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The Dolcetto – the native Piedmontese vine

Posted on by Enolike
12
Aug

The Dolcetto is a grape variety that has always fascinated me for its catchy and decidedly misleading name, which reminds me of a dear customer from when I had a wine shop.

The History

The Dolcetto grape variety is a black grape native to Piedmont, which has become a distinctive sign of the Langhe area. The first evidence of Dolcetto comes from a document dated 1593 from the municipality of Dogliani, although the history is older. It seems it arrived from nearby Liguria via the many salt roads that crossed the hills representing important trade.

In Liguria, the Dolcetto is called Ormeasco di Pornassio DOC; the cultivation area includes the western part of Liguria in the province of Imperia. In Liguria, the characteristics of Dolcetto have evolved above all because this grape variety adapts perfectly to the microclimates generated in the Ligurian hills.

The denominations of Dolcetto

Grappolo - il Dolcetto
The Dolcetto – grape

In Piedmont there are eleven wines with Controlled Designation of Origin (DOC) related to Dolcetto; I list them below: Dolcetto d’Alba, Dolcetto d Dogliani, Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba, Dolcetto delle Langhe Monregalesi, Dolcetto d’Asti, Dolcetto d’Acqui, Dolcetto di Ovada, Langhe Dolcetto, Monferrato Dolcetto, Colli Tortonesi Dolcetto, Pinerolese Dolcetto.

In addition, there are two wines with Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin (DOCG) they are: Dolcetto di Dogliani Superiore (simply Dogliani – established in 2005) and Dolcetto di Ovada Superiore (simply Ovada established in 2008).

Curiosity

Why is this grape variety called Dolcetto? There are several theories about the origins of the name. The prevailing one tells us that the name “dolcetto” derives from the important sugar concentration of the grapes. According to other experts, the name is due to the early ripening of the bunches; the first to be harvested among the red grape varieties.
Others say that the term “dosset” (dolcetto in Piedmontese) refers to the gentle shape of the hills that traditionally hosted the cultivation of this variety.

The characteristics

Piemonte - Il Dolcetto
the Dolcetto in Piemonte

Cultivation requires well-drained soil and significant sun exposure; this is a very adaptable vine and grows well in hot and cool climates. The bunches are medium-sized with oval-shaped grapes and thick skin, rich in tannins with little acidity.

During the winemaking phase, the must has an intense ruby-red color with purple hues. The outcome is an intense red wine with hints of ripe berries and spices. It is usually drunk young, but depending on the winemaking and refinement, it can also age for over ten years.

Pairings

The young version stands out for the fragrance of the aromas and pairs very well with pasta dishes with meat sauces, tasty soups, and semi-mature cheeses. The Dolcetto aged in wood instead has an important persistence of taste and pairs well with roast beef or stewed rabbit. There is also the Dolcetto rosé version, perfect with medium-structured appetizers, sautéed vegetables, fish, and white meats; I recommend serving it fresh but not cold.

Ciao
Elisa
Enolike

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