The Piedmont Series - Dolcetto
Written By: Dylan York on Mon, Jun 16th 2008
Dolcetto is an early ripening red grape variety grown throughout Piedmont that produces wines with flavors of sweet berries and delicate hints of almonds. The wine is considered to be one of Italy's best quaffing wines. The term "quaffing wine" is used by wine lovers to describe a wine that is great for easy drinking. Since Dolcetto is known for its smooth fruit profile, this wine is ideal for relaxed unpretentious moments. The variety ripens four weeks earlier than Nebbiolo and is often planted in less desirable vineyard sites that tend to be much cooler. This allows growers to utilize more of their property while reserving the warmer south-facing slopes for growing Nebbiolo. Dolcetto is typically consumed two to three years after release and Dolcetto Superiore can be aged up to 5 years. There are several different styles to choose from in Piedmont, each with its own unique characteristic ranging from light and smooth to rich and firm.
Dolcetto is grown in one DOCG and seven DOC regions almost exclusively in the provinces of Cuneo and Alessandria, and each wine is named for the township where they are produced. Dolcetto di Dogliano Superiore was recently elevated to DOCG status in 2005 and is considered to have a more serious and complex style. Dogliano Superiore spends 18 months in oak whereas the other seven DOC Superiore wines spend only 14 months. Look for the producers Luigi Einaudi or Boschis for a great Dogliano Superiore. The other seven Dolcetto DOCs can be made in a basic and Superiore style with the exception of Dogliano, which is a DOCG. Here is a listing of all seven DOCs:
- Dolcetto d'Alba DOC
- Dolcetto d'Aqui DOC
- Dolcetto d'Asti DOC
- Dolcetto delle Langhe Monregalesi DOC
- Dolcetto di Diano D'Alba DOC
- Dolcetto di Dogliano DOC
- Dolcetto di Ovada DOC
Most commonly you will find Dolcetto from the townships of Asti, Alba, Diano d'Alba, Ovado and Dogliano in the US market but be on the lookout for the others. Dolcetto from Asti and Dogliano tend to be lighter than those from Alba, Diano d'Alba, and Ovada. The rarest style is from delle Langhe Monregalesi, where it is only produced in tiny quantities. One of my consistent favorites is the Renzo Seghesio Dolcetto d'Alba. The current release is the 2006 and it is a great wine. Most of these wines will range from $15 to $25 USD. These wines are perfect for a casual evening in and lend themselves well to just about everything.
In the next article I will share some interesting facts about Barbera, a wine that in 1984 killed more than thirty people.
