Prandi's Dolcetto is so pure, so full of life and personality, and it is the crown jewel in this Dolcetto specialist's portfolio. For lovers of classic Piemonte reds, you've got to try this.
In the pantheon of Piemonte reds, Dolcetto always plays second and third fiddle to Nebbiolo and Barbera. That's not the case here, as Alessandro Prandi propels Dolcetto to new realms with his single vineyard Sori Cristina bottling.
From one of the top Dolcetto sites in the world, this is so completely enjoyable. If you typically thumb your nose to Dolcetto, I encourage you to investigate further...
2021 Giovanni Prandi Dolcetto di Diano d'Alba 'Sori Cristina'
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After that glowing introduction, you probably thought this was going to cost at least $25 right? Trust me, the quality to price ratio doesn't add up on this one, and that's a good thing for all of us. Prandi's Sori Cristina Dolcetto really does take the grape to new heights.
This is that little winery off the beaten path, the one run by a dedicated farmer who doesn't speak English, and the one who produced the wine that made your trip to Northern Italy so special. There's no press (yet), very little information online, and just 400 cases were produced. Small production doesn't always equate to "good," but it does here.
Father and son Giovanni and Alessandro Prandi are farmers first, winemakers second. They find great peace staying close to home and their vineyards, and most of their wines are sold to the local market. I understand why! This is Dolcetto on another level, and that level is reached in the famed hillside cru of Sori Cristina.
This elevated site is in Diano d'Alba, so we're basically talking about Dolcetto grown in Barolo. One of just two DOCG's for Dolcetto, this zone is responsible for some of the best wines produced with the grape. One sniff and sip of this, and you'll understand. There's just so much satisfaction contained in this sub-$20 bottle of red wine.
Fermented in stainless steel, this pours a gorgeous, glistening ruby color, and smells of freshly crushed berries, flowers, and peach skin. Engaging, dry, and not too heavy but certainly not light, this can be summed up with one word: RIGHTEOUS! It's not the most complex Italian red in the store, but it might be the most joy-inducing one...
Now for the bad news. Being that the Giovannis have no trouble selling their wine at home, and they only make 400 cases of this one, I've got a scant 60 bottles up for grabs. I've already claimed mine :)
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Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville