I mean… life’s complicated enough as it is, and in the world of wine there are more unknowns than there are glasses, but to actually call a wine that isn’t sweet ‘Dolcetto’? Well, yes, and it’s probably the most misunderstood bottle on the shelves and in the cellars around the world.
Dolcetto is a dry, fresh red wine with a characteristic slightly bitter note on the finish that makes it instantly recognisable.
So why is it called that? The answer isn’t to be found in the glass, but in the vineyard! Its name actually refers to the grape it comes from, not the wine it becomes.
And it is precisely this little tidbit that marks the start of our journey to discover one of Piedmont’s most authentic and representative grape varieties.
The history of Dolcetto: the most misunderstood name of all
Although the name suggests a sweet wine, it is anything but!
The origin of the name ‘Dolcetto’ is still the subject of various interpretations today. The most widely accepted theory links it to the sweetness of the grapes when they reach full ripeness: indeed, when tasted straight from the vineyard, Dolcetto grapes are particularly pleasant.
According to another interpretation, the name may derive from the Piedmontese word ‘dusset’, used to refer to the small hills where the vines were grown.
A grape variety deeply rooted in Piedmont
Dolcetto is one of Piedmont’s historic grape varieties. It is found primarily in the hills of Monferrato, Langhe and Ovadese, regions where it has found the ideal conditions to express its character.
For generations, in fact, it has been the everyday wine of Piedmont. Winegrowers, shareholders and the entire staff at Vinchio Vaglio remember it being served at family dinner tables.
Its strength lies precisely in combining approachability and personality: a recognisable wine, rooted in tradition and capable of sincerely reflecting the place from which it comes.
The characteristics of Dolcetto: freshness, balance and an unmistakable aftertaste
Dolcetto is a wine that wins you over with its balance, its drinkability and its ability to complement a meal.
In the glass, it generally displays an intense ruby-red colour, often enhanced by violet hues that hint at the wine’s youth.
On the nose, it reveals fresh, immediate aromas, with hints that may evoke cherry, blackberry, plum, small red berries and violet.
On the palate, it is dry, yet at the same time smooth and balanced. The pleasant tannins come through well and are characterised by a typical, slightly bitter finish… a touch that is one of Dolcetto’s trademarks, making it instantly recognisable amongst all others.
Interpretations of Piemonte DOC Dolcetto according to Vinchio Vaglio
Promoting a historic grape variety means, first and foremost, respecting its identity. Our philosophy remains the same: the best wine is one that fully expresses the characteristics of the grape variety and the terroir it originates from.
For the Piemonte DOC Dolcetto, we offer three different interpretations:
Sangiorgio Piemonte DOC Dolcetto
A Dolcetto with a pronounced fruity character that softens the tannins, bringing out the unique qualities of this wine. The name San Giorgio refers to a Benedictine monastery – of which no trace remains today – built in the hamlet of Noche di Vinchio, in an elevated and well-exposed location particularly suited to vine cultivation.
Riocrosio Piemonte DOC Dolcetto
The name refers to the ‘Crosio’ spring, from the dialect word ‘crös’ (deep, hollowed out), which flowed into a deep ditch at the foot of Monte del Mare, a charming little hill between Vinchio and Vaglio Serra.
Riocrosio Piemonte DOC Dolcetto Bag in Box
And why not try Dolcetto in its handy 3- and 10-litre bag-in-box packaging too?
Dishes to pair with Piemonte DOC Dolcetto
Dolcetto is not a wine suited to long-term ageing due to its low acidity, yet it offers pleasant tannins that make it perfect and versatile for pairing with food throughout a meal.
You can enjoy it with tajarin or agnolotti, to name a few traditional dishes, but also with red or white meat dishes and medium-aged cheeses.
It’s the classic wine that naturally finds its place on the table. A straightforward, genuine wine and, in this respect too, deeply Piedmontese, don’t you think?