Toccata – Dolcetto Fresco / 2023
Santa Barbara County AVA – California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
Inspired by Italy’s playful Vino Novello tradition, this is a spirited, fruit-forward expression of Dolcetto made in Santa Barbara County. Produced from 100% estate-grown fruit sourced from the Lucas & Lewellen family’s Los Alamos Valley vineyards, this wine also marks an important milestone for the winery as their first bottling crafted using carbonic maceration. The result is a lively, aromatic, and freshness-driven red that feels immediate and vibrant.
Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red cherries lead the profile, supported by delicate clove spice and aromatic herbal tones. Juicy fruit character remains at the forefront, balanced by subtle savory nuances that add dimension without weighing the wine down.
Mouthfeel
Light-bodied and energetic with soft tannins and refreshing acidity. The texture is supple and easygoing, finishing crisp, clean, and irresistibly moreish.
Food Pairings
Charcuterie boards, margherita pizza, grilled sausages, roasted chicken, or simple pasta dishes with herbs and olive oil.
Verdict
A joyful, modern take on Dolcetto that prioritizes freshness, drinkability, and charm. Light, expressive, and versatile, this is a red wine built for casual enjoyment while still offering varietal character and balance.
Did You Know?
Carbonic maceration, famously used in Beaujolais, emphasizes primary fruit aromas and freshness while softening tannins—making wines like this ideal for chilling slightly and drinking young. — 10 months ago
Ottimo novello — 3 years ago
Very young and tannic just opened, after 1 hour in a decanter with extensive shaking opens up nicely delivering black dried fruit in the palate, resembles some young Barolo like the ones from Ravera cru, Novello. Awesome! @22 years age, long life ahead — 7 years ago
Absolutely delicious
Made in the area of Novello apparently, but tastes like it is from Serralunga ( licorice hype🤣)
To call this just nebbiolo sounds underestimating its breed
Very intense, long and complex
Tannin nearly resolved, but so velvety nevertheless
Super lucky find — 7 years ago
Very very tannic — 5 months ago
Black fruits, concentrated, fruity. Slight bitter. CP high value. 9.0 for this 10 years vintage. 14 @11000, A Novello, 240701 — 2 years ago
Nice Barbera d’Alba from Massolino di Serralunga. Paired it with snails. Had it with Davide, mom and dad in Novello d’Alba — 3 years ago
Smelled an abundance of fruit..not a fruit bomb but alcohol fruit — 6 years ago
My new love in Barolo vineyards, from Novello and some Nebbiolo Rosé, amazing nose, but not ready at all, just nice to try. — 7 years ago
Bella Novello – Cabernet Sauvignon – Vintage 2023
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A tribute wine named after Teresa Novello, this Cabernet Sauvignon carries the elegance of heritage with the power of Napa terroir. Crafted in limited production (just 850 cases), Bella Novello is youthful yet already expressive, shaped by winemaking that blends Italian finesse with Napa Valley boldness.
Aromas & Flavors
Aromas of blackcurrant, ripe plum, and blackberry intertwine with cedar, graphite, and touches of dried violet. Subtle hints of mocha and spice round out its aromatic depth.
Mouthfeel
Structured and youthful, with firm tannins and a focused core of dark fruit. The mid-palate shows promise of expansion, leading to a lingering finish marked by cassis and savory spice. Designed to reward both patience and curiosity.
Food Pairings
Pair with classic dishes like bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised lamb shanks, or wild mushroom risotto. Its backbone of tannin and freshness makes it ideal for rich, protein-driven meals.
Verdict
Bella Novello is a Cabernet with poise, combining Old World inspiration and Napa’s hallmark concentration. Drinkable now with decanting, but truly a wine built to age gracefully over the next decade.
Did You Know?
The Novello family’s Italian roots are deeply honored through this label, bringing a personal story of heritage to the heart of Napa winemaking.
🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This Cabernet feels like a future classic, bold yet refined. While still youthful, it already hints at the elegance it will achieve with time. A bottle worth cellaring, but also one to enjoy now with the right meal and good company. Cheers! — 8 months ago
Black fruits, concentrated, leather, earth, gentle tannins. Balanced acidity. CP high value. Chianti Classico Castellare di Castellina 19 @11000, A Novello, 240701 — 2 years ago
Ha peso di freschezza. Ma rimane godibile — 5 years ago
A bold fruity nose of goji berries, raspberry, long leaf pine and candied red fruits. The flavors are bold and lingering fruit, with a gentle tannin, and vegetal finish. Gentle sweetness on the start and Mid palate, with a pale red color of raspberry jam. — 6 years ago
...my fav! Novello in Boca... — 7 years ago
@Delectable - had Vino Salida Novello “New Red” Zinfandel- Sangiovese Blend - nice fruit-forward red blend — 7 years ago
Mark Rosse
Fabulous white Lange from Novello — 4 months ago