What kind of wine is Dolcetto d’Alba DOC 'Basarin' 2021 - Castello di Neive?

The Dolcetto d’Alba DOC 'Basarin' 2021 - Castello di Neive is born in the heart of the Langhe, a territory that represents one of the highest expressions of Piedmontese wine. Made from 100% Dolcetto grapes, this red stands out for its balance between freshness and structure, offering a deeper and more complex version compared to the winery's base label. It is a medium-to-full-bodied wine, with a distinct personality and an authentically territorial character.

Vintage Details

The 2021 vintage in Langa was characterized by a balanced climate, with dry summers and cool nights that favored optimal grape ripening. Ideal conditions allowed for healthy and concentrated bunches, yielding a wine with intense fruit and particularly clear aromas. The Dolcetto 'Basarin' 2021 fully reflects the harmony of this harvest, with an excellent balance between acidity and softness.

Winemaking and Aging

The vinification of Dolcetto d’Alba DOC 'Basarin' 2021 - Castello di Neive takes place in stainless steel, to best preserve the freshness and fragrance of the grape variety. This is followed by a controlled fermentation lasting about ten days, during which the must remains in contact with the skins to extract color and aroma. Aging takes place for about 6 months, also in steel, a choice that allows for enhancing the purity of the fruit and the typical gustatory vivacity of Dolcetto.

Tasting Notes

The Dolcetto 'Basarin' reveals itself with a decided yet elegant character, fully expressing the charm of the grape variety and the Neive terroir.

Color

To the eye, it presents a deep ruby red with slight violet reflections, a sign of youth and vitality.

Nose

The aroma is intense and clear, with notes of freshly picked red fruits, such as cherry and blackberry, accompanied by floral nuances and delicate spicy hints. The overall impression is harmonious and fresh, never excessive.

Palate

On the palate, it offers a beautiful structure, supported by fine and well-integrated tannins. The drinking experience is smooth yet persistent, with a dry and pleasantly bitter finish — a typical characteristic of Dolcetto. It is a balanced wine that combines body and drinkability, making it ideal for those who want to discover a Piedmontese red with personality without too much technical complexity.

Food Pairings for Dolcetto d’Alba DOC 'Basarin' 2021 - Castello di Neive

Thanks to its versatility, Dolcetto 'Basarin' is a perfect wine for everyday meals but also for accompanying more refined dishes. It pairs perfectly with:

• traditional Piedmontese appetizers such as cured meats and medium-aged cheeses;
• fresh pasta with ragù or mushrooms;
• white meats and light roasts;
• rustic mountain cuisine dishes, such as polenta with flavorful sauces.

Its pleasant acidity and delicate tannins also make it an ideal companion for vegetarian dishes based on legumes or grilled vegetables.

Storage and Aging: How to store Dolcetto d’Alba DOC 'Basarin' 2021 - Castello di Neive

The Dolcetto d’Alba DOC 'Basarin' 2021 - Castello di Neive can be enjoyed immediately to appreciate its fruity vibrancy, but it also offers interesting evolutionary potential over the next 3-5 years. For proper storage:

• keep the bottle in a horizontal position, in a cool place away from direct light;
• maintain a constant temperature between 12°C and 16°C;
• avoid excessive temperature variations and vibrations.

Over time, it may develop softer and more complex notes, while still maintaining the pleasant harmony that characterizes it. A small yet great wine that simply tells the authentic elegance of the Langhe.