Cascina Fontana Dolcetto d’Alba 2024

Cascina Fontana is a small family winery in the Langhe hills of Piedmont, where Mario Fontana, the sixth generation, makes classic wines from the family's own vineyards. This Dolcetto d'Alba comes from native Dolcetto vines grown on the slopes of the Langhe. Dolcetto ripens earlier than the region's Nebbiolo and gives deeply coloured, fruit-forward wines with low acidity and soft tannins, an everyday counterpoint to the more structured local reds. The calcareous marl soils and the cool nights of the hills keep the fruit fresh and lend a savoury edge. The wine is made without oak ageing, so the fruit stays pure and direct. It pours a deep purple-ruby. The nose shows dark cherry, plum and red berries over a touch of bitter almond and black pepper, with an earthy undertone. On the palate it is medium bodied and round, with juicy fruit, gentle tannins and a soft, slightly savoury finish. This is an approachable red to drink young. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees, lightly chilled if you prefer, with everyday food. It pairs well with cured meats, pasta and pizza.