Dolcetto, which translates as little sweet one may or may not have originated in France but has been grown in the north-west of Italy, particularly in Piedmont, since the eleventh century. As an early ripening red grape variety Dolcetto is popular in cooler regions where Barbera and Nebbiolo have difficulty ripening.
As the first of Piedmont’s three varieties to ripen (usually a fortnight before Barbera and up to a month earlier than Nebbiolo) Dolcetto makes soft, fruity wines for early consumption that pair well with risotto, pasta and pizza..
While the variety is attractive as am early to market wine that will generate income while the more highly rated Nebbiolo and Barbera are maturing, Dolcetto is highly sensitive to climate conditions and soil, prone to fungus diseases and only produces well under the right conditions. The vine produces conical bunches of blue-violet grapes with moderate levels of tannin. The grapes are densely coloured with high levels of anthocyanins, so a highly coloured wine can be achieved without a great deal of skin contact.
The little sweet one might suggest a sweetish wine, and the Brown Brothers blend of Dolcetto with Syrah is definitely in that mould, but the best varietal examples are dry, with medium alcohol and moderate to low acid and tannin levels that are best consumed fairly young
The wines are usually a clear, brightly coloured red appearance, intensely fruity with hints of black cherry, licorice , quince, almonds, plums, prunes, and blackberries, a smooth fruity palate and a slightly bitter finish.
Dolcetto was first planted in Australia in the nineteenth century, but disappeared in the 1890s except for an area in Victoria’s Great Western that dates back to 1867 and represents the world’s oldest current plantings of the variety.
The wines are best consumed young, and match well with tomato based Italian cuisine, risotto, or gnocchi with a cheese sauce, antipasto and Asian foods since the fruity flavours can hold their own against spicier flavours. It’s also the sort of red wine that goes well with white meats such as chicken or turkey.
