Domenico Clerico Dolcetto Langhe Visadi 2023

Domenico Clerico built his name in Monforte d'Alba as one of the so-called Barolo Boys who modernised the Langhe in the 1980s, but the estate also makes this Dolcetto for earlier, less formal drinking. Dolcetto ripens earlier than Nebbiolo and gives deeply coloured, low-acid, soft-tannined reds, the Langhe's classic weekday wine. The grapes grow on the same limestone and clay marl hillsides as the estate's Barolo, farmed with respect for the land, and the cooler Piedmontese climate keeps the fruit fresh. To preserve that freshness the wine is fermented and raised in stainless steel, an inert vessel that adds no oak and keeps the bright primary fruit and the grape's natural depth of colour. It pours a dense purple-ruby. The nose shows ripe black cherry, plum and red berries with a savoury, faintly liquorice edge. The palate is medium bodied and round, with juicy dark fruit, soft tannins, fresh acidity and the gently bitter almond note that marks good Dolcetto on the finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, lightly chilled if you like. It is an easy match for charcuterie, roast pork, poultry, pasta and pizza.