Dolcetto is a variety of black grapes grown in the lower Piedmont, mainly in the area of ​​Monferrato, and in the province of Imperia, in Liguria, where it takes the name of Ormeasco.

Although the name has an obvious relevance to the sweet taste (“Dolcetto” means “little sweet one” in Italian), neither the grapes nor the wine have this pleasant feature. The term is probably a legacy of the farming world that was used to distinguish it from other local vines, such as Nebbiolo and Barbera, with more marked elements of hardness, such as tannins and acidity.

The wine produced with Dolcetto has a particular character: we could describe it as solitary, frank, simple and very versatile. While never excelling on the most famous Piedmont wines, it has its own dignity made of everyday life and widespread popularity. We find it almost always produced in purity in the many denominations dedicated to it, including the “guaranteed” ones: Dogliani DOCG, Dolcetto di Diano d'Alba DOCG and Dolcetto di Ovada Superiore DOG.