2019 Monterustico Dogliani Dolcetto

Monterustico

Italy / Piedmont / Monterustico

This Dogliani DOCG is from the wonderful diversity of Monterustico estate vineyards, located in what is considered the home of the greatest and most structured Dolcetto wines. It is a wine of power and depth yet possesses lift and energy. It’s a Dogliani for the table that won’t mind being forgotten for a few years in the cellar. 2019 is the first vintage to be certified organic.
The fruit comes from three different vineyards with distinctive terroirs: Monterustico, Casabianca and Zovetto. Monterustico, located 300m up, has predominantly red clay that unleashes depth and power. Casabianca, at 270m, is characterised by a mix of alluvial loam and gravel. The most aromatic and spicy fruit comes from here. Zovetto, the highest of the sites at 340m, features older soils that are mainly composed of white marls. This is the vineyard that contributes elegance and length to the wine.
Grapes from vines aged 15 to 45 years old were hand harvested before 18-24 days of gentle maceration. This was followed by six months’ aging in stainless-steel.
The wine is a beautiful, deep violet-purple in colour. The brooding nose is a cornucopia of blueberries, wild berries and delicate mineral nuances. There’s a suggestion of liquorice and Mediterranean herbs, too. The palate is structured yet balanced by wonderful, velvety fruit. With its long and pure finish, this is a wine that promises a long life ahead, and it provides a joyful pairing with a wide range of dishes. - Giuseppe Vaira

June, 2021

Gary Walsh

The Wine Front

93 points.

Yum. Smooth, deep and dark ‘mineral’ feel, packed with dark cherry and liquorice, spice too. Medium-bodied, compact and dense feel, mint chocolate, graphite tannin, sweetness but savoury character. dried flowers, and a sooty tannic finish of excellent length. So good.

Standard Bottle Out of Stock

About Monterustico

The Vaira family of Vergne has firmly established itself as one of Piedmont’s most assured, stylish and elegant producers. The Vairas effortlessly straddle the line between tradition and modernity, celebrating the beauty of their home and its alluring grape varieties while serving up wines that are expressive and downright delicious.
Their G.D. Vajra and Luigi Baudana labels have their feet planted in the communes of Barolo and Serralunga d’Alba respectively. Both bear a small but perfectly formed range of wines that is recognised and revered. But ever open-minded and industrious, the family has spread its wings further across the Langhe Hills.
Enter Monterustico. The family acquired the estate in Dogliani a couple of years back, included in the deal that landed them a parcel of the beautiful Coste di Rose cru in Barolo. With these wines – a white and a red from 2019 – CellarHand and the Vaira family are delighted to present you with another angle on Piedmont from one of this region’s visionary producers.

About

Giuseppe is the eldest child of Milena and Aldo Vaira. Giuseppe has a degree in oenology from the University of Turin and began working alongside father Aldo at the family estate many years ago. Passionate, driven and full of ideas, Giuseppe is a chip off the old block with his deep respect for tradition allied to a progressive, dynamic and adventurous mindset. In this, he is joined by sister Francesca and brother Isidoro. It is Giuseppe's wish that those who come to know G.D. Vajra - the place, the family and the wines - are moved to fall in love.