2020 Altare, E. - Dolcetto d'Alba

Elio Altare is a towering icon of Piedmont, famously celebrated for revolutionizing modern winemaking in Barolo. Yet, the estate applies that same meticulous precision and passion to Piedmont's ultimate everyday grape: Dolcetto. Sourced from 20- to 40-year-old vines rooted in the calcareous and sandy soils of La Morra, this wine undergoes a brief 2- to 3-day maceration before aging entirely in stainless steel for 10 months. The warm, beautifully ripe 2020 vintage captures Dolcetto at its absolute finest—uncloaked by oak, incredibly vibrant, and showcasing a flawless balance of crunchy fruit and sleek modernity.

Tasting Profile

• Aroma: Striking and highly expressive. The wine pours a deep, intense violet color, releasing an immediate bouquet of freshly picked black cherries, wild blackberries, and damp blue flowers. Subtle, complex undertones of blood orange zest, shaved chocolate, and a faint hint of wet stones add wonderful depth.

• Palate: Medium-bodied, fleshy, and remarkably sleek. It hits the palate with a burst of juicy raspberry and tart dark plum. True to the Altare style, it side-steps the harsh, rustic edges often found in old-school Dolcetto, opting instead for a smooth, creamy texture lifted by bright, mouthwatering acidity.

• Finish: Clean, snappy, and flavorful. It wraps up with fine, chalky, and integrated tannins that offer a gentle grip, trailing off with a classic, pleasant touch of bitter almond, licorice, and dark cacao.

Wine Specifications

Serving Tip: While Dolcetto translates to "little sweet one," the wine is bone-dry and thrives with a light chill. Give this bottle 15 to 20 minutes in the fridge before serving (aim for roughly 55–58°F). The slight chill tempers the 14% ABV, snaps the dark cherry fruit into sharp focus, and makes it the ultimate summer-into-fall red.

Best Food Pairings

In Italy, Dolcetto is heralded as the ultimate flexible table wine. Its bright acidity and smooth profile make it phenomenal alongside casual, high-flavor foods:

• Antipasti: Prosciutto, cured salami, bresaola, and light Italian cheeses.

• Casual Favorites: Brick-oven pepperoni pizza, meatball paninis, or a classic calzone.

• Pasta & Poultry: Tagliatelle with a simple meat ragù, or herb-roasted white meats like chicken or pork chops.