THEWINEMONOLOGUES.COM: For the weekend, I give you Dolcetto!

For the weekend, I give you Dolcetto!

Its warm out, barbeques are going, family and friends are visiting more often and you need a good "go to" reasonably priced red wine. . . try some Dolcetto!!

Dolcetto originates from the Piedmont region of Italy, where it is overshadowed by the more powerful and concentrated Nebbiolo. The grape varietal produces deeply-pigmented wines, thick with fruit character, high in natural acidity and having only mild tannins. Dolcetto is best consumed young, because its youthful fruit flavors fade quicker than its acidity.

You will often find the Dolcetto name linked on the label to the name of one of the Piedmont villages where it is grown: Dolcetto d'Alba, Dolcetto d'Acqui or Dolcetto d'Dogliani for example. Each of the villages, interestingly, seems to have a different flavor profile for its Dolcetto.

d'Alba— is full-bodied, low in acidity with dark berry flavors.

d'Acqui— is a dry wine that possesses a slightly nutty profile with a small hint of bitterness.

d'Dogliani — has more dark chocolate and plum flavors. It is medium-bodied with well-balanced tannins, fruit and acids.

I recently had the chance to enjoy a Dolcetto from Alba.

This Dolcetto had a clear deep ruby core with a wide purple edge. The nose was full of deep plum, cherry, and floral hints of medium intensity. On the palate, the tannins and acidity were well balanced. There was a really soft plum flavor initially that led to some cherry flavors at the mid-palate. The finish is moderate to long with hints of warm fruit and just a touch of bitterness completing the experience.

Dolcetto is usually a wine of good value, often very reasonably priced. Its well balanced acidity and fruity flavor profile make it a "no-brainer" for a good everyday wine alternative. Go out and find some at your better wine stores. As always. . . expand your palate. Cheers!!