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In the northern Italian region of Piemonte in an area just south of Alba, some of the finest examples of Dolcetto are cultivated, these older vine Dolcetto enjoy similar ideal exposures and soils, and are cared for like noble Nebiollo grapes that give life to  Barolos or Barbarescos.

Dolcetto produces wines which are soft, rounded, and exhibit fresh ripe fruit, reminiscent of cherry and blueberry, with flavors of liquorice and almonds. Most are designed to be drunk young (1-3 years old), however finer examples from the Alba region can easily last 5-7 years. Quality Dolcetto delivers  a rich, sensual pleasure, with fresh fruit notes of cherries and blueberries that come neatly wrapped in velvety tannins that seem to to glide over the palate. Just imagine a wine that combines the elements of a rich California Zinfandel and the depth of a fine Cabernet Sauvignon, the result being a Dolcetto that is almost irresistible!

The Destefanis estate was founded in Piemonte by Giuseppe Destefanis in the 1950′s. The first vineyards went in in the early 1960′s. Marco Destefanis, Giuaeppe’s grandson, has managed his family estate since the late 1980′s, replanting many of his grandfather’s vineyards and updating the cellar, with the goal of producing some of the best Dolcettos around. Destefanis’ “Bricco Galluccio” vineyard is located on some of the region’s steepest hillsides and can produces a Dolcetto’s with balance, bright, and fresh fruit.  The “Bricco Galluccio” single vineyard wine is aged exclusively in tank to preserve the grapes vibrant character. His “Monia Bassa” single vineyard Dolcetto on the other hand is aged a few months in older barrique (small oak barrels of 225 liter/59 gal capcity) for extra complexity and comes from vines with an average age of 60 years that are claimed to yield a more concentrated, deep, and complex wine.

MY Review: 2006 Destefanis Dolcetto d’Alba “Bricco Galluccio”

This wine has a deep ruby core which fades to a medium ruby rim.  The nose reveals  developing, medium intense, aromas of wild cherry, raspberry, bramble and  hints of  pepper that reveals itself with a delicate nuance. On the palate the wine is dry with a medium body that envelops and coats your mouth with a silky viscosity and well integrated alcohol.  The balanced acidity and soft tannins give lift to the fresh ripe flavors of cherry and blackberry that are backed by spice, earth, and a touch of bitter almond.  The tannins are well integrated and the acidity well balanced by the vibrant fruit. The wine has a medium finish that shows some moderate complexity.

Rating:

This is a good quality because it pulls off the delicate dance of balancing the fresh red fruit, acidity, and velvety tannins.  Perfect for the fan of easy drinking fruit forward wines.

Recommendation:

If you are stuck in the rut of drinking only what the New World has to offer and enjoy juicy fruit forward wines, with satin tannins, that are great for everyday drinking than it is time you considered giving Dolcetto from Piemonte, Italy a look.

I would recommend enjoying this wine on its own or with your favorite gourmet pizza or Pasta Ali Olio

Price: $13 to $15