# Dolcetto d'Alba Coste & Fossati (2025)

- **Producer:** G.D. Vajra
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Dolcetto
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €30
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, blueberry, lavender, violet, white pepper

## About this wine

G.D. Vajra was founded in Barolo by Aldo Vajra, who became one of Piedmont's early pioneers of organic farming in 1971. The Coste & Fossati cuvée represents the family's dedication to elevated Dolcetto. Uniquely, the fruit comes from two prime single vineyards in Barolo—Coste di Vergne and Fossati—at high elevations up to 480 meters. The vineyard is planted with rare, historical red-stalk Dolcetto biotypes grafted by Aldo between 1978 and 1985, preserving a unique genetic heritage.

## Interesting facts

- Aldo Vajra converted the estate to organic viticulture in 1971 as a teenager.
- Sourced from rare red-stalk Dolcetto biotypes planted in prized Barolo single vineyards.
- Vinified with long submerged cap maceration, a technique traditionally reserved for top Barolo.

## Food pairing

The lively acidity and firm tannins of Dolcetto handle rich meats, savory tomato sauces, and earthy mushroom dishes with ease. Fats and proteins soften the structural tannins, while the wine's vibrant freshness cuts through rich sauces.

## Wine making process

Harvesting occurs manually in mid-September when the grape stems turn red. Fermentation and maceration take place over 20 to 25 days using traditional submerged cap (cappello sommerso) techniques to extract fine tannins and structure. The wine matures for 5 to 12 months in stainless steel tanks before bottling to retain freshness, pure fruit character, and terroir definition.