Dolcetto 2023

Hailing from the Barolo hills, Giacomo Fenocchio estate's Dolcetto comes from vineyards located around Monforte d'Alba, in the heart of Piedmont. These plots benefit from marly-calcareous and sandy soils, typical of the Langhe, which promote good grape maturity while preserving freshness. The predominantly south and southwest exposure ensures generous sunshine, while the moderate altitude brings cooler nights. This geographical context gives the wine its gourmet, structured, and digestible character, emblematic of this historic wine-growing area.

The Dolcetto grapes are harvested by hand, then destemmed and crushed before alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with skin maceration to extract the typical color and aromas of the grape variety. Malolactic fermentation then occurs naturally, also in stainless steel tanks, to preserve freshness and fruit. Aging continues for a few months in tanks before bottling, without oak aging, to retain the pure, juicy, and immediate character of Giacomo Fenocchio's Dolcetto.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry, fresh plum, and crisp red berries, complemented by floral hints of violet and rose, as well as delicate spicy nuances of pepper and licorice. On the palate, it is juicy and supple, supported by a lively acidity that extends the finish, with fine tannins and a general sensation of freshness that invites tasting.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!