Collection: Dolcetto

Dolcetto is a black Italian grape variety with roots in the Monferrato area of Piemonte, more specifically in the province of Alessandria. Although it is often associated with Piemonte, it also has a long history in Liguria, and both regions are considered the grape's most important homeland. With us you will find exclusively Dolcetto from Italy, and all our bottles come from Piemonte, where the grape truly belongs.

The name Dolcetto is usually translated as "the little sweet one". The grapes are indeed sweet with low acidity, but this should not be confused with the wines, which are almost always dry. The result is typically medium-bodied, dry red wines with a fresh character, grapey aromas, and a lively, refreshing acidity. This makes the style approachable and easy to love, without becoming heavy.

Dolcetto is known for ripening early. It is ready about three weeks before Barbera and four weeks before Nebbiolo, and is therefore often harvested first of the three classic Piemontese varieties. In the field it is not easy to work with. Its vigour is modest, the buds are fragile, and the grape is sensitive to moisture and weather changes close to harvest. It performs best on calcareous clay and sandy soils, and the quality rises noticeably when yields are kept on a short leash.

In Piemonte, Dolcetto has its own long list of appellations, including Dolcetto d'Alba, di Dogliani, di Diano d'Alba and d'Ovada, while in Liguria the grape is found under the name Ormeasco in Riviera Ligure di Ponente Ormeasco di Pornassio. These are wines that suit the everyday table. The fresh fruit and soft profile work nicely with pasta with meat sauce, risotto, and a wide range of cheeses.