Castello di Neive, Dolcetto d'Alba, Basarin, 2023
Castello di Neive, Dolcetto d'Alba, Basarin, 2023
- 75cl
- 13.5%
- Red Still
- Dolcetto
Couldn't load pickup availability
Optimal drinking window: 2026 - 2028
Est. delivery in June, 2026
Castello di Neive has been one of Barbaresco's most respected names since 1964, and their Dolcetto d'Alba Basarin shows exactly why this humble grape deserves more attention. From the prized Basarin vineyard, this 2023 captures everything we love about Dolcetto: bright cherry fruit, violet perfume, and that irresistible gulpability that makes it Piemonte's perfect everyday red.
While the estate is famous for their age-worthy Barbaresco, this Dolcetto is all about immediate pleasure. Soft tannins, bright acidity, and pure fruit flavours make it the sort of wine that disappears from the table before you've noticed. Drink it young and drink it often, ideally with agnolotti or a simple roast chicken.
The Basarin vineyard sits on the classic calcareous-clay soils of Alba's hills, with good drainage and southwestern exposure. The relatively warm microclimate here suits Dolcetto perfectly, allowing the grape to ripen fully while retaining its characteristic freshness and violet aromatics.
Dolcetto d'Alba covers the hills around Alba and produces some of Piemonte's most approachable reds. Unlike the austere Nebbiolo wines that dominate the region's reputation, Dolcetto offers immediate pleasure with soft tannins and bright fruit. The appellation rules keep yields reasonable and require 100% Dolcetto, preserving the grape's distinctive character.
The 2023 growing season in Piemonte delivered exactly the sort of weather that keeps growers awake at night, then rewards them handsomely come harvest. A challenging spring gave way to a summer that alternated between periods of intense heat and timely rainfall, testing vine resilience across the Langhe and Roero. The key moment came in late summer when cooler nights returned just as the grapes approached ripeness, allowing for that crucial slow final phase that separates good vintages from great ones in this corner of Italy.
What emerged from the cellars shows remarkable consistency across varieties, with Nebbiolo displaying the sort of lifted aromatics and structured tannins that suggest serious ageability. The Barberas show more immediate charm than usual whilst retaining their characteristic brightness, and we're particularly impressed by how the Dolcettos have turned out – they've got real depth without losing their gulpable appeal. Most 2023s are drinking beautifully now but the serious Barolos and Barbarescos will reward patience, likely hitting their stride around 2028 and drinking well until 2040 or beyond.
OUR GROWERS
Castello di Neive
-
-
Speak to one of our Wine Gurus
Speak to a Wine GuruWith years of experience, our team can help you with all your wine buying and selling needs