The king of northern Italy might be Nebbiolo but Dolcetto is definitely the number one uprising pop idol! Specifically, Dolcetto d' Alba by Luciano Sandrone is perhaps the best expression of the variety out there, has it all, and is worth it!
Dolcetto for Italians is the ultimate pizza wine because it is juicy, fruity, with good acidity, and pairs perfectly with spicy toppings like spianata. While Nebbiolo has tannins and acidity that need years to soften, the cool Dolcetto is delightful when fresh so you don't have to wait, but that doesn't mean we are talking about a bland grape juice! Luciano Sandrone knows this well and treats it tenderly to express fully its majestic character.
The grapes come from 3 privately owned vineyards at an altitude of 450 meters. The wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts in a stainless-steel tank where it remains for about 3 months. The result is a wine with impressive complexity that makes you wonder, no oak aging? For real?
Yes, no oak since this pop idol does not need much to impress, just to get on the stage and amaze the crowd!
