Dogliani Sori Dij But, Anna Maria Abbona, 2020
Dogliani Sori Dij But, Anna Maria Abbona, 2020
- 75cl
- 13%
- Red Still
- Dolcetto
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Optimal drinking window: Now - 2028
This is a textbook Piemontese red - bursting with juicy red fruits like raspberry and plum, with a lovely lift of violets on the nose. Made entirely in stainless steel, there’s no oak here to get in the way, just pure, vibrant fruit and freshness. It’s lively, easy-drinking, and absolutely perfect with a bowl of pasta and meat sauce, or alongside a roast.
Of all the Dolcettos you’ll find in the Langhe, Dogliani stands out - and Anna Maria is right at the top of her game. Packed with flavour and super versatile, it’s a wine that works year-round, whether you’re pairing it with food or just enjoying a glass with a little cheese or salami.
This 2020 is drinking beautifully right now, with its primary fruit at its most exuberant and the violet aromatics singing clearly. Over the next two to three years, the fruit will integrate further and develop some subtle earthy complexity, though Dolcetto's charm lies in its youthful exuberance rather than development. While it won't improve dramatically with age, it will hold its freshness and drinkability until 2028, after which the fruit may begin to fade. We'd recommend enjoying it sooner rather than later to capture its most joyful expression.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceBright ruby red with purple highlights, crystal clear and inviting.
NoseImmediately appealing with fresh raspberry and dark plum leading the charge. There's that classic violet lift that makes you smile, plus a hint of wild herbs and black pepper spice. Everything feels vibrant and alive, with no oak to complicate the picture.
PalateJuicy and medium-bodied with bright acidity driving the red fruit flavours forward. The tannins are soft and well-integrated, providing structure without heaviness. There's a lovely balance between the ripe fruit sweetness and the wine's natural freshness, with hints of liquorice and earth adding complexity.
FinishClean and persistent with lingering red berry fruit and a touch of spice.
Overall impressionThis is Dolcetto doing exactly what it does best - pure, joyful, and utterly food-friendly.
Food Pairings
In Piemonte, this would be the house wine served with agnolotti del plin in butter and sage, or alongside brasato al Barolo when you want something lighter than the Nebbiolo itself. Locals would pair it with the region's exceptional salumi—particularly coppa and bresaola—along with aged Gorgonzola and walnuts. It's perfect with the rustic pasta dishes of the region, especially tajarin with white truffle in autumn, where the wine's freshness balances the richness without competing. During truffle season, it pairs beautifully with uova in cocotte al tartufo, the silky eggs and earthy truffle finding harmony with Dolcetto's fruit and gentle tannins.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve lightly chilled at 14-16°C to emphasise the fresh fruit character—this isn't a wine that needs warming up. No need to decant; simply open and pour into medium-sized red wine glasses that will concentrate the lovely violet aromatics. If anything, a brief stint in the fridge for 15 minutes will enhance its vivacity and make it even more food-friendly.
The Sori Dij But vineyard sits on the steep, south-facing slopes above Dogliani at around 400 metres elevation, where sandy soils mixed with limestone provide excellent drainage. The altitude brings cool nights that preserve acidity in the Dolcetto grapes, while the sandy component contributes to the wine's characteristic elegance and perfumed lift. This combination of elevation and soil creates the ideal conditions for Dolcetto to express its most refined character, balancing fruit richness with freshness.
Dogliani DOCG represents the pinnacle of Dolcetto production, elevated to DOCG status in 2005 in recognition of the exceptional quality achieved in this hilly zone southwest of Alba. The appellation's strict rules mandate 100% Dolcetto and limit yields to concentrate flavours, while the unique terroir of sandy soils and high altitude produces wines with more elegance and ageing potential than typical Dolcetto. Within Piemonte's hierarchy, Dogliani stands as proof that Dolcetto can transcend its reputation as simple quaffing wine when grown in the right place by serious producers.
The 2020 vintage in Piemonte arrived with drama and delivered surprises. A warm, dry summer had producers bracing for another powerful, concentrated year, but September rain changed the script entirely. The downpours refreshed the vines just when they needed it most, allowing for extended hang time without the grapes shrivelling on the vine. Harvest stretched later than expected, with many producers picking Nebbiolo well into October under ideal conditions.
What emerged defied the early predictions of another blockbuster vintage. Instead of the muscular, tannic powerhouses that hot years often produce, 2020 gave us wines with surprising freshness and immediate appeal. The Nebbiolo shows lovely fruit purity without the grip that usually demands years of patience, while Barbera retained its natural acidity despite the warm growing season. These wines are drinking beautifully now, offering rare early pleasure from a region where waiting is usually part of the bargain.
FAQs
What does this Dolcetto taste like?
Bright and juicy with raspberry and plum fruit, lifted by violet aromatics and finished with gentle tannins. It's pure, fresh, and incredibly food-friendly.
When should I drink this wine?
It's perfect right now and will remain delicious until 2030, though Dolcetto is best enjoyed while young and vibrant rather than cellared for development.
What food pairs best with this wine?
Classic with pasta and meat sauce, roasted meats, or Italian charcuterie and cheese. Serve it lightly chilled for maximum food versatility.
How should I serve this wine?
Lightly chilled at 14-16°C in medium red wine glasses. No need to decant—just open and enjoy its fresh, immediate appeal.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
While it will keep until 2030, Dolcetto is made for drinking rather than ageing. Enjoy it over the next few years while its vibrant fruit character is at its peak.
How does this compare to other Piemontese reds?
More approachable than Barolo or Barbaresco, with softer tannins and brighter fruit. It's Piemonte's everyday drinking wine, but from Dogliani's best producers it achieves real elegance.
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