2023 Dogliani, Monterustico

• Style: Silky, bright Dolcetto
• Taste: Violet, cherry, mint, balsamic on velvety palate
• Food: BBQ & grilled meats; mushroom risotto; game
• Occasion: Weeknight or Sunday lunch
• Serve: Cool, now through 2027

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

Deep violet pours with immediate charm: bright red cherries and purple flowers leap from the glass, backed by whispers of mint and balsamic. The palate is silky and refreshing, built on velvety tannins that feel coaxed rather than wrestled from the grape. Thirst-quenching and alive, this is Dolcetto that makes you want to pour again without thinking.

The Winery — Monterustico

The Vaira family, masters of the Langhe, purchased Monterustico in 2015 to revitalise Dogliani — a region that 30 years ago was more sought after than Barolo itself. Sourcing from three distinct vineyard sites across the southern Langhe hills, each contributes its own signature: clay-rich Monterustico lends depth and structure, while the highest site, Zovetto, with its white marls and older soils, brings refinement and length. The 2023 vintage was generous — loose-bunched grapes with good airflow meant healthier fruit and lower yields, allowing delicate aromatics to develop at an unhurried pace. Harvest came late, in August and September, followed by gentle maceration and stainless-steel ageing that respects the grape's natural character. At 12.5% alcohol and naturally corked, the wine reflects the unique microclimate created by the river Tanaro's proximity and cool Alpine winds — conditions that allow Dolcetto to ripen gently on clay-marl soils known as 'formazioni di Lequio'.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

Pair this wine with grilled red meats, mushroom risotto, or tomato-based pasta — it's equally at home on a casual weeknight or a longer Sunday table. The silky tannins and bright acidity make it versatile across game, beef, and roasted dinners without demanding ceremony. Drink now through 2027. Explore more of our Italy selection, discover the broader range of Dolcetto wines we've hand-picked, and browse Piedmont's finest. This wine is vegan and organic.