Briccotondo Dolcetto (2018)
SommeliAI Insights
A dry, well-balanced Dolcetto with bright fruit flavors and a velvety texture.
About this wine
The 2018 Briccotondo Dolcetto from Fontanafredda offers an intense and persistent fruit aroma on the nose. On the palate, it is dry, well-balanced, and velvety, with bright fruit flavors accented by notes of almonds. The Dolcetto grape, whose name means 'little sweet one' in Italian, is known for producing dry wines with moderate tannins and low acidity. This wine is typically meant to be consumed within a few years after release, making it an excellent choice for immediate enjoyment.
About the grape
Dolcetto, meaning "little sweet one," is a black grape variety native to Italy's Piedmont region, particularly the Langhe area. Despite its name, Dolcetto wines are typically dry, known for their deep color and flavors of black cherry, licorice, and a characteristic almond-like bitterness. The grape ripens earlier than Nebbiolo and Barbera, making it valuable for growers as it can be harvested and sold sooner, providing early income. In the 2018 Fontanafredda Briccotondo Dolcetto, the grapes are sourced from vineyards across Alba, Treiso, La Morra, and Neive, with soils mainly calcareous, contributing to the wine's fresh and fruity profile.
Quick facts
- 🍇 The name 'Dolcetto' translates to 'little sweet one' in Italian, but the wines are typically dry.
- 🏰 Fontanafredda, established in 1858, is one of the most historic wineries in Piedmont, Italy.
- 🍷 The Briccotondo Dolcetto is fermented in stainless steel vats for 6-8 days at 75-77°F, followed by malolactic fermentation.
- 🌰 Dolcetto wines are known for their bright fruit flavors accented by notes of almonds.
- 🇮🇹 The Dolcetto grape is primarily grown in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy.
Palate profile
Producer
Fontanafredda, established in 1858 by King Vittorio Emanuele II of Italy, began as a gift to his beloved Rosa Vercellana, known as "La Bela Rusin." Located in Serralunga d'Alba, Piedmont, the estate spans approximately 120 hectares and is renowned for its Barolo wines. In 1964, Fontanafredda produced the first single-vineyard Barolo, Vigna La Rosa, marking a significant milestone in winemaking. Embracing sustainability, the winery transitioned to organic farming, becoming the largest certified organic winery in Piedmont by 2018. In 2017, Wine Enthusiast honored Fontanafredda as "European Winery of the Year," recognizing its commitment to quality and innovation.
