Luciano Sandrone Dolcetto d'Alba 2023

It is hardly news that Sandrone’s Dolcetto is one of the region's finest, most complex examples. The consistent quality of this wine—its purity, silky texture, fine tannins and balance—only comes with perfectly ripe fruit from top sites. In this case, the sites are also high, bringing added freshness to the layers of fruit. From estate vineyards in Monforte d’Alba, Sandrone draws from Castelletto and Cascina Pe Mol. In Novello, there is the Rocche di San Nicola vineyard and the whitish marls of Ravera, whose easterly exposure contributes perfume and aromatic complexity. Joining these sites is fruit from Rivassi and Crosia in the commune of Barolo. Vine age is another key to the quality, averaging over 50 years.

Typically, 11 different parcels contribute to the blend, and any fruit that does not make the grade is sold off. Each parcel is vinified separately before blending, and the wines age in tank. In short, this is about as close as Dolcetto comes to Nebbiolo-level depth and class