The 2016 Roberto Voerzio, "Priavino" Dolcetto d'Alba was a Merchant's Pick
"Mwah!" • Imagine Our Surprise!
August 16, 2018
Imagine our surprise.
We were tasting an impressive lineup of Barolo's living legend, Roberto Voerzio, when a single bottle off to the side caught our attention.
A Dolcetto? Yes, indeed.
For those of you not familiar with Voerzio, his single vineyard Barolos are some of the most sought after by collectors. His single vineyard "Brunate Barolo" fetches north of $300 per bottle.
But on this day, the 2016 Voerzio "Priavino" Dolcetto stole the show. This is a staggeringly good Dolcetto that is, well, "mwah!" (Imagine a hand gesture here too).
I don't often gravitate toward Dolcetto, which, along with Barbera, is an "everyday" pour for many in Piedmont. These juicy, plush-fruit driven wines are enjoyable, but I prefer a drier more traditionally made Nebbiolo found in Barolos, Barbarescos and Langhes.
This single-vineyard Dolcetto is in a class by itself.
The wine is alive with blossom and herb aromatics. Vibrant cherry fruit, cedar, textured yet silky tannins and a long finish define the wonderful experience of this wine. This is not your typical Dolcetto; it is elegant and graceful with depth that far exceeds its peers.
This wine single-handedly allowed me to fall in love with Dolcetto again!
By David Gettenberg