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Dolcetto: A Grape Worth Exploring

OVER THE PAST FEW years, I have developed a deep appreciation for wine from the northwest Italian region of Piedmont. I be- lieve, along with many wine con- noisseurs, that Piedmont is one of the most unique and interesting wine regions in the world. I view this region the same way I view the New England Patriots; noth- ing short of excellence. Piedmont produces two of the most respected red wines in the world, Barolo and Barbaresco. Both become better with age, and possess flavors that are similar to none. Nebbiolo, the grape used to produce these illustri- ous wines, is considered the reign- ing king of Piedmont. Dolcetto, another    grape    from    this    region, is a black grape that captures the essence of Piedmont along with carving its own lane. In Italian, Dolcetto (pronounced Dohl-chet- toe) means “little sweet one”. If Nebbiolo is the Tom Brady of Pied- mont, than Dolcetto is Wes Welker.
The best wines are the ones that can pair well with a wide range of cuisine or can be enjoyed alone. Dolcetto fits this category. It is ironic that Dolcetto means “little sweet one” in Italian because the wines produced with this grape are usually dry. Two flavors that are commonly found in Dolcetto are cherries and chocolate. I am sure your scratching your head thinking, how can a wine taste like chocolate and not be sweet? Dolcetto tends to have a pleasant bitterness to it, especially on the finish. Hints of herbs, licorice, and almonds are other flavor profiles found in Dol- cetto, but cherries and chocolate are Dolcetto’s signature trait. If your a fan of light to medium bod- ied red wines, such as Pinot Noir or Chianti, Dolcetto could be your new side kick.
“Both become better with age, and possess flavors that are similar to none. Nebbiolo, the grape used to produce these illustrious wines, is considered the reigning king of Piedmont.”
The Langhe (pronounced Lahn- gay), a sub-region of Piedmont, is famous for its cheeses, truffles, and of course, vino. Known for its gorgeous landscapes, castles, and vineyards, the Langhe is a special place with a backdrop courtesy of The Alps. Within this sub-region are little towns that are home to many great wineries in Piedmont. Two towns worth mentioning, Dogliani and Alba, grow Dol- cetto grapes. Several phenomenal winemakers on the market from these towns work with this distinct Piedmontese varietal. If your still reading up to this point, chances are your considering seeking out of bottle. Next time your rummaging through the cabinets and bins of your local wine shop, keep an eye out for Dolcetto di Dogliani and Dolcetto D’Alba. Both are afford- able for the everyday wine drinker, and go great with pork, pizza and pasta dishes.
What sets Piedmont apart from other wine regions, is the fact that its indigenous grapes only reach their full potential in this particular area of the world. You can grow Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay practically anywhere, but it is much more difficult with Piedmontese varietals, such as Dol- cetto. This grape has been imported across the globe and planted in re- gions located in France, California, and Australia, but it will never taste as good as it does in Piedmont.