Nebbiolo vs Dolcetto
Nebbiolo
A pale-colored black grape with very high tannin and high acidity, scented with rose and tar, and the grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco.
- Pale color
- Rose and tar
- Very high tannin
Recognize it
Nebbiolo is pale in color but very high in drying tannin, with high acidity as well. Rose, red cherry, and tar are classic markers, with more savory notes developing with age.
Dolcetto
An early-ripening Piedmont black grape with low acidity and firm tannin, deep in color, made in Dogliani and Alba to drink young.
- Black plum
- Low acidity
- Firm tannin
Recognize it
Low acidity with moderate to firm tannin makes Dolcetto softer in acidity than Barbera but grippier in a young bottle. Deep ruby color, black plum, and a bitter almond finish are common.
How they compare
- SimilarBoth are classic Piedmont reds.
- DifferenceNebbiolo is paler, higher in acidity, and more tannic; Dolcetto is darker and softer in acidity.