The G.D. Vajra 2018 Dolcetto d'Alba Coste & Fossati is a plump, succulent and rich expression that offers a clear view into the fundamentals of the Dolcetto grape. Fruit comes from two vineyard sites, Coste di Vergne and Fossati (in the comune di Barolo), with characteristic Sant'Agata marl soils rich in fossils. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, and traditional winemaking protocol called for submerged cap. That method was used until 1989, then abandoned, but it came back with this 2018 vintage. Submerged cap is a process that works to stabilize the deep color you see here, and it draws out the intensity of the blackberry, black currant and dark fruit aromas. With 8,000 bottles produced, this is a terrific and well-priced wine.

A pure, black cherry– and blackberry-flavored red, this is rich and balanced, with juicy acidity and refined tannins meshing with the texture and ripe fruit. Drink now through 2023. 600 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Dolcetto d'Alba Select to Add