Wine Tasting
Party -- Dolcetto & Pizza
 Dolcetto
is a red grape variety that is grown nearly
exclusively in Italy's Piedmont region.
In contrast to the most famous wines of
the region - Barolo, Barbaresco (both made
from the Nebbiolo grape) and even Barbera-based
wines - Dolcetto is generally made to be
drunk in the first couple of years after
bottling.
Dolcetto means "little sweet one"
in Italian, and for years, it was considered
to be not much more than a simple table
wine, with uncomplicated, soft flavors.
These days, more producers are taking care
to create a deeply-colored, fruity wine
with rounded tannins, black cherry and licorice
notes, and a finish that includes a touch
of almond skin-like bitterness.
There are several regions within Piedmont
that produce Dolcetto wines, but the best
known are Alba and, to a lesser extent,
Ovada, where the wines can offer enough
tannic structure to age nicely for some
five years.
Dolcetto is a delicious wine to pair with
pizza, and an array of pizzas make a fun
tasting. We particularly like anchovies
with our Dolcetto (which may have much to
do with the popularity of the little fishies
in Piedmont), but just about any toppings
will do. Dolcetto is a natural partner for
ham, bacon and sausage - so don't leave
those out!
Here are three Dolcettos we've particularly
enjoyed lately:
($17). Fresh red berry, cherry and floral
aromas and flavors stay bright and smooth
through the long, mineral-laced finish.
Ready to drink now and over the next couple
of years. Locate
this wine online or in your area.
($19). Round and smooth, with
ripe black cherry and berry fruit laced
with licorice and a touch of toasted almond.
Classic Dolcetto. Ready to drink now. Locate
this wine online or in your area.
($17). Light and crisp, with
blackberry aromas and flavors that pick
up a touch of mineral on the finish. Ready
to drink now. Locate
this wine online or in your area.
We've found that our guests really enjoy
the opportunity to "grade" the
wines. You can make it as casual or controlled
as you like. We tend to put out a pile of
our tasting
notes sheets and then encourage our
guests to take notes. Somewhere toward the
end of the evening -- or once everyone has
had time to taste the various wines -- we
like to have a little group discussion of
the favorites. It really is a lot of fun
to hear everyone's opinions of the wines,
and there are always some interesting surprises.
The most important thing is
to have fun with your tasting party. Branch
out to wines that are new to you. Don't
worry about the results -- everyone will
have a great time participating in the tasting.
And be sure to let
us know which wines were the hit at
your party!
For details on our past tasting
party ideas - click
here.
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