Brandini "Filari Lunghi" Dolcetto d'Alba '22

Agricola Brandini is run by two sisters (Giovanna and Serena), with help from their father (Piero Bagnasco), who purchased the Brandini estate in 2007. The estate attained organic certification in 2011. That year, Serena began working in the cellar and vineyards, and Giovanna joined in 2013. Brandini has twenty-five hectares of estate-owned vineyards and rents an additional ten. Brandini has parcels for its Langhe Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Barbera, and Arneis, as well as estate Barolo vineyards.

The Brandini “Filari Lunghi” Dolcetto comes from a single high-altitude organic vineyard, about fifteen years old, southeast of Monforte d’Alba. The west-facing slope is composed of clay, limestone, and sand. The grapes are destemmed, gently crushed, and fermented in stainless steel with temperature control, with pump-overs to facilitate extraction. Malolactic conversion is carried out in stainless steel, and the wines are bottled in the spring after harvest.

This is a pure and elegant expression of Dolcetto with immediate appeal, showing notes of cherry, raspberry, plum, violet, cocoa, and anise. Moderate acidity and tannins on the palate, with a bright, refreshing finish. There are so many pairing options here—try it with chicken and chickpea tagine, eggplant parmigiana, or penne with roasted cherry tomatoes and mushrooms. A great option for pizza night as well.