The 2017 Dolcetto d'Alba Madonna di Como is a slightly thinner and more subdued expression compared to its peers. This lean-bodied red wine delivers fresh and tonic aromas of forest fruit, wild cherry and rose hip. There is a sour element to the mouthfeel with bright acidity on the close. You get good value here. Some 10,000 bottles were made.

Firm and tightly wound, with a core of cherry shaded by spice and tobacco notes. Just a little dry on the moderately long finish. Drink now through 2018. 1,600 cases made, 800 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Dolcetto d'Alba Select to Add

The 2011 Dolcetto d’Alba Madonna di Como is a dark, thickly extracted wine that is built like a brick house, layer by meticulous layer. There’s a touch of mineral dryness on the close that gives the wine that touch of elegance that it needs. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2015. Paolo Tenino and Monica Rinaldi Tenino run this 10-hectare estate with vineyards in Verduno for Barolo, Neive for Barbaresco and Madonna di Como for Dolcetto and Barbera. Importer: Alliance Beverage Distributing; Phoenix, AZ; tel. (602) 760-5500

The nose is a lovely mix of violets, strawberry, and jasmin. The palate lacks the intensity of the nose, although the bright fruit floral elements still come through in a muted form. The finish is short to medium. An pleasant wine that needs a touch more concentration. ——M.G.(12/22/2011)—— 86