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San Fereolo, Dolcetto Dogliani Superiore 2016
Italy / Red

San Fereolo, Dolcetto Dogliani Superiore 2016

$48.00
$48.00
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Fruit

Earth

Acid

Body

Tannins

Importer notes from Rosenthal Wine Merchant:

"We consider the estate to be among the greatest references for the terroir of Dogliani, which is located immediately south of Barolo in the Langhe. The Dogliani DOCG is home to some of the greatest Dolcetto vineyards in the Piemonte, and this appellation accounts for the majority of the estate’s 12 ha under vine. The oldest Dolcetto vines were planted in 1936, while the youngest date back to 1978. The finest sources are destined for the flagship “San Fereolo” cuvée, while the balance of the Dolcetto vines comprise the “Valdibà” bottling. Since the early 1990s, Nicoletta has worked her high-altitude holdings in the Dogliani appellation biodynamically, producing wild-fermented, non-technological wines in the vein of Piedmont’s old masters (with whom she studied—Bartolo Mascarello, for instance).

Nicoletta is the daughter of a well-regarded and controversial Italian political writer, and the anti-elitist political undercurrents of her winemaking philosophy are undeniable. Whereas she could easily triple her production of Nebbiolo and become an overnight sensation (as anyone who has tasted her “Il Provinciale”—a Nebbiolo that bests much Barolo in its elegance and unfettered expression—can attest), she is steadfastly committed to the underdog Dolcetto, and even speaks dismissively and regretfully about Nebbiolo’s aristocratic perfection. Despite her long-aged flagship wine’s immense cost of production and storage (four years in large Slavonian oak), her prices remain defiantly low."

About the cuvee:
"The most important wine of the estate, the Dolcetto for the top wine is sourced from parcels found in prime positions, as well as the oldest vines of the estate.  The 7-year wait from harvest to release reflects the importance of the “San Fereolo” to Nicoletta, who carefully tends the wine through its 3 years in large barrel before a 3-4 year hibernation in the bottle cellar."


Flor impressions:
An incredible example of the potential of Dolcetto when made with the same care an patience normally reserved for Nebbiolo. Fascinating complexity on the nose - tar, anise seed, earth and mint aromas mingle with still present blue and black fruits. The palate is full of dense, suave tannins, which have softened agreeably with seven years of aging. Black plum and blueberry flavors give way mint, tar and earth on the finish. This wine is classically Piemontese, and hitting beautifully right now.
-GG, tasted 4/15/24
Country
Italy
Sub-Region
Dogliani
Region
Piemonte
Varieties
Dolcetto
Farming
Sustainable
Soil
Limestone-clay, sand, and Tortonian marls
Winemaking
Fruit is fully destemmed, maceration by combination of pumpovers and punchdowns. Aged 3 years in large botti, followed by 3-4 years of bottle aging prior to release.