Ascheri Nirane Dolcetto 2018
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Wine Spectator
Plush yet dense, this red boasts blackberry, pomegranate and earth flavors, framed by a hint of oak. Shows power and lingers on the structured finish. Drink now through 2023.
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2021-
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The Giacomo Ascheri Cellars originated in La Morra: in the early 19th century, the first vines were planted in that area, where a place called “Ascheri” still exists, and the first wines were produced.
At that time in the Langhe, vine-growing and wine-making were still primitive and rudimental: wines were mostly sold in demijohns and they travelled for several days before reaching the selling points. However, a reliable account dating back to that period and concerning the “Ascheri” vine cultivation method (then considered modern for its technical innovations) clearly shows how, since its very beginning, the Ascheri Winery stood out for its commitment and innovative methods.
In that period, thanks to its geographical position, Bra had become the most important town for the distribution of Barolo, the best known wine of the area. Bra was, in fact, conveniently located and it had good connections with Turin, the most important wine market in the region due to the presence of the Royal House of Savoy. The Royal Family itself owned important estates in the surroundings of Bra, such as the Pollenzo Estate and the S.Vittoria d’Alba old Winery.
For these reasons, in 1880 their winery was moved from La Morra to Bra, where it is still situated nowadays. At present the cellars are the only ones left which can boast such an ancient and beautiful heritage. The years from the early 20th century to their days have been characterized by a steady effort to increase the value of their products.
With a view to expanding the estates by acquiring the most valuable production areas, they have subsequently added to the original La Morra Vineyards (mainly producing grapes for Barolo, Barbera d’Alba and Dolcetto d’Alba) the estates of Serralunga d’Alba, Verduno and Bra.
An easy drinking red with soft fruity flavors—but catchy tannins, Dolcetto is often enjoyed in its native Piedmont on a casual weekday night, or for apertivo (the canonical Piedmontese pre-dinner appetizer hour). Somm Secret—In most of Piedmont, easy-ripening Dolcetto is relegated to the secondary sites—the best of which are reserved for the king variety: Nebbiolo. However, in the Dogliani zone it is the star of the show, and makes a more serious style of Dolcetto, many of which can improve with cellar time.
Set upon a backdrop of the visually stunning Alps, the enchanting and rolling hills of Piedmont are the source of some of the country’s longest-lived and most sought-after red wines. Vineyards cover a great majority of the land area—especially in Barolo—with the most prized sites at the top hilltops or on south-facing slopes where sunlight exposure is maximized. Piedmont has a continental climate with hot, humid summers leading to cold winters and precipitation year-round. The reliable autumnal fog provides a cooling effect, especially beneficial for Nebbiolo, Piedmont’s most prestigious variety.
In fact, Nebbiolo is named exactly for the arrival of this pre-harvest fog (called “nebbia” in Italian), which prolongs cluster hang time and allows full phenolic balance and ripeness. Harvest of Nebbiolo is last among Piedmont's wine varieties, occurring sometime in October. This grape is responsible for the exalted Piedmont wines of Barbaresco and Barolo, known for their ageability, firm tannins and hallmark aromas of tar and roses. Nebbiolo wines, despite their pale hue, pack a pleasing punch of flavor and structure; the best examples can require about a decade’s wait before they become approachable. Barbaresco tends to be more elegant in style while Barolo is more powerful. Across the Tanaro River, the Roero region, and farther north, the regions of Gattinara and Ghemme, also produce excellent quality Nebbiolo.
Easy-going Barbera is the most planted grape in Piedmont, beloved for its trademark high acidity, low tannin and juicy red fruit. Dolcetto, Piedmont’s other important red grape, is usually ready within a couple of years of release.
White wines, while less ubiquitous here, should not be missed. Key Piedmont wine varieties include Arneis, Cortese, Timorasso, Erbaluce and the sweet, charming Muscat, responsible for the brilliantly recognizable, Moscato d'Asti.