At Acorn Winery our passion is traditional field-blended wines. Our food-friendly wines fully express the fruit characteristics of the diverse grape varieties we grow at our Alegría Vineyards in Sonoma County ’s Russian River Valley .

To honor the land and maintain it for future generations, our farming is sustainable and labor-intensive. Inter-planting different varieties to be harvested together requires individualized attention to each vine. Hand tending, ten or more times a season, ensures a balanced crop and flavorful wines that are distinctive expressions of each vintage.

Vineyard and Winemaking Notes

Dolcetto is a delicious, richly flavored dry red wine that is very popular in the Piedmont area of

Northern Italy , but still rare in California . It thrives in the Russian River fog that cools our Alegría Vineyards, where we have grown it for 17 years.

Our Dolcetto is divided between two different areas of the vineyard, totaling less than an acre. In 2006, one area ripened 20 days ahead of the other. We carefully hand tended the vines and waited to pick the grapes at peak ripeness. The grapes were co-fermented in small open-top fermenters with small amounts of Freisa and Barbera (two other Piedmontese grapes). Our practice of field-blending and co-fermentation enhanced the wine’s full-bodied varietal character.

During fermentation, we used three different yeasts and gently punched down by hand several times a day to enhance color and flavors. Barrel aging for 18 months in French and American oak allowed the wine to evolve into this lovely reflection of the varietal and the terroir of our sustainably farmed Alegría Vineyards.

Tasting Notes

Aromas of fresh-picked berries meld with rich tannins and a touch of vanilla. Subtle flavors of blueberry, spicy plum, and cherry, blend with a hint of orange peel and creamy mocha. These smooth and delicious flavors integrate seamlessly with soft tannins and gentle oak to create a well-balanced, multi-layered wine.

Enjoy it with roasted meats, especially duck; grilled prosciutto-wrapped figs; gnocchi in a creamy tomato sauce; or truffle-infused mushroom risotto. Dolcetto’s unique yet food-friendly flavors make it a perfect guest at your dinner party. Since its name means “sweetie” we think it is a great choice to stash away for Valentine’s Day dinner.

Composition

A single-vineyard field-blend of 96% Dolcetto, 2% Freisa, and 2% Barbera.

Release Date : Fall 2008