Dolcetto di Ovada Superiore

About the wine

Dolcetto di Ovada Superiore, often simply labeled as Ovada, represents the most structured and age-worthy expression of the Dolcetto grape in Piedmont. Unlike the lighter, early-drinking Dolcetto styles found elsewhere, this DOCG requires a minimum of 12 months of aging, resulting in a wine with deeper complexity. It is characterized by a ruby-red color that evolves toward garnet, offering a vinous, sometimes ethereal nose with subtle almond notes and occasional hints of spice or wood. The palate is typically dry and balanced, reflecting the unique clay, tuff, and calcareous soils of the Ovadese hills. The regulation also provides for a 'Vigna' designation for single-vineyard bottlings and a 'Riserva' status for wines aged at least 24 months, highlighting the potential of this terroir to produce a serious, food-friendly red wine that maintains the varietal's signature fruit-forward character while gaining significant depth.

Grape varieties

Production & aging

The production area is located in the southern part of the Piedmont region, specifically within the province of Alessandria. It encompasses the territory of 22 communes, with Ovada serving as the central hub. The vineyards are situated exclusively on hilly terrain, excluding valley floors, at altitudes not exceeding 600 meters above sea level, primarily surrounding the Orba river valley.