Stunning Dolcetto

~ Ferruccio Grimaldi ~

Even as I write this article, I'm still shaking my head.  I'm not sure if I should be happy for seemingly verifying my palate  or whether I should be concerned that I couldn't remember having this wine before?   Allow me to explain....

 

I ran recently ran across a few bottles of the Giacomo Grimaldi Dolcetto d'Alba and given the attractive price - about $14 - I grabbed some. Now, to my credit, I remembered meeting Ferrucio Grimaldi at last years Banville & Jones trade tasting and that his wines impressed me.  However, I didn't remember how much I enjoyed his Dolcetto.  

 

Founded in 1930 by his grandfather Giacomo, the estate is now in Ferruccio's capable hands. Under Ferruccio's direction, the production of the estate has increased, but it's still a relatively small 10 hectares. Of those, 6 are dedicated to Barolo and the remainder to Barbera and Dolcetto. Ferruccio is known as a perfectionist in caring for his vineyards. He is personally on patrol, as the picture above attests,  insisting upon maximum green harvesting to ensure perfectly ripened grapes and better overall quality. He joked that he also gets "family advice" from his Father in Law, who is none other than Enrico Scavino. 

The 2011 Dolcetto d'Alba is a deep, dark inky purple in the glass.  The long legs of the wine seem to stain the crystal as it slowly makes it's way back to the bottom of the bowl.  The explosive aromas are redolent of violets, lavender, crushed blackberries, smoke and a hint of vanilla.  100% fermented in stainless steel, this is fresh and juicy on the palate with rich flavors of wild berries, smoke, and a touch of vanilla herbs.  Velvety and long,  it's hard to imagine a Dolcetto much better than this.  95 points, about $14. 

~ Absolutely stunning Dolcetto ~

 

Now look below at the note I wrote after tasting this at the Banville & Jones tasting.  This wine hasn't changed at all in the past year. 

 

"From the moment I tasted this wine, I knew I was in for a treat. Over the past few months, I've had many 2011 Dolcetto, all of which have been reviewed here. This one is, by far, the best I've had. It's absolutely delicious. It's everything you want from a Dolcetto and damn near a perfect example of the varietal. It's inky purple. It's fresh, vibrant and completely crafted in stainless steel. The aromas are redolent of violets, intense berry, smoke, vanilla and lavender. A joy to smell. On the palate the sexy berry fruit is velvety with a supple texture. Accented by smokey notes, slight vanilla, and an amazing juicy texture. This is singing. I'd buy it by the case. Just may be the best Dolcetto I've ever tasted. 95-97 points."

Find some!