Producer: Elio Altare
Wine: Dolcetto d’Alba
Vintage: 2005
Country: Italy
Appellation: Piedmont
Wine Type: Red
Varietal: Dolcetto
Grade: B+
Designation: Must Drink
Price:$24

Dolcetto is the lesser known grapes in Italy’s Piedmont region in the northwest hills of the boot. Foremost is the Nebbiolo which is the celebrity of the region followed by Barbera which is the most widely planted. The problem with many vintners in this region is that the Barolos and Barbarescos made from Nebbiolo require lengthy aging to become approachable with Barberas to a lesser degree. Dolcettos are simpler, fruitier reds that can be produced and marketed sooner. Therefore it’s not surprising to find that some of the best Barolo producers also make Dolcettos. Elio Altare is one of the these Barolo guys, he’s one of Piedmont’s top winemakers and an innovator. Altare’s 2005 Dolcetto d’Alba counters many of the grape’s simple image. It is dark purple if color and sets off with striking aromas of dark fruit. This melange of black cherry, raspberry, and blueberry flavors builds slowly to rich intensity. The wine is dry on the palate and shows austere tannins. It’s clean, rich, and round in composition. Lovely and easy to appreciate.

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