Dear *|FNAME|*,

Lovers of Piedmont ‘owe it to themselves to check out the region’s Dolcetto and Barbera bottlings’, asserts Antonio Galloni. Having spent four days in Piedmont last week, we’re so excited to offer you the new vintages from the region’s ‘dynamic duo’ (Wine Enthusiast) – Barbera and Dolcetto – at incredible prices.

Dolcetto d’Alba produces charming, pure-fruited, vibrant and delicate wines. The variety’s name comes from ‘dusset’, which means ‘hill’ in the old Piemonte language, as it’s often planted in the cooler, higher-elevation sites where Nebbiolo doesn’t fully ripen. The best Barbera d’Albas are darker fruited than Dolcetto. They’re smooth and elegant, with depth of fruit, spice, and juicy, fine-grained tannins.

Stefano Marengo follows in the footsteps of his grandfather and father, Mario and Marco Marengo, and makes considered, finely layered wines. We’ve been importing their wines for more than a decade and I’m amazed at the deft touch and ever-increasing quality from this tiny producer. GD Vajra is of our favourite Piedmontese families and among the region’s oldest. Much of their Barbera and Dolcetto is planted on the same terroirs as their Nebbiolo, yielding wines of great finesse. Finally, this is the first time we’ve imported a Barbera from the effervescent Giulia Negri – the region’s rockstar. She has now been at the helm of her family estate, Serradenari, for almost a decade, and her wines are phenomenal.

2021 was an extraordinary vintage for Italy’s Piedmont, boasting verve, detail and depth of flavour. Definitely one to stock up on!

Reply to this email or visit our website to place your order online.

Vinous regards,

Tasting notes

Marengo Dolcetto d'Alba 2021
This vintage has not been rated yet, see 2019 tasting notes:

‘The 2019 Dolcetto d'Alba is a powerful, pleasantly rustic wine that offers plenty of depth as well as intensity. Blue fruit, game, licorice and earthy notes are all packed into a deceptively mid-weight Dolcetto that is long on personality and character.’ – Antonio Galloni, Vinous

GD Vajra Dolcetto d'Alba 2021

‘Made only in stainless steel, the 2021 Dolcetto d'Alba shows a purplish color with inky concentration. The bouquet is simple and direct with loads of sweet candied cherry, crème de cassis and bitter almond. This is another terrific take on one of Piedmont’s most versatile grapes.’ – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, 90/100

GD Vajra Barbera d'Alba 2021

‘Here’s another food-friendly wine from beautiful Piedmont. The 2021 Barbera d'Alba shows a dark purplish hue and saturated fruit flavors of dried blackberry and black cherry. There are hints of crushed mineral or oyster shell as well. The wine’s medium thickness would work across a breaded veal steak. Fruit is sourced across various sites with different soil types.’ – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, 91/100

Giulia Negri Barbera d'Alba 2020

This vintage has not been rated yet.

Marengo Barbera d'Alba Pugnane 2020

‘This sinewy Barbera is marked by a mix of blackberry, black cherry, earth and salty flavors. Compact and firms up on the finish.’ – Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator, 88/100

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