The Return of Roccheviberti's Delicous Dolcetto

We are thrilled to announce that the 2021 Dolcetto d’Alba, from our treasured Roccheviberti, has recently arrived in our bond, just in time to accompany us for the rest of our (finger crossed) warm and cosy British summer.

Many years have passed now since we fortuitously stumbled upon the fabulously pure wines of Claudio Viberti, at a specialist Italian wine tasting. They were being shown alongside many of the Piedmont region's longstanding elite, and for us, they unequivocally stole the show. A visit to Claudio’s estate followed shortly after, we knew we absolutely had to represent his wines and we haven’t looked back since.

Nestled amongst vast expanses of vine-blanketed hills, encompassed by an impenetrable band of snowy mountain peaks in the distance, and bordering the distinguished wine producing commune of Castiglione Falleto, lies Roccheviberti. Situated within the Langhe region of northwest Italy, the Viberti family have been hand crafting exquisite wines for generations, and could be said to have been one of the region’s best kept secrets for a while. However, under the calm and assured captaincy of current owner and guiding hand Claudio Viberti, the last two decades have seen somewhat of a ‘blossoming’, as this winery’s reputation has finally gained the international recognition it deserves. With a mere 4.5 hectares of vines, the production at Roccheviberti is small but highly refined and specialised. Claudio’s wines are now widely regarded amongst the region's finest, and it is a great pleasure for us to finally be able to present you with the new vintage release of his Dolcetto today.

Stylistically Claudio’s wines strive for purity, elegance and rich fragrant bouquets to accompany the complex terroir and varietal flavours. He produces wonderfully refined, perfumed and elegant Barolo wines; and achieves the same refined finesse in his charmingly expressive Dolcetto, whose grapes come from the same plot as his Barolo ‘Bricco Broschis’. This small plot has an altitude of over 300m, a westerly exposition and incredibly deep, rich clay soils. This imbues the Dolcetto with far more depth and substance than is found in most examples of this varietal across the region, combined with real charm and finesse: a hallmark of the Viberti’ wines. It is brimming with bright, juicy, ripe cherry and blackberry fruits, hints of almonds and a gentle tingling of spice on the finish. It is well structured and rich, whilst maintaining a wonderful levity and refined purity from its pleasant balancing acidity. This makes it perfect for warm, balmy summer afternoons in the sun, accompanying cold meat platters and a variety of cheeses.

For us, the wines of Claudio Viberti are peerless and beautifully crafted, and the 2021 Dolcetto is the ideal introduction to his range, perfectly capturing his style and depth, whilst remaining eminently approachable in its youth and incredibly moreish. You’ll never want your glass to empty! Don’t miss out!