, tobacco, spice, menthol, dried herbs and dried cherry fruit are all suggestive of a wine with early tertiary characteristics. Even so, the 2019 has enough depth to drink well for at least a handful of years. Drinking window 2023-2029. 91pt” —Antonio Galloni, Vinous.
The Balluri cru lies northeast of Albesani. Busso farms 1.6 hectares of 40- to 50-year-old vines in the Bricco Mondino section at the top of the slope. The plot faces southwest at 240 feet in altitude, and the soil—mostly limestone-rich clay—has a lot of sand, producing a more approachable wine.
“The 2020 Barbaresco Mondino is a very pretty, elegant wine. Open aromatics suggest the 2020 is at the early part of its drinking window, which will delight readers looking for a Barbaresco to drink with minimal cellaring. Sweet pipe tobacco, cedar, mint, dried herbs and kirsch all grace this wonderfully inviting Barbaresco. More than anything else, I am impressed by the balance here. Drinking window 2023-2028. 92pt” —Antonio Galloni, Vinous.
San Stunet is the only Busso vineyard not in Neive, and instead is in the village of Trieso. Busso farms 1.5 hectares of vines, which sit at 400 metres in altitude on a steep gradient (16%). San Stunet soils are mostly yellow marl with a lot of limestone. The Busso vines lie on the southeast face of the ridge which delivers the deepest and most articulate Nebbiolo of this cru. The site is late ripening, usually picked 10 days after the estate’s other vineyards. The winemaking is identical to the Albesani Vigna Borgese, but this has both more flesh and is punchier, suggesting both more tannins and acidity. Decant it and serve it in a Burgundy glass and you’ll be rewarded with a wonderful Nebbiolo loaded with character (dark cherry, honey, leather), depth and structure. It would ideally get 10 to 15 years bottle age, but if not, then lots of air.
Piero Busso, Old Vines and Old-School Barbaresco
Pierguido (Pier) and Piero Busso
Piero Busso
Old Vines and Old-School Barbaresco
This is an old estate, established in the Neive area of Barbaresco in 1948 by Guido Busso, Piero’s father and Pierguido’s grandfather.
Piero Busso bottled his first Albesani Barbaresco in 1982. He quickly found a local following for his seductive, modern style of Barbaresco that offered drinkers a change from the rustic norm at the time. Over the years, he showed enormous vision by acquiring parcels in the Mondino cru of Neive’s Balluri district (1985), in Gallina (again in Neive, 1999) and San Stunet in Treiso (2000). The latter remains the estate’s only vineyard outside of the Neive commune.
An instinctive winegrower unafraid to follow his own path, Piero Busso built up an enviable reputation among his peers as no-compromise vigneron; a grower’s grower of his era. Busso avoided synthetic herbicides from the beginning (very unusual at the time), meaning that even in the 1980s his vines and soils were as healthy and resilient as any in the region.
"Piero Busso are based in Neive and make stunning wines from some of Barbaresco’s smartest sites. Winemaking is traditional, but the wines taste very modern (in a good way) – long macerations of up to 45 days, then ageing for 2 years in large (2500 litre) casks made of Slavonian oak.”
― Jamie Goode, Wineanorak
In 2010 Piero Busso was joined by his children, Pierguido and Emanuela. Since his arrival, Pierguido has instigated an even greater level of precision in the vineyard, from tempering yields by hard pruning, using natural cover crops and, in sunny years, crafting an ‘umbrella’ of apical shoots to provide shade for the grapes. The 10 hectares farmed today are certified organic, and the domaine remains small enough for the family to be involved in all aspects of physical work.
In the winery, Pierguido takes a minimalist approach. Having built up the population of ambient yeast, fermentations are now entirely spontaneous. Macerations typically last 40-45 days using submerged cap—a very traditional method. Aging takes place in 1000 to 2500-litre botti, and all the wines are bottled unfiltered.
Despite emerging as one of Barbaresco’s most captivating producers, the wines of Pier Busso (Pier is short for Pierguido) continue to fly under the radar, perhaps because it’s still early days since most of the changes have occurred, and perhaps also, as the Busso family are very low-key, humble people. Nonetheless, it would be difficult to find a more exciting ‘new’ grower within the DOCG’s boundaries, especially if you love the classical style of Piemontese wine. Packed with character and depth, these are Piemontese wines to sweep you off your feet.
“The wines made by Pier Busso were some of the purest, most fragrant and effortless wines I tried on my trip. Beautiful balance and expression through the range. The Bussos are making wines of incredible integrity and purity.”
– David Clarke, Ex Animo Wine Co.
