2018 Dolcetto d'Alba Coste e Fossati
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The G.D. Vajra 2018 Dolcetto d'Alba Coste & Fossati is a plump, succulent and rich expression that offers a clear view into the fundamentals of the Dolcetto grape. Fruit comes from two vineyard sites, Coste di Vergne and Fossati (in the comune di Barolo), with characteristic Sant'Agata marl soils rich in fossils. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, and traditional winemaking protocol called for submerged cap. That method was used until 1989, then abandoned, but it came back with this 2018 vintage. Submerged cap is a process that works to stabilize the deep color you see here, and it draws out the intensity of the blackberry, black currant and dark fruit aromas. With 8,000 bottles produced, this is a terrific and well-priced wine.
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Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
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The 2018 Dolcetto d'Alba Coste & Fossati is a gorgeous wine. Usually, the Coste & Fossati is a richer, bigger wine; the 2018, on the other hand, offers lovely mid-palate depth, but in a restrained, perfumed style that is hugely appealing. Dark red cherry, red plum, chocolate, licorice and spice all flesh out in this delicious and inviting Dolcetto from the Vajra family. The 2018 marks the second vintage of the return to submerged cap maceration, an approach the Vajra family used up until the late 1980s.