Dolcetto d'Alba DOC 2023 - Aurelio Settimo

A traditional Dolcetto from the heart of the Langhe

In La Morra, a village closely associated with Barolo, Aurelio Settimo produces a Dolcetto with a distinct purpose: a red that belongs naturally at the table, approachable in character yet firmly rooted in its landscape. The 2023 Dolcetto d’Alba DOC highlights the region’s everyday wine tradition without sacrificing personality or substance.

Despite the grape’s name, Dolcetto is a dry red wine, not a sweet wine. Its appeal lies in vivid fruit, refreshing drinkability and the flexibility to accompany many dishes, rather than the extended oak maturation associated with the estate’s Barolo.

The Settimo family and its vineyards in La Morra

The family estate is based in the Annunziata hamlet of La Morra. The Aurelio Settimo label dates to 1962, and the winery is now carried forward by Tiziana Settimo and the next generation. The estate specialises in DOC and DOCG reds made exclusively from grapes grown on its own land.

Around 0.97 hectares of the property are planted with Dolcetto. For this wine, the estate identifies clay-limestone soils and an easterly exposure. Although grown in the same broad winegrowing landscape as its celebrated Nebbiolo vineyards, Dolcetto retains a clear varietal identity, with freshness and fruit at the centre of its expression.

Short maceration and concrete maturation

The grape variety is Dolcetto. Traditional winemaking involves keeping the fermenting must in contact with the skins for around seven days, with regular pump-overs and punch-downs. The producer describes fermentation at a controlled temperature of approximately 27–28 °C.

Malolactic fermentation takes place in concrete, followed by maturation in vitrified concrete tanks and a further minimum period in bottle before release. This approach focuses on the grape’s natural expression rather than prominent oak flavours. The estate specifies at least three months of bottle rest as part of its general production method.

Colour, aromas and flavour

The estate’s tasting profile describes a deep ruby-red colour and fruit-led aromas reminiscent of marasca cherry, strawberry, redcurrant and wild red berries. Rather than heavy toasted notes, the emphasis is on the bright, recognisable character of Dolcetto.

On the palate the style is fresh, fruity, juicy and appealing, with enough structure and tannin to move beyond the idea of an uncomplicated table red. It is a wine intended to accompany a meal while retaining a distinctive Langhe identity.

Food pairings and serving suggestions

Dolcetto d’Alba has long been valued as an all-round food wine. Suitable pairings include Piedmontese antipasti, cured meats, tajarin and agnolotti with moderate sauces, as well as roast poultry, oven-baked dishes and medium-aged cheeses. These are culinary suggestions consistent with the wine’s stated style rather than vintage-specific producer claims.

Serve it slightly cool, around 15–17 °C, to preserve its lively fruit character. An ordinary medium-sized red-wine glass will work well; extended decanting is not essential to the style.

Why choose this Aurelio Settimo Dolcetto

This bottle reveals another side of a producer best known for Barolo: estate-grown grapes, traditional short maceration and concrete maturation used to bring out the identity of Dolcetto. It is a thoughtful choice for relaxed meals, shared tables and anyone keen to explore the everyday wines of the Langhe.

The producer describes a general cellaring potential of two to three years after bottling for its structured Dolcetto. This should not be read as a guaranteed drinking window for the 2023 vintage; its primary attraction is its approachable, fruit-driven style.