About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Fossati is a formally delimited Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva, the Barolo denomination’s equivalent of a cru. Dosio’s historic Fossati vineyard lies near the boundary where La Morra meets Barolo; the production zone is identified as the municipality of Barolo. It stands at 330–380 m a.s.l. with a south-eastern exposure. Blue marl is highlighted in the technical description, while the vineyard presentation characterizes the soils more broadly as calcareous clay. The site produces a powerful, deep and earthy Barolo with a dense, velvety texture.
The vines average 40–50 years of age and are Guyot trained. Only the finest grapes are selected for the Riserva, and it is not made every year.
Grapes
Nebbiolo.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested manually during the first ten days of October, then destemmed and crushed. Maceration takes place in temperature-controlled tanks at 25–26°C, with daily pump-overs, for 50–60 days. In the best vintages, it is extended under a submerged cap. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation follows.
Ageing
At least 18 months in large oak casks.
Tasting profile
Garnet red with slight orange reflections. Aromas of violet, rose and hay evolve toward spice and tobacco. The palate is full-bodied, with tannins and acidity held in balance and a dense, velvety structure. Time softens the wine’s edges while preserving its earthy, full and profound character.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 16–18°C and open the bottle sufficiently in advance. The wine has exceptional ageing capacity.
Label / history
Dosio first produced a Barolo Fossati in 1982, before Fossati was formally identified as an MGA, establishing the site as a longstanding part of the estate’s modern history.
