Red grape
Dolcetto
An early-ripening Piedmont black grape with low acidity and firm tannin, deep in color, made in Dogliani and Alba to drink young.
At a glance
- 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.
Similar grapes
Barbera
Similar both are classic Piedmont reds with dark fruit.
Difference Barbera is much higher in acidity and lower in tannin; Dolcetto adds a bitter almond note.
Nebbiolo
Similar both are classic Piedmont reds.
Difference Nebbiolo is paler, higher in acidity, and more tannic; Dolcetto is darker and softer in acidity.