Dolcetto is much like Gamay: it’s a wine for drinking. It’s what you’ll find on the table on a Tuesday night in Langhe. But this wine shows just how serious it can be given meticulous winemaking and vines that date up to 70 years old.
It's the wine that started it all for Domenico Clerico, who sadly passed away in 2017. He started with just three hectares of Dolcetto in 1978 before expanding across Piemonte, becoming one of the giants of Barolo. While the top wines sell for over $200, this Dolcetto shows that you can still find exceptional value within the portfolio. Today, the winery continues under the guidance of the Clerico family and winemaker Oscar Arrivabene.
Tasting Note
Dolcetto commonly produces deeply coloured red wines, and this is no exception. It pours a deep purple-hued ruby, offering fresh, juicy red cherries and blackberries, with a real purity to the fruit. Subtle notes of violets and anise add depth and frame the generous fruit, leading to a well-balanced, medium-bodied palate with polished, fine-grained tannins that speak to the quality of the winemaking. A top example of Dolcetto, to be sure.
Food Pairing
A traditional Piemontese pairing is Tajarin Al Ragu Alla Langarola, an egg pasta with a rich meat sauce. It's also a natural pairing with charcuterie like salami or bresaola.