Dolcetto d'Alba – Rocche Costamagna
2024 Dolcetto d'Alba from Rocche Costamagna is a classic, fresh, and charming Piedmontese red wine made from 100% Dolcetto. The grapes come from small vineyards around La Morra, where the chalk and clay soil gives the wine excellent freshness and character. Juicy cherries and blackberries define the taste, while its soft structure and characteristic light almond note on the finish make it an extremely versatile food wine.
About the product
Rocche Costamagna has been producing wine in La Morra since 1841 and is among the region's historic producers. The estate is particularly known for its Barolo wines from the famous Rocche dell'Annunziata vineyard, but also produces classic Piedmontese wines such as Barbera, Nebbiolo, and this Dolcetto d'Alba.
The 2024 Dolcetto d'Alba is made from 100% Dolcetto from several smaller vineyards in La Morra. The soil is rich in chalk and clay, which helps give the wine both freshness and structure.
After harvest, the grapes undergo a relatively short maceration on the skins at a controlled temperature. The wine is then matured exclusively in steel tanks and subsequently in the bottle. Oak aging is not used, which keeps the Dolcetto grape's pure, fresh, and juicy fruit at the center.
It is precisely this straightforward and fruit-driven style that makes Rocche Costamagna's Dolcetto a great everyday wine. It has enough character for Italian cuisine, yet is soft and approachable enough to be enjoyed without food.
About the area
Dolcetto d'Alba DOC comes from Piedmont in northwestern Italy. Rocche Costamagna's vineyards are located around La Morra in the Langhe – an area especially world-renowned for Barolo, but where Dolcetto has been an important part of the local wine culture for generations.
Translated directly, Dolcetto means "the little sweet one," but the name should not be confused with the wine's style. Dolcetto d'Alba is a dry red wine. The grape is known for its dark color, juicy fruit, moderate acidity, and characteristic slightly bitter almond note in the aftertaste.
In Piedmont, Dolcetto is traditionally considered an uncomplicated and very versatile wine for meals. It does not require years of aging and is particularly charming while the fruit is still fresh and vibrant.
Tasting notes
Nose: Fresh and fruity with distinct aromas of blackberries and Marasca cherries, as well as fine floral nuances.
Taste: Soft, juicy, and harmonious with cherries and dark berries at the center. The fruit is generous without becoming heavy, and the wine's freshness provides a pleasant and lively balance.
Aftertaste: Delicate and persistent with fresh fruit and the classic, slightly bitter almond note that is so characteristic of Dolcetto.
Serving and storage
Best served at 15-16°C. It can be served slightly cooler than many heavier red wines. The wine is created to be fresh and inviting while young, but can develop over approximately 2-6 years under good storage conditions.
What does it pair with?
2024 Rocche Costamagna Dolcetto d'Alba pairs particularly well with:
- Pasta and classic Italian pasta dishes
- Risotto and Piedmontese appetizers
- Chicken and other light meats
- Charcuterie and antipasti
- Fresh and semi-firm cheeses
FAQ
What grape is Rocche Costamagna Dolcetto d'Alba made from?
The wine is produced from 100% Dolcetto from smaller vineyards around La Morra in Piedmont.
What does 2024 Rocche Costamagna Dolcetto d'Alba taste like?
It is a fresh and fruity red wine with notes of blackberries and Marasca cherries. The taste is soft and juicy with a characteristic light almond note on the finish.
Is Dolcetto d'Alba a sweet wine?
No. Although the name Dolcetto might suggest sweetness, Dolcetto d'Alba is a dry red wine. The style is typically fruity, soft, and very food-friendly.
Is the wine aged in oak?
No. Rocche Costamagna matures this Dolcetto in steel tanks followed by bottle aging. This preserves the wine's pure fruit, freshness, and immediate character.
What does Dolcetto d'Alba pair well with?
Dolcetto is a versatile food wine and pairs very well with pasta, risotto, chicken, light meats, charcuterie, and cheeses. It also works well as a lighter red wine on its own.
Who is Rocche Costamagna?
Rocche Costamagna is a historic family producer in La Morra with roots dating back to 1841. The producer is particularly known for Barolo and its vineyards in the prestigious Rocche dell'Annunziata cru.