Lovers of Piedmont ‘owe it to themselves to check out the region’s Dolcetto and Barbera bottlings’, writes Antonio Galloni. Whilst Barolo and Barbaresco are among the best wines in the world, Dolcetto and Barbera are a dynamic duo, celebrated by the winemakers and people of Piedmont as their everyday food wines.
Both varieties are known for their wonderful drinkability, and the pairing possibilities are endless! In Wine Enthusiast’s recent tasting of Dolcettos and Barberas, ‘the best examples were from Alba’ – as are the four we’re offering today, from the legendary GD Vajra, Marengo, Pio Cesare, and Serradenari (Giulia Negri).
Dolcetto translates to ‘little sweet one’ because of its lower acidity and fresh, fruity style. They’re ‘deliciously affordable, food-friendly reds. The perfect dinner party wine’, says Decanter.
Barbera is one of Northern Italy’s signature varieties, and it’s typically darker-fruited and more muscular than Dolcetto, with amazing acidity and earthy undertones. Barbera is normally harvested between the early-maturing Dolcetto and the late-ripening Nebbiolo, and stylistically it lies between the two. Though juicy and appealing young, the best Barberas age gracefully.
View our full range of Dolcettos and Barberas here.
Tasting Notes:
‘The 2023 Dolcetto d’Alba offers up a classic profile of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, cloves and licorice. Medium in body and vibrant, the 2023 is seriously beautiful. This is what Dolcetto should be.’ – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 90/100
