Italian Grapes
Dolcetto
Dolcetto is a red wine grape from Piemonte in Italy.
About Dolcetto
Dolcetto means "little sweet one", probably because the grapes ripen (become sweet = dolce) before other varieties. Or maybe Dolcetto derives from the local dialect "Dosset" or "hills", typical of Piedmontese wine landscape.
The people of Piemonte have always enjoyed their famous red wines (Barolo, Barbaresco, and Barbera), but their traditional everyday wine has been Dolcetto.
Dolcetto is light and soft and can be drunk young, due to low acidity and soft tannins.
Traditionally, Dolcetto is served in the middle of a meal, after the whites and before the heavier reds.
Dolcetto was the everyday wine (Vino da tavola) in Piemonte after World War II. Today, Barbera is beginning to overtake the everyday wine role in Piemonte. Barbera produces more fruit and the price of Barbera is now lower than the price of Dolcetto.
"Traditionally we pair Dolcetto with spicy features such as garlic or pepper.
Outside Piemonte the wine is perfect with a classic pizza."
—Alfio Cavallotto, Cavallotto Winery.
Dolcetto Flavors
Red and Blue Berries and Violets are typical Dolcetto flavors.
 Cherry |
 Raspberry |
 Blueberry |
 Black Cherry |
 Violets |
 Roses |
 Plum |
 Licorice |
Dolcetto Profile
Dolcetto is a medium wine with low acidity and medium-high tannins:
| SUGAR: | Dry (3 g/l) |
| BODY: | Medium - Light |
| TANNINS: | Medium |
| FRUIT: | Medium |
| ACIDITY: | Medium - Low |
| ACOHOL: | 11.5-13.5% ABV |
 |
Serving temperature: 14-15°C (57-59°F) |
Dolcetto Food Pairing
Dolcetto is easy drinking and very food friendly.
It pairs well with Italian Pasta and Pizza dishes.
 Antipasti |
 Pizza |
 Hamburger |
 Sandwitch |
 Pasta |
 Mushroom |
 Sausages |
 Salami |
 Ham |
 Chicken |
 Lamb |
 Pork |
Excellent pairings
Antipasti. Pizza. Burgers.
Smoked Ham. Prosciutto. Salami.
Lasagna. Spagetti with Meatballs.
Pasta with Mushrooms or Truffles.
Grilled and Roasted Meat.
Chicken. Lamb. Pork.
Piemonte Spesialities
Carne Cruda (Veal Tartar).
Gnocci in red sauce with Mushrooms.
Acciughe al Verde (Anchovies with Parsley and Capers).
Aged Salami with Garlic and Black Pepper.
The Ideal Glass for Dolcetto
Pick a Burgundy Glass for swirling & releasing the wine aromas.
|
The shape of the glass captures and directs the delicate aromas to your nose and leads the wine to the tip of your tongue for a better reception of the tastes. The Burgundy glass was designed for the delicate and aromatic red wine Bourgogne Rouge, made from Pinot Noir grapes in Bougogne (Burgundy). |
Dolcetto Cheese Pairing
If You Like Dolcetto
You Might Also Like:
Wine Region Piemonte
Black Grapes |
White Grapes |
|
|
Soil |
Climate |
Lime-Rich. |
Cool/Mild Continental. |
DOCG Regions in Piemonte
- Alta Langa (Metodo Classico)
- Asti Spumate (100% Moscato)
- Barbaresco (100 %Nebbiolo)
- Barbera d'Asti (Min. 90% Barbera)
- Barbera del Monferrato Superiore
- Barolo (100% Nebbiolo)
- Brachetto d'Acqui (100% Brachetto)
- Gavi (100% Cortese)
- Dogliani Superiore (100% Dolcetto)
- Ovada Superiore (100% Dolcetto)
- Diano d'Alba (100% Dolcetto)
- Erbaluce di Caluso
- Gattinara (Min 90% Nebbiolo)
- Ghemme (Min 85% Nebbiolo)
- Moscato d’Asti (100% Moscato)
- Nizza (100% Barbera)
- Roero (100% Arneis)
- Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato (90% Ruchè)
- Terre Alfieri (Arneis and Nebbiolo)