Cascina degli Ulivi Nibiô 2016

Cascina degli Ulivi is a family estate in the Gavi hills of Piedmont, farming biodynamically since 1984 across a mixed holding that also raises livestock and grows cereals, fruit and vegetables. Nibio is the local name for Dolcetto, and this bottling is a natural monovarietal red vinified with minimal intervention. Dolcetto ripens early and gives naturally deep colour, low acidity and gentle tannins, which is why the grape leans towards approachable, fruit-led reds. Here the fruit is given 24 months in large foudres, a long, slow ageing in neutral oak that softens the tannins and lets oxygen round out the wine without adding wood flavour. The result is a red of medium body with dark cherry, plum and red berry fruit, an earthy undertone and a dusting of dried herbs and black pepper. Tannins are fine and the finish is savoury rather than sweet. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, and open it half an hour ahead to let the fruit come forward. It works well with roast pork, mushroom dishes and mature hard cheeses.