Dolcetto D’Alba Trifula 2020 – Cascina Luisin.

For this review we are venturing into the North of Italy again, it’s time for Piedmont and more in particular the Barbaresco region. This wine however is not a Nebbiolo based wine, as you might expect, but a red made of Dolcetto grapes. The Dolcetto D’Alba Trifula, produced by Cascina Luisin.

About the Winery 

Cascina Luisin has been founded in 1913 by Luigi Minuto, great-grandfather of the current owner Roberto Minuto. Cascina Luisin concentrates on the four classic grape varieties Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto and Arneis.

Cascina Luisin is situated in the Rabajà area in the territory of Barbaresco, one of the epicenter’s of Langhe’s winemaking. The winery cultivates 8 hectares of vineyards and produces an average of 40,000 bottles yearly.

About the Grape

Dolcetto is a black Italian wine grape variety widely grown in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. The Italian word Dolcetto means “little sweet one”, but it is not certain that the name originally carried any reference to the grape’s sugar levels: it is possible that it derives from the name of the hills where the vine is cultivated. In any case the wines produced are nearly always dry. 

They can be tannic and fruity with moderate, or decidedly low, levels of acidity and are typically meant to be consumed within a few years after release.

About the Wine

Made from 100% Dolcetto the grapes for this wine come from 60-year-old vines, planted in around the town of Rodello. The wine is processed in stainless steel and Slavonian oak, using malolactic fermentation. Furthermore, the wine sees 12 months of bottle ageing before being released.

You can describe this wine as fresh and fruity, with aromas of red fruit but also more earthy notes. On the palette the wine has a full body and robust but smooth tannins. Overall the profile is round and juicy, with a nice level of acidity. The aftertaste has more of a herbal touch.

In summary: 

Piedmont certainly has more to offer than just Nebbiolo in the red wine section. This Dolcetto shows you a different side of the spectrum. More fruity and fresh, but with recognisable earthy and herbal notes. Not a complex wine but well balanced with an open attitude. 

Trifula is part of this month’s VINVIN Favourite Box, and also available by the bottle. You can find it through this link.  Available in The Netherlands for €15,39 per individual bottle.

Price:                    €15,39

Taste date:           November 2022

Score:                    89/100 DWA Score

Website:               Cascina Luisin