Elvio Cogno Dolcetto d'Alba "Mandorlo" DOC 2011
(Piedmont, Italy) [W&S 90]

About the winery:

Elvio Cogno was founded in 1990 by Elvio himself, a 4th generation winemaker, after working for years with the venerable Barolo producer Marcarini at La Morra. He bought a splendid, historic 18th-century farmhouse on the top of Bricco Ravera, a hill near Novello in the Langhe area. (Novello is one of the 11 communes in which Barolo is produced.) Here is what Robert Parker's Wine Advocate had to say about this site: "Of the many great contributions made by the winemaking team at Elvio Cogno, perhaps the greatest is the importance they brought to the Ravera cru of Novello. Little-known before their efforts, this vineyard has risen in high regard in recent years and continues to show impressive potential." Elvio passed away in 2016, but not before passing the winery along to his daughter, Nadia, and her husband, Valter Fissore, who had worked beside Elvio for 25 years.

About the wine:

An excellent full-bodied wine, packed with fruit. True to tradition, its early freshness and complexity after bottle ageing make it great for daily drinking.

TASTING NOTES:
Bright ruby red in color with deep violet highlights. The perfume is immediate and intense, uncompromisingly vinous and persistent. It is redolent of grape must which, on ageing, develops sensations of red forest fruits. The bouquet is dry and full-bodied, elegant and round, with notes of fruit and a wonderfully almondy finish. Serve with starters, pasta, soups, salamis and cream cheeses.
Serving temperature: 16-18°C.

90 Points - Wine & Spirits:
"A heady Dolcetto with masses of blue fruit. This is a generous, supple wine -- all about richness of texture. Pour it with a venison chop."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"Cogno's 2011 Dolcetto d'Alba Vigna del Mandorlo is laced with sweet plums, cherries, licorice and menthol, all of which come together beautifully in the glass. This is a relatively accessible vintage for Cogno's Dolcetto, a wine that is sometimes bigger and more powerful. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015." - Antonio Galloni (Oct 2012)

Wine Spectator Magazine:
"Soft and fruity, this red bursts with black cherry and almond flavors. Gathers together on the finish, where light tannins offer grip. Drink now. 321 cases imported." - BS (Dec 15, 2012)