Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba Sorí dei Crava, Abrigo Giovanni

“Sorì dei Crava”, the iconic vineyard of Cascina Crava which is situated right in the middle of this Sorì, a name taken from the Piemontese word “Solatio”, meaning “exposed to the sun”, where the best Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba originate

Grape variety

Dolcetto 100%

Vineyard

Sorì dei Crava is made with a selection of the finest grapes grown in the land parcel of the same name, situated in Diano d’Alba. Lean soil consisting of clay and limestone, characterised by layers of more or less compact sand alternating with grey sandstones (sands compacted and cemented by marine water carbonates), known as Arenarie di Diano or Diano Sandstones. South-westerly exposure. Altitude 350 m above sea level. Typical espalier vineyards and Guyot pruning, average plant density of 4,500 vines per hectare

Harvest

By hand, into crates, in mid-September, when phenolic ripening is complete

Grape yield per hectare

8,000 kg

Vinification

Destemming of the grapes selected in the vineyard. Vinification in temperature-controlled steel tanks, with an average of about seven days’ maceration, depending on the vintage. Pumping over takes place throughout maceration. Spontaneous malo-lactic fermentation and cold tartaric stabilisation during the winter months

Ageing

It rests in steel tanks until the summer following harvest, being racked several times to encourage natural settling and stabilisation. The wine is bottled in the summer following harvest

Description

Deep ruby red with the typical violet highlights of Dolcetto and young, fruity reds. Wild cherry, sour cherry and red berries in liqueur combine with light notes of tea, hay and almond. Dry and enveloping, the tannic structure harmonises well with the acidity and sustains the mouthfeel, making it particularly elongated and persistent. The almond-flavoured finish leaves no doubt as to the varietal purity. We suggest you try it with Piedmont-style raw meat, warm antipasti, vegetable flans, Parmesan cheese and pasta

Serving temperature

16-18° C