Dolcetto – fruit, freshness & Italian suitability for everyday use
Dolcetto is a classic red wine grape variety from Piedmont in northern Italy. Although the name means “the little sweet one”, the wines are almost always dry, with ripe fruit, mild acidity and often robust tannins. Dolcetto stands for uncomplicated, authentic wine enjoyment and is known in varieties such as Dolcetto d’Alba, Dolcetto di Dogliani or Dolcetto d’Ovada.
Aromas of black cherry, plum, violet, almond, blackberry and often also licorice or dark chocolate are typical of Dolcetto. The style ranges from fresh and fruity to powerful and tannic.
🔹 Young, fresh Dolcetto: Fruity, dry, with cherry aromas & mild acidity.
🔹 Dolcetto Superiore / from high altitudes: Stronger, more structured, with more tannin & depth.
🔹 Dolcetto as a food companion: Ideal for rustic Piedmontese cuisine & simple pasta dishes.
Dolcetto goes perfectly with everyday Italian cuisine, pasta, snacks, pizza and grilled meat dishes.
1️⃣ Young, fruity Dolcetto
Taste: Dry, soft, with dark fruit & gentle tannin structure.
Typical aromas: black cherry, blackberry, violet, almond.
✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Pasta & pizza → Tagliatelle with mushroom ragout, pizza funghi
✔ Snacks & cold cuts → Salami, coppa, taleggio
✔ Everyday dishes & antipasti → Vitello tonnato, grilled vegetables
➡ Recommended recipes:
– Tagliatelle with mushrooms
– Pizza Funghi
2️⃣ Powerful Dolcetto Superiore / Dogliani
Taste: Spicy, structured, with fine tannins & dark fruit.
Typical aromas: plum, licorice, dark chocolate, herbs.
✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Grilled meat & braised dishes → Salsiccia, beef ragout, lamb chops
✔ Cheese & rustic cuisine → Matured Robiola, Pecorino, mushroom dishes
✔ Hearty pasta → Pappardelle with game ragout, gnocchi with salsiccia
➡ Recommended recipes:
– Lamb chops with rosemary
– Pappardelle with game ragout
🔍 Dolcetto & food pairing at a glance
| Dolcetto style | Best food pairings |
|---|---|
| Young Dolcetto | Pasta, pizza, antipasti, cold cuts, vitello tonnato |
| Strong Dolcetto | Grilled meat, game, gnocchi, strong cheese, mushroom dishes |
The ideal serving temperature for Dolcetto
-
Young Dolcetto: 14-16 °C
-
Dolcetto Superiore: 16-18 °C
🚀 Conclusion: Why Dolcetto goes perfectly with everyday Italian cuisine
Dolcetto is the uncomplicated charmer of Piedmont: fruity & soft, strong & spicy – and always perfect with pasta, pizza, snacks or grilled meat. A real pleasure wine for every day! 🍷🇮🇹
➢ Which combination did you like best? Discover all the matching recipes here! 😊🚀
Latest recipes with Dolcetto to accompany dishes
Baked aubergines with tomato and herb couscous (vegan)
Mediterranean flavour meets vegan lightness This aromatic dish combines oven-baked aubergines with a fresh tomato [...]
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