2024 Fratelli Alessandria Dolcetto d'Alba, Piedmont

The 2024 Dolcetto d'Alba is a very pretty, nuanced wine. Crushed flowers, vibrant red/purplish fruit, dried herbs and lavender are very nicely lifted in the glass. This mid-weight, juicy Dolcetto is a delight. Aging in tank and cement keeps the fruit vibrant.

Vittore Alessandria did not seem especially concerned about the challenges of 2022. He described the fruit as healthy and made the wines with a similar approach to other years. Alessandria gave his 2022s 30 days on the skins, which is typical here, including extended time on the skins in what is best described as a “semisubmerged cap maceration.” I tasted the wines from cask just prior to bottling. The 2022s are a touch light at this stage, but these are often wines that flesh out with time in bottle. Alessandria plans to bottle his full lineup of single-vineyard Barolos.

89 points AG Vinous

From the hills around Verduno, Fratelli Alessandria treats Dolcetto with the same care as their more serious wines, showing just how engaging this everyday Piedmont variety can be. Under Vittore Alessandria, the focus remains on purity and drinkability, letting the grape’s natural charm come through without overworking it.

The 2024 is bright and immediately appealing. Deep ruby with a purple edge, the aromatics are fresh and open, black cherry, plum and a hint of blueberry, followed by gentle almond, violet and a touch of spice.

The palate is soft and juicy, with dark fruit flowing easily across a medium bodied frame. Tannins are light but present, giving a subtle grip, while acidity stays moderate, keeping the wine smooth and approachable rather than sharp. A faint bitter almond note on the finish is classic Dolcetto, adding a little extra interest.

This is a perfect match for relaxed, everyday food. Think pasta, pizza, cured meats or simple grilled dishes where its easy going nature shines.

Best enjoyed young over the next three to five years while its fruit is at its most vibrant.

There is a lovely honesty here, a wine that doesn’t try to be more than it is, just pure, enjoyable and made for the table.