2022 Dolcetto

One of the beauties of winemaking with new varietals is that they can take me into unexpected directions. This was certainly the case with the Dolcetto from 2022.

While sampling the vineyard I was getting some odd numbers, seeing the pH rising but the brix (a measure of sugar) hadn't reached our typical zone for red wines. It kept sitting around 22º which falls about 2 degees below our typical target, however pH was telling us the fruit was ripe. We went ahead and harvested and to our surprise, the sugar in the grapes was actually 20º even lower our original goal and considerably below our target of 24º.
Undetered, we proceeded with fermentation and barrel aging, choosing lighter toasts of oak to compliment and build the lightly textured wine. Over the years we kept tasting the Dolcetto during topings and found it interesting, but were uncertain if it would find it's groove with such a low final alcohol (12.1%). Well this last spring while reviewing wines for bottling we tasted it again and Wow! It stopped us in our tracks -layers of very complex fruit, a full mouthfeel and layered lingering finish. Coupled with the lower alcohol content, this an absolute pleasure to drink, one that you don't have to feel guilty sharing an extra glass.

Originating from Piedmont in northwest Italy, Dolcetto means “little sweet one.” It can be paired with richer, darker meats and vegetable dishes.

Cherry, plum, dried cranberry, violet & cocoa on the nose, opening up to a savory and complex palate of warm spice, black tea, and tart berry pie. There’s a light floral brightness on the finish, with hints of vanilla and oak.