Italy · Piedmont · Dogliani
In the hills around Dogliani in southern Piedmont we find Azienda Agricola Ribote – a family-run winery with deep roots in local tradition. The winery has existed for generations, but has borne the name Ribote since 1980, named after the old farm where the Porro family has their home and cellar. Today the place is run by Bruno Porro and his son, who together look after both the vineyards and the cellar with great care and respect for the land.
The vineyards extend over about 35 hectares and lie between 200 and 600 meters above sea level on calcareous soil. Dolcetto – the area’s signature grape – is primarily grown here, but also Barbera, Nebbiolo and a little Chardonnay. Dolcetto di Dogliani in particular from the San Luigi vineyard has made Ribote known for its honest and characterful style.
All work in the fields is done manually and organically, without the use of pesticides, and the wines ferment spontaneously in stainless steel tanks or large, neutral wooden barrels. The goal is to highlight the natural freshness of the grape and the area's terroir without unnecessary intervention - honest wines with low alcohol, juicy fruit and firm structure.
The Dolcetto wines range from the classic Dogliani DOCG San Luigi with dark berries, herbs and slightly dusty tannins – to a more powerful Superiore with deeper fruit and aging potential. In addition, Ribote also makes a fresh and light Langhe Barbera, some Langhe Nebbiolo and a few bottles of Barolo from selected plots.
At Ribote, it’s not about trends, but about craftsmanship and identity. Their wines are not spectacular in the modern sense – they are down-to-earth, precise and full of the character of the place. A glass of Dolcetto from Ribote doesn’t just taste of Piedmont – it tastes of San Luigi.
