Pecchenino

Centuries in the same family. Since the 18th century, this building jewel, enthroned on a vineyard south of Barolo, has always been passed down from father to son in the family. Eight hectares gradually turned into over thirty. Most of it directly below the magnificent old estate, circling the mountain as if to form the stairs up to the house. It is most beautiful here at the beginning of autumn when the leaves of the Dolcetto grapes turn red.

With Dolcetto, the brothers Orlando and Attilio Pecchenino, who have managed the winery since 1987, have also made an international name for themselves. The region north of Dogliani, with its vineyards reaching 450 metres above sea level, offers loose, calcareous soils that allow Dolcetto to mature particularly well. The Dolcetto grape was first documented here in 1432. The nearby mountains provide a constant cooling wind and allow the temperature to drop significantly at night. This brings a lot of fruit and a crisp acidity into the grapes. The brothers work a lot in the vineyard because they do without chemical sprays such as herbicides and herbicides, instead grow grass and herbs between the rows, incorporate organic fertilizers and compost into the soil and do almost all the work manually in their narrow Guyot wine rows.

The Fratelli Pecchenino also cultivate their three hectares in Monforte d'Alba, where they cultivate their Nebbiolo grapes for Barolo in the top vineyards of Bussia and San Giuseppe. The single layer Barolo "Bussia-Corsini" and "Le Coste" were long insiders' tips, but in the meantime they are constantly earning high scores. In Italy as well as internationally, such as with the American Wine Spectator.

Also in the cellar no chemical additives are used. The hand-picked grapes are placed in small boxes, selected again by hand and crushed. Only the own vineyard yeasts are used to maintain the typicality.

Their Dolcetto specialities, such as "Siri d'Jermu", are also based on long mash contact, similar to Barolo. The wine is fermented for 10 to 12 days and then matured in large and small wooden barrels. Depending on the vintage, a separate decision is made on how the wine is to be matured. Most winegrowers in Piedmont do not put so much effort into the Dolcetto. If you enjoy Dolcetto from Pecchenino, you will immediately notice that silky elegance, more fruit and complexity play on the palate. Just more drinking pleasure is available.

Almost three quarters of the vineyards are planted with Dolcetto. The rest is shared by Nebbiolo, Barbera, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc and some Pinot nero.

In the Casa Pecchenino, by the way, it has also been possible to spend the night in a very formidable way for some years now. The old premises have been lovingly restored and tastefully furnished with suitable furniture. Perfect for a wine trip to Piedmont. SUPERIORE.DE