Nicholas Altare is in Dogliani, only 5km south of the famous Barolo crus of Monforte d’Alba, yet this is Dolcetto area, and the limestone hills yield a fresh, silky wine with all the spice and perfume that the Langhe is known for. Its lighter frame and easier drinking than the structured wines of the neighbours make this a wine for the moment.

Dogliani is a DOCG region, bordering Barolo to the South, where Dolcetto, which generally plays third fiddle to Nebbiolo and Barbera in Piemonte, reigns king. Here it gets the best vineyard sites and attention it needs to become structured and age-worthy, not just quaffable, wine. This is especially true of the Valdiberti subzone, where Altare works. Their vineyards on the hill of San Luigi feature limestone soils and a perfect south exposition. Altare’s Dolcetto is one of the most sleekly structured and elegant expressions of the grape you’ll ever taste.

Nicholas is not yet 30 and has now made 10 vintages from his 2.5 hectares of Dolcetto. He began his first vinifications in the winery of his mentor Fernando Principiano (one of Piemonte’s leading natural winemakers), with whom he has worked for the past decade, but now has his own winery on the Altare estate. A rising star in Piedmont, Nicholas has earned every bit of praise he’s received so far and we’re very excited to have his wines here in Australia.