Poderi Colla 'Pian Balbo' Dolcetto d'Alba, Piemonte, Italy 2021
Pickup available at DECANT Napa - 2999 Solano, Napa, CA
Usually ready in 1 hour
Poderi Colla is a historic winery in Piedmont, Italy, run by the Colla family. Known for their traditional approach and respect for the land, the winery produces wines that showcase the classic elegance of the region.
- WINEMAKER: Tino and Federica Colla, continuing the familys winemaking legacy.
- FARMING: Sustainable viticulture with an emphasis on biodiversity and low-impact farming.
- VARIETY: 100% Dolcetto.
- TERROIR: The Pian Balbo vineyard, located in Alba, features sandy-clay soils that contribute to the wines structure and freshness.
- VINIFICATION: Hand-harvested grapes, fermented in stainless steel to retain fruit purity, without oak influence.
- AGING: Aged briefly in stainless steel to preserve the vibrant fruit character.
- TASTING NOTES: Fresh and lively, with flavors of red cherry, blackberry, and a touch of almond. Well-balanced with soft tannins and a smooth finish.
FROM OUR OCTOBER 2024 BOTTLE CULT NOTES:
We all know that Nebbiolo is the star of the Langhe, with Barbera being a close second, but what do you know about Dolcetto? True to its name, Dolcetto comes from the Italian word "Dosso" (meaning hilltop), as this delightful grape thrives on breezy hilltops where the sun shines bright and the winds dance. So, when you sip on this charming wine, youre enjoying the essence of those elevated vineyards—the "dosso" grape that turned into the beloved Dolcetto! Its easy, fun, noncommittal, and oh so versatile. Itd be the perfect tinder date that you werent so sure about but then didnt regret.
The Colla family has been sure about Dolcetto for a long time though. Theyve been a part of the Langhe winemaking tradition since the early 18th century, and although Poderi Colla is one of the regions newest estates, founded in 1994 by Tino Colla and his niece, Frederica, the familys legacy was cemented by trailblazer Beppe Colla, Fredericas father, who acquired the infamous Prunotto winery in 1956. Leveraging thirty years of experience and expertise in vinifying prestigious vineyards in Barolo and Barbaresco, Beppe, Frederica, and Tino meticulously selected three specific estates to form what is now Poderi Colla.
In the Langhe, where Dolcetto is often intermingled with more profitable varieties, Poderi Collas Dolcetto has thrived since 1969 in the Pian Balbo vineyard, a cru that beautifully showcases the true characteristics of Dolcetto di Langa. The grapes are manually harvested, destemmed, crushed, and macerated with skins for five to seven days at a temperature of 22°/24°C. The wine then matures in stainless steel, and is bottled in late spring to keep its freshness. This wine is like a warm hug in a glass—instantly inviting with its vibrant vinosity, luscious fruity flavors, and silky tannins! It pairs beautifully with any dish, thanks to its easy going and approachable nature, so much like when youre swiping, dont overthink it. —Simi Grewal
Poderi Colla is a historic winery in Piedmont, Italy, run by the Colla family. Known for their traditional approach and respect for the land, the winery produces wines that showcase the classic elegance of the region.
- WINEMAKER: Tino and Federica Colla, continuing the familys winemaking legacy.
- FARMING: Sustainable viticulture with an emphasis on biodiversity and low-impact farming.
- VARIETY: 100% Dolcetto.
- TERROIR: The Pian Balbo vineyard, located in Alba, features sandy-clay soils that contribute to the wines structure and freshness.
- VINIFICATION: Hand-harvested grapes, fermented in stainless steel to retain fruit purity, without oak influence.
- AGING: Aged briefly in stainless steel to preserve the vibrant fruit character.
- TASTING NOTES: Fresh and lively, with flavors of red cherry, blackberry, and a touch of almond. Well-balanced with soft tannins and a smooth finish.
FROM OUR OCTOBER 2024 BOTTLE CULT NOTES:
We all know that Nebbiolo is the star of the Langhe, with Barbera being a close second, but what do you know about Dolcetto? True to its name, Dolcetto comes from the Italian word "Dosso" (meaning hilltop), as this delightful grape thrives on breezy hilltops where the sun shines bright and the winds dance. So, when you sip on this charming wine, youre enjoying the essence of those elevated vineyards—the "dosso" grape that turned into the beloved Dolcetto! Its easy, fun, noncommittal, and oh so versatile. Itd be the perfect tinder date that you werent so sure about but then didnt regret.
The Colla family has been sure about Dolcetto for a long time though. Theyve been a part of the Langhe winemaking tradition since the early 18th century, and although Poderi Colla is one of the regions newest estates, founded in 1994 by Tino Colla and his niece, Frederica, the familys legacy was cemented by trailblazer Beppe Colla, Fredericas father, who acquired the infamous Prunotto winery in 1956. Leveraging thirty years of experience and expertise in vinifying prestigious vineyards in Barolo and Barbaresco, Beppe, Frederica, and Tino meticulously selected three specific estates to form what is now Poderi Colla.
In the Langhe, where Dolcetto is often intermingled with more profitable varieties, Poderi Collas Dolcetto has thrived since 1969 in the Pian Balbo vineyard, a cru that beautifully showcases the true characteristics of Dolcetto di Langa. The grapes are manually harvested, destemmed, crushed, and macerated with skins for five to seven days at a temperature of 22°/24°C. The wine then matures in stainless steel, and is bottled in late spring to keep its freshness. This wine is like a warm hug in a glass—instantly inviting with its vibrant vinosity, luscious fruity flavors, and silky tannins! It pairs beautifully with any dish, thanks to its easy going and approachable nature, so much like when youre swiping, dont overthink it. —Simi Grewal