What is dolcett?

Dolcetto is a black Italian wine grape variety widely grown in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. The name Dolcetto means "little sweet one" in Italian, but it is not actually a sweet wine. It produces dry red wines that are typically fruity and meant for early consumption.

  • Origin and Region: Dolcetto is native to the Piedmont region of Italy, where it is primarily cultivated.
  • Flavor Profile: Dolcetto wines are known for their fruit-forward character, exhibiting flavors of black cherry, licorice, and almond. They often have a slightly bitter finish.
  • Body and Tannins: These wines tend to be light to medium-bodied with relatively low acidity and soft tannins compared to other Piedmontese wines like Barbera or Nebbiolo.
  • Food Pairing: Dolcetto pairs well with a variety of foods, including pasta dishes, cured meats, antipasto, and lighter meat dishes.
  • Common Appellations: Notable Dolcetto appellations in Piedmont include Dolcetto%20d'Alba, Dolcetto%20d'Asti, and Dolcetto%20di%20Dogliani.