Piemonte / Alba / Dolcetto-based Appellations of Langhe Hills Flashcards
What is Piemonte’s third most important grape?
Dolcetto (Nebbiolo is first; Barbera is second)
Why is Dolcetto valued by locals and growers?
early ripening and easy-drinking
Does Dolcetto need a long maturation in oak?
no
What are the 3 Dolcetto-based appellations in Alba?
Dogliani DOCG
Dolcetto di Diano DOCG
Dolcetto d’Alba DOC
Why is Dolcetto described as the first step of the Langhe wine ladder?
- Dolcetto ripens first (before Barbera and Nebbiolo)
- first wine released
- earliest to mature
- first wine served during traditional mult-course Albese meals
Where is Dogliani village located?
- middle of western Langhe
- right bank of Tanaro River
Which grape is associated with Dogliani DOCG?
Dolcetto
What was the previous name of Dogliani DOCG?
Dolcetto di Dogliani DOCG
Where is the Dogliani DOCG zone of production?
- south of Barolo appellation in SW of Langhe
Which rivers runs through Dogliani DOCG?
Tanaro River
Where are the Dogliani DOCG vineyards planted?
both banks of Tanaro River
Which areas does Dogliani DOCG form a link between?
- northern Lower Langhe (Bassa Langa - where Barolo/Barbaresco are located)
- southern Higher Langhe (Alta Langa - known more for hazelnut trees and sheep pastures than vines)
Which area in Dogliani DOCG is best for Dolcetto?
southern portion close to Ligurian Apennines and Maritime Alps; cooler temperatures better for Dolcetto
What is Dogliani DOCG made from?
100% Dolcetto
How does Superiore Dogliani DOCG differ?
lower yields, higher alcohol, minimum 1 year ageing
What is the profile of Dogliani DOCG?
- deep ruby with purple highlights
- floral and black fruit
- medium acidity and tannins
- pleasant bitter finish
Which Dolcetto appellation is the most prestigious?
Dogliani DOCG
Where is Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba DOCG located?
south of Alba and east of Barolo DOCG
What is Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba wines made from?
100% Dolcetto
Why could the village and consorzio recognize cru sites?
long-standing Dolcetto tradition; grown in area for centuries
What is another name for cru sites?
söri
How many cru sites have been historically recognized in Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba?
76
When were Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba’s cru sites recognized?
1980s (became model for Barolo and Barbaresco)
What recognition were the Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba cru sites given in 2010
became official MGAs
How do Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba DOCG wines differ from Dogliani DOCG wines?
- more fragrant and fruity
- slightly less structured and lower alcohol
What are the requirements for the Superiore Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba DOCG?
higher alcohol and minimum 10 months ageing
What is the best known Dolcetto appellation?
Dolcetto d’Alba DOC
Why does Dolcetto d’Alba have many styles?
large production and many producers
What styles of wine does Dolcetto d’Alba DOC produce?
- light and fruity wines
- full-bodied and structured (many Barolo and Barbaresco producers also make Dolcetto d’Alba)
Where is Dolcetto d’Alba DOC located?
- encompasses entire Lower Langhe
- right bank of Tanaro River
- includes Barolo and Barbaresco areas; and land between them
- extends east to Belbo River Valley and south to Cortemilia town
Where is Dolcetto planted in Dolcetto d’Alba DOC?
marginal (cooler and higher) sites where Nebbiolo and Barbera don’t ripen well
What soils are vineyards planted on in Dolcetto d’Alba DOC?
typical Lower Langhe soils; layers of calcareous marls, sandstone and sand
Which two areas in Dolcetto d’Alba DOC are well-known for their wines?
- combined area of Barolo and Barbaresco (more structured Dolcettos)
- area east of Alba towards Belbo Valley (more elegant, lighter Dolcettos)
What is Dolcetto d’Alba DOC made from?
100% Dolcetto
What are the requirements for Superiore Dolcetto d’Alba DOC?
higher alcohol and minimum one year ageing
