Dolcetto d’Alba Fontanazza DOC
A native Piedmont variety, first documented in the late eighteenth century. Dolcetto d’Alba has always been a favorite in the Langhe — especially as an everyday wine — for its soft, round fruitiness, firm body, fresh acidity, and easy-to-drink character. Dolcetto has naturally low tannins but excellent structure and extremely pleasing, fragrant aromas. This no-oak version deliberately maximizes freshness, fruit, and early appeal.
Wine exported to
Bermuda, Canada, USA, Puerto Rico, Australia, Austria
Most recent awards
- 2022 | James Suckling90
- 2016 | Wine & Spirits88
- 2015 | Wine Spectator88
- 2014 | Decanter90
Grape Varieties:
100% Dolcetto
Fermentation container:
Stainless steel, concrete tanks
Length of alcoholic fermentation:
5-10 days
Type of yeast:
Selected yeast
Fermentation temperature:
27 °C (80.6 °F)
Malolactic fermentation:
Yes
Fining agent:
Bentonite
Aging containers:
Stainless steel
Container size:
50 Hl
Bottling period:
March
Aging before bottling:
6 Months in Stainless Steel
Aging in bottle:
2 Months
Closure:
Diam
Organic:
No
Vineyard location:
La Morra, Piedmont
Vineyard size:
1.5 hectares (3.7 acres)
Soil composition:
Calcareous clay with high magnesium content
Vine training:
Espalier
Altitude:
320 meters (1,050 feet) above sea level
Vine density:
4,400 vines per hectare
Yield:
85 q/ha
Exposure:
Southern
Years planted:
1983, 2002
Age of vines:
17-36 years old
Time of harvest:
Early September
First vintage of this wine:
1960s
Total yearly production (in bottles):
8,000
Tasting notes:
Magnificent ruby red with violet reflections; intense, persistent bouquet shows appealing floral and fruity notes, sweet spice; these are confirmed on the palate and sustained by good acidity and a sweet almond finish.
Serving temperature:
Best served at 14-16 °C (57.2 - 60.8 °F).
Food pairings:
With its characteristics, the Dolcetto “Fontanazza” is an excellent companion to every dish of Italian and international cuisines.
Aging potential:
2 - 6 years
Alcohol:
Alc. cont. 12.5% by vol.
Winemaker:
The Marcarini family and Valter Bonetti