In the Busso section of Albesani MGA looking southwest at Gallina MGA
Piero Busso | Neive | 6-pack
Includes:
1bt each:
Piero Busso Barbera d’Alba ‘Majano’ 2021
Piero Busso Langhe Nebbiolo 2022
Piero Busso Barbaresco Albesani ‘Vigna Borgese’ 2019
Piero Busso Barbaresco Gallina 2019
Piero Busso Barbaresco Mondino 2020
Piero Busso Barbaresco San Stunet 2020
5% DISCOUNT
FREE DELIVERY
R8,600.00Original price was: R8,600.00.R8,170.00Current price is: R8,170.00.Add to basketThe wines
R555.00Add to basket
Piero Busso 'Majano' Barbera d'Alba 2021
The vineyards from which Barbera d’Alba DOC Majano is produced have calcareous clay soil. Barely noticeable wood emerges from a structure that highlights a full, fruity and vinous body. Altitude: 180 m above sea level. Exposure: south-westerly. Comune: Neive. Soil: clay-sandy. Variety: 100% Barbera d’Alba. The oldest vines here have reached 50 years of age, bringing uncommon depth and vinosity. The wine was matured in stainless steel for 12 months before bottling.This is superb; bloody and ferrous yet with lovely florals and a pure, dark cherry core. It immediately speaks as to why we love this producer. There’s depth yet great finesse and it’s loaded with character.
R610.00Add to basket
Piero Busso Langhe Nebbiolo 2022
Altitude: 180-200 m above sea level. Exposure: south-westerly. Comune: Neive. Soil: clay-sandy. Variety: 100% Nebbiolo. The Langhe Nebbiolo is crafted from a selection of 10- to 15-year-old vines in the Neive crus of Balluri, Albesani and Gallina. The wine fermented in stainless steel and then aged in oak botti for 12 months before being bottled unfiltered.This is just a gorgeous, old-school rendition of Nebbiolo. Pale-coloured, medium-bodied, and loaded with red and blue fruits, hints of rosewater, red meat and leather, as well as plenty of powdery tannins. A Nebbiolo to open when you’re in the mood for a Pinot-weighted wine. Gorgeous.
R1,930.00Add to basket
Piero Busso Barbaresco Albesani ‘Vigna Borgese’ 2020
On the western hills above Neive, Albesani is one of the shining stars of Barbaresco. In his Barbaresco MGA, Alessandro Masnaghetti writes that here, “…the combination of soil, stature and exposure creates one of the greatest vineyards of the Langhe”. ‘Vigna Borgese’ refers to the small plot of vines that surrounds the Busso family’s home and cellar in Neive. The vines were planted between 30 and 70 years ago at 260 metres above sea level on soils of limestone, clay and marl with an ideal southwest exposure. This fermented naturally in tank, then aged in 25-hectolitre cask for 26 months. This is old-school classic in terms of its fruit profile and structure. It’s medium- to full-bodied, with sweet fruit suggesting fresh plum with hints of leather, honey and iodine complexity, clove and nutmeg spice and a cool freshness. It’s intense yet elegant, with flesh and complexity. Lovely stuff.
R2,310.00Add to basket
Piero Busso Barbaresco Gallina 2019
Purchased in 1999, the domaine farms 1.3 hectares of what is possibly the best-known MGA of Neive (made famous by Bruno Giacosa). Sitting at 240 metres altitude on a low and twisting ridge opposite the Albesani Cru, Busso’s vines are south-west exposed and face the river. It’s a windy microclimate despite not being particularly high. The soil here is the limestone-rich Sant’Agata marl with sandy and calcareous layers. The vines for this wine were planted between 25 and 50 years ago. Aging is the two years in Slavonian oak casks.
“Worn-in leather, tobacco, spice, menthol, dried herbs and dried cherry fruit are all suggestive of a wine with early tertiary characteristics. Even so, the 2019 has enough depth to drink well for at least a handful of years. Drinking window 2023-2029. 91pt” —Antonio Galloni, Vinous.
R1,265.00Add to basket
Piero Busso Barbaresco Mondino 2020
The Balluri cru lies northeast of Albesani. Busso farms 1.6 hectares of 40- to 50-year-old vines in the Bricco Mondino section at the top of the slope. The plot faces southwest at 240 feet in altitude, and the soil—mostly limestone-rich clay—has a lot of sand, producing a more approachable wine.
“The 2020 Barbaresco Mondino is a very pretty, elegant wine. Open aromatics suggest the 2020 is at the early part of its drinking window, which will delight readers looking for a Barbaresco to drink with minimal cellaring. Sweet pipe tobacco, cedar, mint, dried herbs and kirsch all grace this wonderfully inviting Barbaresco. More than anything else, I am impressed by the balance here. Drinking window 2023-2028. 92pt” —Antonio Galloni, Vinous.
R1,930.00Add to basket
Piero Busso Barbaresco San Stunet 2020
San Stunet is the only Busso vineyard not in Neive, and instead is in the village of Trieso. Busso farms 1.5 hectares of vines, which sit at 400 metres in altitude on a steep gradient (16%). San Stunet soils are mostly yellow marl with a lot of limestone. The Busso vines lie on the southeast face of the ridge which delivers the deepest and most articulate Nebbiolo of this cru. The site is late ripening, usually picked 10 days after the estate’s other vineyards. The winemaking is identical to the Albesani Vigna Borgese, but this has both more flesh and is punchier, suggesting both more tannins and acidity. Decant it and serve it in a Burgundy glass and you’ll be rewarded with a wonderful Nebbiolo loaded with character (dark cherry, honey, leather), depth and structure. It would ideally get 10 to 15 years bottle age, but if not, then lots of air.
View Piero Busso wines in the shop
Please contact david@exanimo.co.za if you have any queries.