Angelo Rocca's 2011 Dolcetto d-Alba Vignalunga is a pretty, floral wine laced with varietal dark blue and black fruit. A bout of cool weather towards the end of the growing season produced a Dolcetto that is a little less juicy than is typically the case here. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2014. I was shocked and saddened to learn that proprietor Angelo Rocca recently passed away in a crash involving his own light airplane. I visited with Rocca in late August, just as the Moscato was coming in. Rocca embodied the spirit of the self-made Piemontese grower who took a sleepy family-run winery and turned it into a world-class estate in just one generation. He will be deeply missed. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; Robert Houde Wines, Elk Grove Village, IL; tel. (847) 430-3887

Round and full of cherry fruit, this red is open and ready to enjoy with salumi or pizza. Shows a hint of black pepper and tannins at the end. Drink now. 1,660 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Dolcetto d'Alba Select to Add