Dolcetto has long been in the shadow of Piedmont’s much more famous Nebbiolo grape. But for wine lovers, that’s good news: Top Dolcettos are among the best bargains around
By LETTIE TEAGUE
Updated Feb. 8, 2017
SOME GRAPES, through no fault of their own, are the perennial plus-one, the second banana, the vinous add-on. That’s the sad story of Dolcetto today. This red grape from Piedmont, Italy, is cultivated much in the shadow of the more famous Nebbiolo grape, used in the region’s most sought-after wines, Barolo and Barbaresco.
2014 Brovia Vignavillej Dolcetto d’Alba
$18
One of two Dolcettos produced by Brovia, Vignavillej is bright and lively. With notes of red cherry and spice and a decidedly exuberant nose, it was one of my favorite wines in the tasting.
