Dolcetto wine, the red of Alba
The Dolcetto wine originates from one of the most typical native Piedmontese black berry grape varieties. The wine known as red of Alba is the symbol of the Langhe. It was already mentioned in 1593 in a document drafted by the municipality of Dogliani, in which growers were urged not to waste grapes by harvesting them before they were fully ripe.
Dolcetto wine represented a currency of exchange for the local people with the neighboring Liguria region, from where oil, salt, and anchovies came— all fundamental ingredients for one of the most beloved dishes in Lower Piedmont: Bagna Cauda.
The first recognition dates back to 1972, the year in which the Dolcetto di Ovada was awarded the DOC, Denomination of Controlled Origin. Today it enjoys a good reputation, mainly due to the 1970-80 decade when cultivation of this great variety increased significantly. Since then, vineyards and production have further expanded. It is a wine suitable for the whole meal but pairs exceptionally well with poultry, roasted white meats, and raw meat salads. It should be served at 16-18°C, three years after the harvest, in a large balloon glass.
