About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Pian Balbo is a hilltop vineyard at Cascine Drago. Dolcetto has grown in this same site since 1969, when the variety was central to the economic life of local cellars. The parcel is treated as a cru and is intended to express the traditional character of Dolcetto from the Langhe. Its vines were planted between 1970 and 2000.
Grapes
100% Dolcetto. The account of the name connects Dolcetto with dosso, a dry, ventilated hilltop: Dossetto, the grape of the hilltop, subsequently evolved into the modern name.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested by hand, destemmed and crushed. Maceration with the skins lasts 5–7 days at 22–24°C. Malolactic fermentation is completed before winter.
Ageing
The wine matures in stainless steel and is bottled in spring or summer.
Technical data
Alcohol is 12–13% vol. Total acidity is 5–5.5 g/L, expressed as tartaric acid, and dry extract is 24–26 g/L.
Tasting profile
Purple-red with violet edges. The fine nose combines cherry and plum with almond and spice. Ripe-fruit flavours, fine tannins and pronounced vinosity shape an approachable, immediate expression of traditional Piedmontese Dolcetto.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 14–16°C in a medium-sized glass. It is particularly suited to Italian pasta and is versatile enough to accompany an entire meal.