2016 Dolcetto d'Alba, Comm. G.B. Burlotto, Piedmont, Italy

Comm. G.B. Burlotto

Commendatore G.B. Burlotto is a renowned Italian wine producer located in the Piedmont region of Northwest Italy. The winery is based in the commune of Verduno, which is in the Barolo wine zone.

The history of Comm. G.B. Burlotto dates back to the mid-19th century when Giovan Battista Burlotto, the founder of the estate, began producing wines. He quickly gained recognition for his high-quality Barolo wines, and his reputation grew.

G.B. Burlotto played a significant role in developing Barolo as a prestigious wine region. He introduced various innovative winemaking techniques in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including longer macerations and larger oak casks for ageing. These methods helped to enhance the quality and complexity of his wines, earning him accolades and awards.

After Giovan Battista Burlotto's passing, the winery was managed by his granddaughter, Beppe Colla, who continued to uphold the family's winemaking traditions. In recent years, the estate has been led by G.B. Burlotto's great-great-grandson, Fabio Alessandria, who represents the fifth generation of the Burlotto family.

The wines of Comm. G.B. Burlotto are highly regarded for their elegance, balance, and ability to age. They are often praised for their aromatic profiles, which showcase the distinctive traits of the Nebbiolo grape, including notes of red fruits, flowers, earth, and spices. Burlotto's Barolo wines are renowned for their power, depth, and longevity.

Due to the limited production and high demand, the wines of Comm. G.B. Burlotto can be challenging to find and are often sought after by wine enthusiasts and collectors. The estate's commitment to quality and its contributions to the history and heritage of Barolo has solidified its status as one of the esteemed wine producers in the region.

Dolcetto d'Alba

Dolcetto d'Alba is a DOC zone producing wines exclusively from the Dolcetto grape. D'Alba is one of the seven Dolcetto zones in Piedmont, the others being Acqui, Asti, Diano d' Alba, Ovada and Dogliani, as well as the less significant Langhe Monregalesi. D'Alba is regarded as the finest-quality zone of all for Dolcetto.

Dolcetto is an important Piedmontese grape, and the antithesis of Nebbiolo. It ripens a month earlier and produces wines that are low in acid yet high in tannins. Planted on the sites spurned by Nebbiolo and Barbera, Dolcetto is most suited to the light, white, sandy, calcareous tufa soils that are common in and around Barbaresco. It is generally made in an unoaked style to accentuate its natural violet perfume and juicy, bitter cherry and almond fruit. Dolcetto d’Alba is the grape’s most highly-regarded incarnation and makes the perfect antipasti wine.

Recommended producers: Diano, Dogliani

Dolcetto

A native black grape variety of Northern Italy grown almost exclusively in the provinces of Cuneo and Alessandria in Piedmont. It is relatively easy to cultivate, although it is susceptible to fungal diseases. It ripens before Barbera and Nebbiolo and is often grown in high north-facing sites which would be unsuitable for Nebbiolo.

The finest Dolcetto wines come from grapes grown on soils rich with white marls, especially those found on the right bank of the River Tauro. The wines generally are low in tannins and acidity and are usually fruity and fragrant, often with hints of almonds. Most Dolcettos should be drunk within a year or two of the vintage, but the wines from the best producers can last for 5 years and sometimes longer.