2022 Altura Collection Dolcetto, Russian River Valley

Italian for “little sweet one,” our Dolcetto has beautiful bright fruits, moderate tannins, and a dry finish – not sweet like the name suggests! Originally from the Piedmont region of Italy, this grape prefers cooler-climate growing regions, such as the Russian River Valley. The coastal influence there allows for exemplary growing conditions for our Dolcetto. Complex aromatics of allspice, cranberry, plum, toasted coriander seeds, and lavender are on this expressive nose. On the palate, the aromas combine with flavors of early season plums, cherries, caramel, cedar, and sweet toasted oak. Enjoy this vibrant Italian varietal with eggplant and chickpea tagine or pasta Bolognese. 

The fruit was hand harvested in the early morning hours, destemmed to tank, and cold soaked for 24 hours. The temperature of the must was increased to 80F before being inoculated with UV43 yeast. This strain was selected for its ability to heighten berry aromatics and bind color. The must was pumped over in tank for eleven days before being drained and pressed to tank. The wine then finished primary and secondary fermentation in tank then was aged in 20% new French and American oak for 15 months before bottling.

Label Artwork: This marble piece was a free-form project beautifully crafted by Maria and presented to us. When we saw it, we instantly felt it would be perfect for our rich, deeply colored, and exotically fragranced Dolcetto.