Dolcetto

Dolcetto is a dark-skinned wine grape from the Monferrato hills of northwestern Italy. The variety has successfully made its way to Australia and the U.S., but Piedmont is generally regarded as its spiritual home. The region has several appellations dedicated exclusively to Dolcetto, the most notable of which cover DOCG-level wines from vineyards near Dogliani, Diano d'Alba and Ovada. Dolcetto wines from Alba, Acqui and Asti hold DOC status and are also worthy of mention. In Liguria, Piedmont's southern neighbor, the variety goes by the name Ormeasco, and is used to make Ormeasco di Pornassio.

Synonyms include: Nera Dolce, Ormeasco, and once erroneously believed identical to Charbono.

Food matches for Barbera include:

• Chickpeas with spinach
• Spaghetti and meatballs
• King salmon carpaccio