Is dolcetto a modest wine, or a great modest wine?

Question

Accepted Answer

Dolcetto's Identity: A Modest Wine or a Great Modest Wine?

Dolcetto is generally considered a modest wine, a descriptor that can be interpreted either negatively to imply limited potential or positively to signify a lack of pretension. The author posits that many of the world's most esteemed wines are, in fact, modest, while some disappointing ones lack this virtue. Modesty in wine is presented as a key quality, allowing the inherent character of the terroir to express itself without excessive manipulation. This perspective elevates dolcetto, traditionally viewed as a simple, everyday wine in Piedmont, Italy, into a category where its perceived modesty becomes an opportunity to appreciate its inherent greatness.
The Virtue of Modesty in Wine

The concept of modesty in wine is explored as a significant virtue, particularly when wines are produced without an inflated sense of importance, allowing the distinct characteristics of their origin, or terroir, to be the primary focus. This approach minimises artifice and highlights the natural expression of the grape and its environment. The author argues that many of the world's most highly regarded wines embody this modesty, contrasting them with disappointing wines that can appear pompous or overly ostentatious. This perspective suggests that true quality in wine, much like in character, lies not in grandiosity but in authenticity and restraint.
Dolcetto's Place in Piedmont

In its native region of Piedmont, Italy, dolcetto serves as the quintessential everyday wine, often complemented by barbera. Nebbiolo, a more prestigious grape, is typically reserved for special occasions. This established hierarchy within Piedmontese wine culture underscores dolcetto's role as an accessible, approachable option for daily consumption. The selected examples of dolcetto, priced between US$17 and US$35, represent some of the finest expressions of the grape, challenging the notion that modesty inherently equates to low quality or limited range.
Appreciating Dolcetto's Qualities

Dolcettos are characterized by their immediate drinkability and versatility with a wide array of foods, often described as "almost born delicious." Specific examples like the Luigi Einaudi Dolcetto di Dogliani 2014, Bartolo Mascarello Dolcetto d’Alba 2015, and Roagna Dolcetto d’Alba 2014 showcase diverse characteristics. The Einaudi exhibited depth, complexity, and pronounced earthiness, while the Mascarello offered vibrant fruitiness tempered by bitterness and liveliness. The Roagna, benefiting from aging, displayed smoothed edges and bright tart berry flavors. While Dogliani is generally regarded as the prime territory for dolcetto, excellent examples also emerge from Alba.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Is dolcetto a modest wine, or a great modest wine?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends