G.D. Vajra Dolcetto d’Alba Coste & Fossati 2023

G.D. Vajra works in the Barolo zone of Piedmont in northern Italy, where Aldo Vaira built the estate from the family vineyards. This Dolcetto d'Alba comes from the Coste and Fossati sites and is made under organic farming. Dolcetto ripens early and gives deep colour with soft acidity, so the grape is handled to keep its fruit and freshness in front. The calcareous marl soils and cool Piedmont climate, with its marked day-to-night temperature swing, hold the wine's lift and aromatic detail. It is fermented and aged for around five months in stainless steel, with no oak, a choice that locks in the bright primary fruit and the variety's signature floral character. The colour is vivid violet with ruby highlights. The nose shows violet, red cherry and dark plum with a touch of liquorice and pepper. The palate is medium bodied and supple, with low to moderate tannins, fresh acidity and the gently bitter almond note that marks good Dolcetto on the finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees. It is an everyday match for antipasti, pasta and roast pork.