The wines of Italy are fascinating for many reasons. One of those is the sheer breadth and variety emanating from there. There are tons of varietals made in a host of styles. Sangiovese based wines such as Chianti and Brunello get a lot of attention as does the Nebbiolo based Barolo. However some great pleasures can be had from other grapes that don’t get as much play. One of those is Dolectto. I’ll look at a fine example of one today.
The Paolo Manzone 2010 Dolcetto D’Alba “Magna” DOC was produced using fruit sourced from vines that have roughly 25 years of age on them. The vineyards chosen sit roughly 375 meters above sea level in Piedmont. After gentle pressing the wine was fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. 1,250 cases of this offering were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $17.99.
Plum, violet and vanilla bean aromas fill the nose of this 2010 Dolcetto. Blueberry, black plum, cherry and white pepper characteristics are all present in droves throughout the palate. Hints of sour cherry, black pepper, nutmeg and a wisp of anise emerge on the finish which has good length. This wine has firm, racy acidity and lovely structure. Well made Dolcetto is primed to pair with a wide array of food from roasted meats to pungent cheeses and dishes drenched in red sauce. The 2010 Paolo Manzone is quite definitely a very good example of Dolcetto d’Alba. For around the same price you can find a decent Chianti, you can get this terrific Dolcetto, give it a shot.