2016, Luigi Giordano, Dolcetto D’Alba DOC, Piedmont, Italy
About the Region: Situated in northwest Italy, Alba lies on the sun-soaked rolling hills of Piedmont; central to the Turin, Cuneo, Genoa triangle. Alba lies adjacent to The Langhe, a region famous for wines made from the Nebbiolo grape, namely Barolo and Barbaresco.
Renowned for its truffle-laden forests, the Alba White Truffle sells at exorbitant prices (€6,000/kilo). Harvested underground off random oak roots, it is coveted by gastronomes the world over. Shaved onto gourmet entrées, truffle adds texture and earthy complexity.
About the Maker: In 1958, after producing quality grapes for prestigious producer Gaja, Luigi Giordano – at a time of record-low commodity prices – saw opportunity in crisis and, over objections of father Giovanni, started vinifying his own harvest.
About the Grape: “Dolce,” Italian for “sweet,” is a reference to the high-sugar content of the Dolcetto grape. Counter-intuitively, the wine produced from this red grape is fermented dry.
About Sustainability: Organically farmed since its 1935 inception, the Giordano family changed course in 2014, seeking (and receiving) official organic certification.
About the Wine: A lovely medium garnet in-glass, this 100 per cent Dolcetto features aromas of brushwood and mixed red and black berries. On the palate, light-bodied flavours of mint, earth and black currant combine, leading into a finish that’s clean and long.
About Pairing: Roasted venison with wild mushroom sauce and Alba White Truffle, Latin entrées, blackened chicken.
About Alcohol Level: 12.5% (abv)
About Availability: Check liquorconnect.com (call the listed store too) confirming availability.
CSPC #800872
About Price: $28
