Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba

Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba

44°37'N

LATITUDE

7°58'E

LONGITUDE

2

APPELATIONS

about this subregion

Amid the intricate mosaic of Italy's Piedmont region lies the Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba DOCG, an area where nature's grandeur melds seamlessly with viticultural excellence. Here, undulating hills stretch towards the horizon, cradling vineyards that seem to rise and fall with the rhythm of the land. Every slope, every valley speaks of a deep connection with the earth, nurtured over millennia.

In this breathtaking expanse, the Dolcetto grape finds its sanctum. A variety native to Piedmont, Dolcetto's name, meaning "little sweet one," stands in poetic contrast to the robust and characterful wines it produces. The vines, drawing sustenance from the fertile soils, give life to grapes that carry the essence of this spectacular landscape.

Diano d’Alba, with its commitment to preserving the integrity of its terroir, offers two distinct expressions of Dolcetto: the Rosso and the more mature Rosso Superiore. The Rosso, a vibrant reflection of youth, enchants with fresh fruit notes and lively aromas. On the other hand, the Rosso Superiore delves deeper, revealing layers of complexity, a testament to the aging potential of Dolcetto from this region.

In the Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba DOCG, every bottle is not just a wine; it is a journey through picturesque landscapes, a dance of flavors, and a legacy of a region deeply entwined with its vineyards.

Associations

132

Vineyard Hectares

0

WINERIES

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GROWING DEGREE DAYS

Discover Terroir

The Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba DOCG finds its home in the celebrated wine-growing region of Piedmont, located in the northwestern part of Italy. This appellation is nestled amidst a landscape dominated by gentle rolling hills and verdant valleys, a setting that is both picturesque and ideal for viticulture.

At the heart of this DOCG is the town of Diano d’Alba, which not only lends its name to the appellation but also stands as a central point of reference for the area's wine-growing heritage. The region is encircled by other renowned wine territories of Piedmont, such as Barolo and Barbaresco, enhancing its reputation and significance in the world of Italian wines.

Blessed with a temperate continental climate and influenced by the proximity of the Alps and the Ligurian Sea, Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba benefits from a harmonious interplay of warm days and cool nights. This diurnal temperature variation ensures the development of complex aromatics and flavors in the grapes.

Furthermore, the region's diverse soil composition, ranging from marl to limestone and clay, imparts distinct characteristics to the wines, making them a true reflection of their terroir. Through its landscape, climate, and soil, the Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba DOCG offers a unique and cherished locale for the cultivation and celebration of the Dolcetto grape.

In the heart of Piedmont, the Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba DOCG enjoys a temperate continental climate, shaping the distinct character of its wines. Here, warm to hot days merge seamlessly with considerably cooler nights, a pronounced diurnal temperature variation that allows the Dolcetto grape to bask in the richness of the sun, developing its sugars and flavors, while the cool embrace of the night preserves its essential acidity and intricate aromatics.

The rhythm of the seasons paints a vivid canvas in this wine region. The cold, sometimes snowy winters give way to warm, dry summers, with spring and autumn dancing in varied temperatures, their moods often influencing the characteristics of the vintage. Rain graces the region fairly evenly throughout the year, with spring and autumn showers proving crucial for replenishing the water table. Yet, the timing of the harvest is paramount, as unexpected rains can present challenges.

Nature has further blessed Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba with guardians in the form of the towering Alps to the north and the gentle caress of the Ligurian Sea to the south. While the Alps stand as sentinels, shielding the vines from cold northern gusts, the Ligurian Sea ushers in milder breezes, especially during the transitional seasons.

It's within this harmonious confluence of warmth, coolness, and natural barriers that the Dolcetto grape truly thrives, echoing the essence of a climate perfectly attuned to viticulture.

The Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba DOCG, ensconced within Piedmont’s illustrious winemaking tapestry, boasts a diverse soil composition that plays a pivotal role in the unique expression of its Dolcetto wines. The soils here are not only a testament to the region's geological history but also contribute to the nuanced profiles of the wines they produce.

  1. Marl: Predominantly found in the region, marl is a calcium-rich soil that combines clay and limestone. This type of soil is particularly valued for its ability to regulate water, ensuring that vines receive just the right amount of moisture. Wines from marl soils often exhibit pronounced minerality and depth.
  2. Limestone: Limestone acts as a natural reservoir, storing water during wet periods and releasing it during drier spells. It contributes to the soil’s alkalinity, influencing the grape's acidity and aromatic complexity. Wines from limestone-rich soils are known for their elegance and vibrant aromatics.
  3. Clay: In certain pockets of the DOCG, clay soils prevail. These soils tend to be cooler, retaining more moisture, which can be beneficial during dry spells. Clay imparts a certain robustness to the wine, often resulting in wines with fuller bodies and more pronounced tannins.
  4. Sandy Loam: Areas with sandy loam are known for their good drainage capabilities. While less common than the other types, these soils contribute to the production of wines with a more delicate aromatic profile and softer tannins, offering a different facet to the Dolcetto’s expression.

Discover

In the heart of Piedmont, the Dolcetto grape thrives, weaving a tale of tradition, terroir, and taste. The name Dolcetto, which translates as "little sweet one", captures only a fragment of the grape's narrative. With its deep violet hue and compact clusters, Dolcetto is both robust and delicate. This varietal, native to the Piedmont region, finds a particularly harmonious expression in the Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba DOCG, where the soil and climate work in concert to accentuate its innate characteristics.

Venturing into the sensory realm of Dolcetto from Diano d’Alba unveils a rich and intricate profile. Aromatically, it greets with enticing notes of black cherries, fresh plums, and often a hint of violets. These aromas translate eloquently to the palate, creating a harmonious blend of fruit-forwardness. Yet, the grape's deceptive name becomes apparent in taste; rather than sweetness, one finds a dry wine, marked by medium tannins and a lively acidity. This zestiness is balanced by undertones of black licorice, earth, and sometimes even a touch of bitter almond on the finish.

Together, the flavor and aromatic complexities make Dolcetto from Diano d’Alba not just a wine, but an experience — a genuine reflection of its native land, echoing centuries of viticultural passion.

Within the scenic confines of Piedmont's Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba DOCG, the Dolcetto grape reigns supreme. Every bottle produced under this prestigious label is a testament to the purity of the grape, being composed of 100% Dolcetto. The winemaking tradition of Diano d’Alba is a beautiful confluence of modern techniques and time-honored practices. Here, vintners tend to the vines with reverence, ensuring that each grape reflects the region's distinctive terroir. With stringent standards in place, the wines of Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba are not just beverages, but artistic expressions of the land and the hands that craft them.

  1. Rosso: The Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba Rosso is a captivating wine, embodying the youthful and vivacious spirit of the Dolcetto grape. In the glass, its vibrant ruby hue promises a symphony of flavors. On the palate, it offers an exuberant burst of fresh dark berries, interwoven with subtle floral undertones and a refreshing acidity. Its medium-bodied structure is supported by gentle tannins, making it an approachable wine that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes.
  2. Rosso Superiore: The Rosso Superiore represents the grape's potential for depth and aging. With extended maturation, either in barrels or bottles, this wine evolves into a more profound and nuanced version of itself. Its color deepens, acquiring a garnet edge. Aromatically, it ventures into territories of dried fruits, tobacco, and even hints of spice. On tasting, the Rosso Superiore showcases a more rounded mouthfeel, with integrated tannins and a layered finish, echoing flavors of black cherries, licorice, and a touch of earthy minerality.
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