Silvio Grasso Langhe Dolcetto 2011

I realized that I haven’t enjoyed nearly enough Dolcetto, so I enthusiastically gave a pour to Silvio Grasso Langhe Dolcetto 2011. It had been hanging about in my wine rack for a few months and I figured it would be right about at its peak drinking window right now. Known for their sensational Barolos, the Grasso family has been making wine since 1927, but only began bottling it in the mid-1980’s when Alessio took over production from his father Silvio. Today Alessio farms 27 acres using “natural agriculture” methods with his wife and 2 sons. Only organic fertilizers are used [they use manure from their cattle farm], pesticides are naturally based sulfur and copper products, cover crops are grown between the vines, and they take a careful, minimalistic approach when it comes to adding sulpher to their wines.

Bright dark red-violet in colour, after aerating aromas of black cherry and ginger and cinnamon baking spices radiated from the glass. Fruity flavours of blackberry, cherry and tart pomegranate abounded in the medium to full body. Soft tannins and warm Asian five-spice joined lingering black cherry and traces of slightly bitter toasted almond in the lengthy finish. Fruity and soft yet possessing a pleasantly cozy spiced fortitude, this is a fantastic glass great for the table or on its own.

100% Dolcetto

Piedmont
Italy
Estate Bottled by Silvio Grasso
14% Alcohol
$12
Enjoy now thru 2013