A Piedmont Gem from One of Dogliani's Most Storied Estates

My Wine Man on Marziano Abbona

Marziano Abbona is one of Piedmont's most respected family producers, based in Dogliani — the heartland of Dolcetto in the Langhe hills. The Abbona family has farmed these slopes for generations, and Marziano elevated the estate to international recognition through his obsessive focus on terroir expression and minimal intervention in the cellar. The Papa Celso — named in honour of his father — is the estate's flagship Dolcetto, sourced from their oldest, most prized vines. It is a wine that captures everything Dogliani does best: deep colour, vivid fruit, and a silky, food-friendly structure that makes it one of the most versatile and satisfying reds in all of Italy.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby-violet in the glass with a vibrant, youthful rim. The nose is expressive and generous — ripe black cherry, plum, and wild blueberry, lifted by violet florals and a subtle hint of dark chocolate and almonds. On the palate, it's medium-bodied with soft, rounded tannins and a lively, fresh acidity that keeps everything in balance. The finish is clean, fruit-forward, and satisfyingly long with a characteristic Dolcetto bittersweet note on the close.

Style & Drinking Window

Medium-bodied with supple tannins and bright acidity — this is Dolcetto at its most complete. Approachable now and drinking beautifully through 2027–2028. No decanting required, though 20–30 minutes in a carafe will open up the aromatics nicely. Serve at 16–18°C for best expression.

Food Pairing

The ripe black cherry and violet character of the 2019 Marziano Abbona Papa Celso Dolcetto di Dogliani make it a sublime match for Australian Valenca Free Range Pork Loin Roast from My Meat Man. The wine's soft tannins and fresh, fruit-forward acidity complement the delicate sweetness and tender texture of free-range pork loin beautifully — whether slow-roasted with rosemary and garlic, braised with Barolo and herbs, or served with a rich mushroom and sage pan sauce.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HK$199 per bottle, the Papa Celso is exceptional value for a single-estate, old-vine Dolcetto from one of Dogliani's benchmark producers. Dolcetto di Dogliani DOCG is a step above standard Dolcetto d'Alba in terms of terroir specificity and quality standards — and Abbona's flagship bottling is the appellation's calling card. Comparable quality from Piedmont's top estates regularly commands HK$280–350 in Hong Kong.

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