Why Dolcetto Should Be Your Go-To Everyday Italian Red Wine

Dolcetto, a traditional red wine from Italy’s Piedmont region, often takes a backseat to the more renowned Barolo and Barbaresco. Its overlooked status might stem from its shorter aging potential, but Dolcetto’s charm lies in its immediacy and accessibility. Highly regarded for its approachable nature, it has a long-standing cultural significance, with many producers still dedicated to crafting it.

Federica Boffa from Pio Cesare winery emphasizes Dolcetto’s importance, comparing it to Barbera and Nebbiolo in terms of its ability to adapt to the region’s terroir. Its vinification typically involves steel aging, which enhances its versatility with food. Richard Hanauer from RPM Italian mentions that Dolcetto pairs well with grilled vegetables and lighter meats, showcasing its flexibility in culinary contexts.

Most Dolcetto found in restaurants and stores is labeled as Dolcetto d’Alba, with the Alba territory nestled amongst the celebrated Barolo and Barbaresco zones. Despite some local producers transitioning away from it due to market pressures, others like Cascina Penna-Currado continue to produce Dolcetto as a cultural commitment rather than a business decision.

The town of Dogliani in southern Langhe has become renowned for its Dolcetto, known simply as Dogliani. Local producer Orlando Pecchenino highlights that the cooler climate here produces richer, more intense Dolcetto grapes.

As younger generations seek wines that offer purity and drinkability, Dolcetto could find a renewed following. Its straightforward pleasure may appeal particularly to those looking for an introduction into quality wines without the barrage of pretentiousness associated with higher-end labels.

Six Dolcettos to Try Now

1. 2023 Pio Cesare Dolcetto d’Alba ($29): With black fruit and spice notes, this wine serves as a charming introduction to Dolcetto.

2. 2024 Cascina Penna-Currado Dolcetto d’Alba Bricco Lago ($38): An irresistible option with notes of cranberry, perfect for food pairings.

3. 2024 Bruno Giacosa Dolcetto d’Alba Falletto ($37): A rich and aging-worthy Dolcetto sourced from one of Giacosa’s prime vineyards.

4. 2023 Pecchenino Dogliani San Luigi ($21): Offering cocoa powder and black pepper aromas, it stands out for its medium-weight tannins.

5. 2023 Poderi Luigi Einaudi Dogliani Superiore Madonna delle Grazie Vigna Tecc ($36): A complex wine with notes of black raspberry and myrtle.

6. 2023 Francesco Boschis Dogliani Superiore Pianezzo Vigna dei Prey ($30): A stylish Dogliani exhibiting strong myrtle and black plum aromas.

Explore Dolcetto to experience a vibrant piece of Piedmont’s wine heritage.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!