An Introduction to Dolcetto

Dolcetto, meaning ‘little sweet one’ in Italian, is the third most important red grape in Piemonte after Nebbiolo and Barbera. It is fully fruited and quite delicious, especially young, and is a good alternative to Barbera for everyday drinking as its low acidity makes it extremely approachable at an early age, not unlike a cru Beaujolais. Dolcetto is soft, plush and round, smelling and tasting of blackberries and blueberries with hints of almond and licorice in the best examples. While grown all over northeastern Italy, it has lost ground to the firmer and longer lived Barbera since phylloxera. Dolcetto reaches its best potential in Asti, Acqui and Alba but it is in Dogliani where it is esteemed highly enough to have been awarded a DOCG.

    GET OUR NEWSLETTER

    Stay up to date!
    Sign up for the Ultimate Wine Lovers Newsletter with weekly offers
    Thanks for signing up. You must confirm your email address before we can send you. Please check your email and follow the instructions.
    We respect your privacy. Your information is safe and will never be shared.
    Don't miss out. Subscribe today.
    ×
    ×