Wine Grape: Dolcetto
Dolcetto is a red wine grape, probably native to the Monferrato area of Italy's Piedmont region, although some say it's originally from Liguria. Dolcetto first appears in writings from the late 1700s. Its name translates to 'little sweet one', referring to the sweet grapes that, being relatively low in acid, seem even sweeter. Dolcetto ripens relatively early, and does especially well where the temperature variations between night and day are more pronounced. In Liguria, Dolcetto goes by 'Ormeasco', from the Ormea region on the border between Liguria and Piedmont. Dolcetto usually makes wines that are relatively simple, fragrant, and to be enjoyed young.
Piedmont counts 7 different wines named after the grape. Dolcetto d'Alba DOC is probably the most produced and well known, and the Dolcetto grape gets some prime real estate here. Dolcetto di Diano d'Alba DOC is a similar wine, with less production. Dolcetto di Dogliani DOC is a little less structured, and especially the bubbly ones have fragrant notes of cherry, blackberry, and plum. Dolcetto delle Lange Monregalesi DOC is quite similar, harder to find, light and easy to drink, and has a slightly bitter finish.
Dolcetto d'Asti DOC usually has a little more body and elegance, Dolcetto d'Acqui DOC has a fruity softness, something like a Gamay, and Dolcetto di Ovada is probably the biggest of these last 3, with a little more tannin.
Synonyms
Also known as Beaina, Bignola, Bignonina, Cassolo, Dolcetta Nera, Dolcetto Piemontese, Dolsin, Dolsin Nero, Douce Noir, Nibiò, Ormeasco, Uva d'Acqui, Uva del Monferrato, Uva di Ovada, Uva di Roccagrimalda
Where
Italy: Abruzzo, Emilia-Romagna, Liguria, Lombardia, Piedmont, Umbria, Valle d'Aosta
Principal Wines
Italy: Piedmont: Dolcetto di Dogliani Superiore or Dogliani DOCG, Colli Tortonesi DOC, Dolcetto d'Acqui DOC, Colcetto d'Alba DOC, Dolcetto d'Asti DOC, Dolcetto delle Langhe Monregalesi DOC, Dolcetto di Diano d'Alba or Diano d'Alba DOC, Dolcetto di Dogliani DOC, Dolcetto di Ovada DOC, Langhe DOC, Monferrato DOC, Pinerolese DOC, Valsusa DOC; Liguria: Golfo del Tigullio DOC, Pornassio or Ormeasco di Pornassio DOC, Val Polcèvera DOC
Characteristics
Color: Deep ruby red with purple hues
Nose: Fruity (black fruits), Vinous, Floral (Violet), Spicy (licorice), Toasted (coffee)
Palate: Good acidity and alcohol, light tannins, and medium body
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