Dolcetto is a Northwestern Italian red grape varietal that Californian wine makers have imported to match Mediterranean fare that has become common in America such as olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar... hungry yet? This wine is sometimes likened to Beaujolais, although a young Dolcetto is nearly always a more attractive and more gently priced alternative. The Italians like this wine for everyday drinking because of its soft tannins, ripe fruit, and ability to match with a variety of foods. No cellaring required here and prices are usually quite affordable.
Dolcetto means "little sweet one." While not always sweet, the wines made from Dolcetto are definitely light and fruity. In fact, that moniker apparently relates to the taste of the ripe, black Dolcetto grapes at harvest, but not necessarily to the wine it makes.
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The grapes for this 2008 Milano Cellars Dolcetto were picked at the peak of ripeness and fermented in small batches in order to keep the temperature cool – which helps to maintain the fruit characteristics of the wine. After fermentation, the wine was pressed off gently so as not to extract harsh tannin from the seeds. The wine was aged for 12 months in neutral oak barrels. This wine should be consumed within 3 years of release.
This 2008 Milano Cellars California Dolcetto has aromas of cherries, strawberry and blackberry with hints of anise and raspberry. The flavors are sweet and inviting with a medium weight mouth-feel and satisfying acidity. The finish is long and fruity with an underlying sweetness. Enjoy this wine with pulled-pork sandwiches, bruschetta, tomato soup or aged cheddar cheese.
