Wines Dolcetto d'Alba Erissante - Pian Delle Masche - 2022

Erissante’s Dolcetto d’Alba “Cuvée Pian Delle Masche” 2022 comes from one of Italy’s most renowned wine regions, the Piedmont. In the glass, Dolcetto d’Alba tends to reveal a vibrant, youthful character, with an inviting ruby-red hue and typically expressive aromas of fresh red cherries, wild berries, and subtle floral notes, sometimes accented by hints of almond or a gentle earthiness. While the precise blend of this cuvée isn’t detailed, wines from this appellation are almost always dominated by the Dolcetto grape, celebrated for crafting approachable reds that combine ripe fruit with a characteristic gentle bitterness on the finish, lending freshness and intrigue to each sip. Vinification in this part of Piedmont seeks to preserve the purity and vibrancy of the fruit, with most producers favouring stainless steel or neutral vessels to avoid overshadowing Dolcetto’s innate charm.

The Dolcetto d’Alba appellation is situated on the rolling hills around Alba, where the interplay of altitude and well-draining calcareous clay soils lend Dolcetto its lively acidity and delicately structured tannins. The region boasts a temperate continental climate: warm summers and cool autumns help ensure a gradual, even ripening of the grapes, preserving both freshness and aromatics. Piedmont itself is a historic stronghold of Italian winemaking. While Nebbiolo and Barbera receive widespread acclaim, Dolcetto has always found favour locally for its earlier ripening cycle and ability to yield delightful wines well-suited to everyday enjoyment.

This expressive Dolcetto is a natural partner for food, echoing the convivial spirit of Piedmontese cuisine. Pair it with classic dishes such as tajarin al ragù (local egg pasta with meat sauce), vitello tonnato, or a simple plate of salumi and mature cheeses like Castelmagno. Its moderate tannin profile and lively fruit also make it an excellent choice for Mediterranean vegetable gratins, mushroom risotto, or barbecued pork sausages.

For optimal enjoyment, serve Dolcetto d’Alba 2022 slightly cool, ideally between 15 and 17°C. Allow the wine to breathe for a short while before pouring, which will help open up its delicate aromas and supple character. This is a wine intended to offer pleasure in its youth, so savour its vibrant fruit within the next few years.