Region: Dolcetto d’Alba DOC, Piemonte, Italy

Varietal: 100% Dolcetto

Producer: Bruno Giacosa is one of Piedmont’s most revered winemakers, a towering figure whose mastery of Nebbiolo in Barolo and Barbaresco helped define the region’s modern prestige. Born into the Langhe’s storied tradition and rooted in family vineyards and collaborations, Giacosa’s approach married respect for heritage with judicious use of modern technique. While best known for his iconic Nebbiolo and Barbera bottlings, the estate’s Dolcetto d’Alba showcases his philosophy at a more approachable level: serious quality, precise craftsmanship, and unwavering respect for the grape and its terroir. Today, daughter Bruna Giacosa upholds this legacy, shaping wines that reflect both tradition and thoughtful evolution.

Vineyard & Winemaking: The 2020 Dolcetto d’Alba is sourced from select vineyards in the villages of Neive, Neviglie, Treiso, and Alba, typically planted on classic Langhe soils where clay and limestone blend with hillside minerality. After hand harvesting, the Dolcetto grapes undergo fermentation and maceration in stainless‑steel vats for about 8–10 days, followed by full malolactic fermentation to soften acidity. The wine is then aged for roughly six to seven months in stainless steel and briefly in bottle before release, preserving primary fruit character and freshness while allowing a balanced structure to form.

Tasting Notes: The 2020 Dolcetto d’Alba shows a vibrant ruby‑purple color and opens with juicy aromas of fresh cherry, ripe plum, and blackberry, lifted by floral hints of violet and sweet spice. On the palate it’s medium‑bodied but energetic, with generous red fruit framed by gently grippy tannins and lively acidity that keeps the profile fresh and food‑friendly. Subtle savory undertones — a touch of dried herbs and fine earth — add depth, leading to a finish that’s clean, vibrant, and approachable now with pasta, grilled meats, or salumi, yet still rewarding in its balance and precision.