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What We Say 2009 Dolcetto di Diano d'Alba DOC
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Mission Codename: Little Sweet One
Operative: Agent White
Objective: Secure an exclusive single vineyard Dolcetto from the famed Piedmont.
Mission Status: Accomplished!
Current Winery: Renzo Castella Enotecnico
Wine Subject: 2009 Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba DOC – Rivolia Vineyard
Backgrounder:
Dolcetto, or literally translated as the ‘little sweet one’ is one of the primary grapes of Italy’s Piedmont. The best Dolcetto is grown in and around the Alba region. The grape has a thinner skin than its local neighbors resulting in its lighter flavors and brighter acidity making this wine perfect for lunch meals or as a starter wine for a traditional Italian meal. Dolcetto is often made as a single varietal wine and the best of Dolcetto is from designated single vineyards.
Wine Spies Tasting Profile:
Look – Deep ruby-red with a bright and clear heart with glistening ruby reflections. Brighter ruby and and nearly pink hues appear as you approach the edge of the glass with fast thin legs that streak down the edge of the glass when swirled.
Smell – Fragrant with classic Dolcetto aromas of red and black cherry, red raspberry and floral violets with hints soft black licorice are unobstructed by any oak (this wine is aged in stainless steel), showing its true varietal character. A touch of dried plum also emerge as you explore the nose of this wine.
Feel – The initial attack of this full-bodied red is bright, slightly tangy and dry; its tannic structure has a fine dusty character and while medium-firm is not overpowering and is balanced by its soft acidity and minerality.
Taste – Flavors of ripe and sweet and ripe red cherry, raspberry and hints of plum layered over notes of floral violets, black licorice and a touch of spice. Lovely fruit not not too fruit forward, showing a nice balance.
Finish – This wine finishes clean and is of medium length with lingering flavors of its fruit as this wine’s dusty fine tannins and minerality linger and cling to the palate.
Conclusion – The 2009 Renzo Castella Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba DOC – Rivolia Vineyard shows the true and unobstructed character of Dolcetto. Great ripe red fruit; full bodied; fine textured tannins, minerality, and soft acidity; and while not overly complex in its flavors this wine delivers a very pleasant and approachable experience. This Dolcetto is perfect to drink young and will pair well with tangy and spicy pasta or a rustic pizza or flat-bread.
Mission Report:
Winemaker Interview… ALERT Agent White has gone A.W.O.L. with an allocation of this delicious Dolcettto. If seen please approach with extreme caution, it is though that Agent White is armed with a very pointy cork screw and presumed to be dangerously enamored with this wine.
Wine Spies Vineyard Check:
Today’s wine comes from the Diano d’Alba in the Piedmont, as seen in this satellite photo.
What the Winery Says
Renzo Castella
About This Wine:
The Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba, Rivolia vineyard, is vinified in a traditional manner, and takes the characteristics of the Diano hill, which is well exposed and rich in sandstone. It has an intense and brilliant ruby color, as well as a fruity and floral scent composed of violets and red fruits. It has a full taste to the palate, but at the same time it is soft and “sweetly tannic”.
About The Winery:
At the entrance of Diano d?Alba, a city famous for its renowned Dolcetto, you will find Azienda Agricola Renzo Castella. This firm was born in the first half of the 1900s, through the hard work of Severino Castella, to produce grapes, fruit, and breed animals. The son of Severino, Simone, decided to concentrate on grape production, acquiring vineyards and carrying out new plants, finally reaching 10 hectares of vineyards in his property, of which 6 were cultivated with Dolcetto, 2 with Barbera, and 2 with Nebbiolo. With the entrance of Simone?s son, Renzo, an oenologist, into the business, they decided to shift the focus to cultivating the grapes and producing wine. In 2001, the first bottles of Renzo Castella Dolcetto, Barbera and Nebbiolo were released, typifying the strong personalities of diverse subterrains.
Technical Analysis:
Appelation: Dolcetto di Diano d?Alba DOC
Varietals: 100% Dolcetto
Vinification: Grapes are fermented in stainless steel vats, then macerated for 5 or 6 days.
Vineyard: Well-exposed, rich in sandstone
Aging: Aged in stainless steel casks and then 4 months in the bottle.
Alcohol: 13.5%
