Dolcetto wine in Australia

Dolcetto is an Italian red wine grape variety which is popular in the cooler northern regions of Italy, particularly in Piedmont region.

Its early ripening makes it a feasible choice in areas where Barbera and Nebbiolo would struggle to ripen.

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Although the name implies sweetness, Dolcetto wines are usually dry. The variety is noted for producing relatively low acid wines. The strong dark colour of the grape is reflected in the deep colour of the wine. Low to moderate acidity and tannins mean that these wines are best consumed fairly young, and they are rarely great wines.

Steve De Long, on his Wine Grape Varietal Table describes these wines as

Deep purple, intensely fruity, almonds, plums, blackberries...

The variety hasn't taken off in Australia like some of the other red Italian varieties, such as the increasingly popular Sangiovese. It seems that Australia is the only country outside Italy that has significant plantings of the variety. However there are some attractive Australian Dolcetto wines being made. They don't taste like shiraz.

Brown Brothers blends Dolcetto with Shiraz, or Syrah as it says on the label to make a popular sweetish red. Unfortunately this wine has perpetuated the idea that dolcetto wines ae sweet.

Ben Glaetzer of Heartland wines blends 30% of this variety with Lagrein for an interesting dry red.

Food pairing with Dolcetto wines

These red wines are probably best consumed young, with some of your favourite tomato based Italian cuisine. They are often robust enough to be paired with antipasto where they will be consumed with sharp pickled foods, salted anchovies or savory salamis all at once.

They are also suitable for Asian foods where their fruity flavours can compete with spicier flavours.

Next time you find a good dolcetto why not try it with a chicken liver risotto, or perhaps a gnocchi with a cheese sauce.

Here is a recipe from Catherine Vale Winery for Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce.

The following Australian wineries are using Dolcetto.