Mandorlo Dolcetto d’Alba DOC – 2017
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Introduction
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Mandorlo is a proprietary name derived from the area where the vineyard is located, which is on the Ravera hillside in the village of Novello in the Langhe region.
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Vineyard Profile
- Vineyards: 100% Dolcetto
- Grape Source: 100% estate vineyards located on the top of the hill; Novello village; Ravera area
- Cultivation: Vertical trellising, Guyot pruning, 100% organic (not yet certified)
- Vine Age: One hectare is 10 years old, the rest are more than 30 years old
- Soil: Limestone/clay, with a small percentage of sand
- Elevation: 380 meters (1,246 feet) above sea level
- Exposure: Southern
- Density: 5,000 vines/hectare (2,021 vines/acre)
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Vintage Report
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After several heavy snow falls in the winter time, the beginning of the spring was quite hot with some rain that helped the growing cycle to start earlier than usual. Towards the end of April, the sharp drop in temperatures recorded – especially overnight – caused some frost damage, but only at the bottom of the valleys and on cooler slopes, in fact any of our vineyards were effected. Starting from May, the weather was hot and dry, enhancing a perfectly even fruit set followed by a quick veraison. This dry conditions, even if considered extraordinary, did not effected negatively the growing cycle due the reserve of water from the winter snow. By the end of August and September, the cool nights really helped to develop perfect phenolic ripening. Harvest was about 7 to 10 days earlier than usual.
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Vinification
- Fermentation: 100% in stainless steel with 6 - 7 days skin contact, temperature-controlled; with indigenous yeast
- Aging: On lees for 6 months, no barrel aging;
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Technical Information
- Production (in cases): 1,250 (12/750ml)
- Cases Imported: 200
- Alcohol: 14%
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Tasting Notes
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The bright purple color is typical for this grape. The nose shows an intense and pure aroma of cherry with hints of strawberries, very fragrant. The mouth is full with soft tannins and bright acidity; very balanced and approachable.
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Images
Reviews
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Elvio Cogno Dolcetto d’Alba Mondorlo – 2017 – Wine Spectator – 90 Points
This dense red is saturated with blackberry, blueberry and pomegranate flavors. Balanced, picking up a graphite edge on the palate-staining finish. Drink now through 2024.
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Elvio Cogno Dolcetto d’Alba Mandorlo – 2017 – The Wine Advocate – 90 Points
The 2017 Dolcetto d'Alba Mandorlo is a generous, luscious, sweet and fruit-forward wine. It is teeming with ripe blackberry and sweet spice, yet there is also a very attractive tone of new leather, like when you buy a new pair of designer shoes. It should be noted that this wine only sees stainless steel, so those savory flavors come from the grape itself...
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Elvio Cogno Dolcetto d’Alba Mandorlo – 2017 – James Suckling – 90 Points
Loads of fresh herbs, blueberry essence, nutmeg and citrus. Medium body, juicy tannins and a fruity finish. Drink now.