Mandorlo Dolcetto d’Alba DOC – 2018
-
Introduction
-
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.
-
-
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)
-
Vintage Report
-
The 2018 harvest was quite late and arduous; yet, the crop shows immense promise after a long and engaging growing season. The beginning of spring was quite difficult due to the heavy rain, and the summer was considerably warm and quite dry. The conditions allowed the vines to catch up upon a quite slow start. From the last days of June through the month of July, the sunny days encouraged a fast vegetative growth that required several trimmings and manual leaves thinning, especially in the shaded internal parts that were less active in photosynthesis. These efforts produced even cluster growth, and it carried to an early veraison in the month of August. Toward the beginning of September, the temperature dropped significantly during the night but warm and dry during the day, a perfect condition to promote the phenolic ripening (skin and seeds on the reds grapes).
-
-
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;
- Bottle Aging: Bottle-aged for 6 months prior to release.
-
Technical Information
- Production (in cases): 1,000 (12/750ml)
- Cases Imported: 250 (12/750ml)
- Alcohol: 13.0%
- TA: 5.49 g/L
- p H: 3.52
- RS: 0.20 g/L
-
Tasting Notes
-
Bright ruby red in color with deep violet highlights. The perfume is immediate and intense, uncompromisingly vinous and persistent. It is redolent of grape must, which develops sensations of red wild berries when aged. The bouquet is dry and full-bodied, elegant and round, with notes of fruit and a wonderfully almondy finish. Serve with starters, pasta, soups, salamis and soft, fresh cheeses.
-
Images
Reviews
-
Elvio Cogno Mandorlo Dolcetto d’Alba DOC — 2018 – Wine Enthusiast – 91 Points
Aromas of black-skinned berry, cooking spice and grilled herb emerge from the glass. The enveloping palate doles out juicy blueberry, star anise, almond and black pepper alongside velvety tannins and bright acidity. Enjoy through 2025.
-
Elvio Cogno Mandorlo Dolcetto d’Alba DOC – 2018 – James Suckling – 90 Points
Delicious dolcetto here with crushed black fruit and hints of vanilla. Medium body. Creamy and delicious. Drink now.