Dolcetto D’Alba “Mandorlo” 2022 – Elvio Cogno

The 2022 Dolcetto D’Alba “Mandorlo” crafted by Elvio Cogno illuminates the Dolcetto grape’s intrinsic charm and the storied wine region of Piedmont, where this varietal finds its most expressive form. Dolcetto, a grape that stands out for its early ripening and approachable, fruit-forward profile, is often overshadowed by Piedmont’s more illustrious Nebbiolo and Barbera varieties. Yet, in the hands of producers like Elvio Cogno, Dolcetto receives the attention it deserves, resulting in wines that are both profound and delightfully drinkable.

Dolcetto, which translates to “little sweet one,” misleadingly suggests a sweetness that the wines do not typically possess. Instead, Dolcetto wines are known for their dry, pleasantly bitter edge (amabile), and lush fruitiness, offering a spectrum of berry flavors complemented by herbal and occasionally almond notes on the finish. The grape’s relatively low acidity compared to its Piedmontese counterparts allows for its early enjoyment, providing a fresh and vibrant drinking experience.

The Dolcetto D’Alba designation indicates that this wine originates from the Alba zone of Piedmont, an area revered for its varied terroir that imparts a range of subtle nuances to its wines. The “Mandorlo” vineyard, specifically, is a testament to the symbiotic relationship between terroir and varietal, where the soil composition, microclimate, and meticulous vineyard management converge to produce Dolcetto grapes of exceptional quality. Here, the grape benefits from calcareous clay soils rich in minerals, which contribute to the wine’s complexity and depth.

The 2022 vintage of the “Mandorlo” emerges from a year marked by climatic conditions that favored the optimal expression of Dolcetto’s varietal characteristics. The balance of warm sunny days and cool nights throughout the growing season ensured the development of the grapes’ aromatic complexity and the preservation of their natural freshness. Elvio Cogno’s approach to viticulture, which emphasizes organic practices and a deep respect for the land, further ensures that each bottle of “Mandorlo” is a genuine reflection of its origins.

In crafting the Dolcetto D’Alba “Mandorlo,” Elvio Cogno employs a winemaking philosophy that seeks to enhance the natural qualities of the Dolcetto grape. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats to maintain the varietal’s characteristic fruit-driven profile, followed by a brief aging period that allows the wine to achieve balance without losing its youthful edge. The result is a Dolcetto that is both accessible and layered, offering a palate of ripe red and black fruits, subtle herbal undertones, and a soft, approachable structure that invites immediate enjoyment.

Tasting the “Mandorlo” 2022 reveals a wine that is emblematic of the Dolcetto varietal’s potential for elegance and depth. The wine exhibits a vibrant ruby color, an inviting nose of cherry, raspberry, and plum, accented by hints of violet and spice. On the palate, the “Mandorlo” offers a harmonious blend of fruitiness and a slight almond bitterness, a signature of the Dolcetto grape, all underpinned by soft tannins and a pleasingly dry finish.

The Dolcetto D’Alba “Mandorlo” 2022 stands as a celebration of the Dolcetto grape and its place within the rich tapestry of Piedmontese winemaking. It underscores Elvio Cogno’s commitment to showcasing the diversity and quality of the region’s wines, offering a fresh perspective on a varietal that encapsulates the joy and simplicity of Piedmontese wine. Through the “Mandorlo,” wine enthusiasts are invited to explore the subtleties of Dolcetto, a grape that, when nurtured with care and expertise, reveals a complexity and charm that is uniquely its own.

In conclusion, the Dolcetto D’Alba “Mandorlo” 2022 by Elvio Cogno is more than just a testament to the winery’s mastery of winemaking; it is an invitation to rediscover Dolcetto, a grape that embodies the spirit of Piedmont. Through this wine, Elvio Cogno contributes to the ongoing narrative of Piedmont’s viticultural heritage, offering a wine that is both a reflection of the land and a celebration of the Dolcetto grape’s unassuming elegance and delightful drinkability.