Bussia Dolcetto d'Alba Sergio Barale 1996
The 1996 Bussia Dolcetto d'Alba is a red wine produced by Sergio Barale. The wine is estate-bottled by Azienda Agricola Barale F.lli, with Sergio Barale operating as a viticulturist in the area. This specific release originates from the Bussia vineyard, holds the Denominazione di Origine Controllata classification, and has an alcohol content of 12%.
The wine is made exclusively from Dolcetto, a classic Northern Italian grape variety deeply rooted in Piedmont. It comes from the Dolcetto d'Alba area, which encompasses the territory around Alba and the Langhe hills, having achieved DOC status in 1974. Here, Dolcetto is cultivated on the same hillsides as Nebbiolo and Barbera, though typically on different parcels. Dolcetto d'Alba is historically recognized as the everyday red wine of Alba and is traditionally tied to regional Piedmontese and Tuscan gastronomy.
Piedmont, which translates to "at the foot of the mountain," is located in northwestern Italy and is bordered by the Alps. It is widely regarded as one of the world's most prestigious wine regions, characterized by small, family-run wineries with a strong focus on terroir and microclimate. The landscape is defined by dramatic, steep hills, particularly in the Langhe subregion, which are frequently enveloped in thick morning fog during the autumn months. The region is also a renowned culinary center, famous for its exclusive white truffles from Alba, local hazelnuts, and rich, simmered dishes.
The history of the wine
Below, you can delve into the history of this wine — its producer, grape, area, and region.
Piedmont
Piedmont (which literally means "at the foot of the mountain") is located in northwestern Italy, surrounded by the Alps. It is considered one of the world's absolute most prestigious wine regions. The area is known for small, passionate, family-run wineries and a huge focus on terroir (how the soil and microclimate affect the wine).
Classic characteristics of Piedmont:
The royal wines: This is where the world-famous, complex and expensive red wines Barolo and Barbaresco come from (both made from 100% Nebbiolo).
Everyday heroes: In addition to Nebbiolo, the region is famous for the grapes Barbera (juicy, acidic and incredibly popular) and Dolcetto (dark, soft and fruity).
The white and sweet: Piedmont also makes the crisp white wine Gavi and the famous, lightly sparkling dessert bubbles Moscato d'Asti.
The landscape: Dramatic, steep hills – especially in the Langhe sub-area. The hills are often shrouded in thick morning mist in autumn, which protects the grapes and allows for a long, perfect ripening.
Gastronomy: An absolute mecca for food lovers. The area is world famous for the exclusive white truffles from Alba, hazelnuts and rich, simmered dishes that scream with a glass of local red wine.
When this wine was made, the world looked very different. Here are some of the stories that unfolded while this bottle quietly aged in its cellar.
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How it handles
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Storage
Store the bottle horizontally at 12–14°C and avoid direct sunlight, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations.
Opening
Allow the bottle to stand upright for 24–48 hours before opening to allow sediment to settle. Use a professional corkscrew and open carefully.
Enjoyment
Serve at 17–18°C and be patient – there is a great difference in how and how quickly wines open up when they are aerated.
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