Pairing with Dolcetto d’Alba

A wine glass of Dolcetto d'Alba, a bottle, and a glowing candle create an elegant, intimate ambiance.

Pairing with Dolcetto d’Alba By Master Chef Gianluca Deiana Abis

Dolcetto d’Alba, a lively red wine from Piedmont, is known for its approachable fruitiness, lower acidity compared to Barbera or Nebbiolo, and soft tannins. With bright notes of black cherry, plum, and sometimes a touch of almond or licorice, Dolcetto d’Alba is an everyday food-friendly wine that complements a wide array of dishes. Its fresh, easygoing nature makes it particularly versatile, pairing well with both simple fare and more complex traditional recipes.

1. Pasta and Risotto:

• Pasta with Tomato-Based Sauces:

  
  

  Dolcetto’s vibrant fruit profile and smooth tannins make it a natural match for simple spaghetti al pomodoro or penne all’arrabbiata. Its subtle tannins and ripe fruit add depth without overshadowing the tomato’s tangy brightness.

• Pasta with Sausage and Fennel:

  
  

  The wine’s slight bitterness and black fruit notes complement the savory sausage and fragrant fennel, creating a harmonious pairing.

• Risotto with Sausage or Mushrooms:

  
  

  A creamy risotto, whether studded with wild mushrooms or flavored with sausage, finds balance in Dolcetto d’Alba’s fruit-forward and earthy character. Its gentle tannins and moderate body ensure the pairing feels light and fresh.

2. Pizza and Casual Fare:

• Margherita Pizza or Pizza with Mushrooms and Sausage:

  
  

  Dolcetto’s bright cherry and plum notes enhance the tomato sauce and cheese, while its soft tannins allow it to work beautifully with toppings like mushrooms and sausage.

• Panini and Crostini:

  
  

  A simple panino filled with prosciutto, mozzarella, and arugula, or crostini topped with mushrooms or tapenade, pairs well with Dolcetto’s approachable structure and fruitiness.

• Polenta and Cheese:

  
  

  Polenta served with a savory cheese sauce or a mushroom ragù finds a perfect companion in Dolcetto d’Alba, as its moderate body and subtle spice lift the dish’s richness.

3. Grilled and Roasted Meats:

• Grilled Chicken or Pork Chops:

  
  

  Dolcetto’s soft tannins and bright fruit complement simply grilled meats without overwhelming them. The wine’s berry notes and gentle spice add a refreshing counterpoint.

• Roast Turkey or Duck:

  
  

  With its smooth texture and dark fruit profile, Dolcetto pairs nicely with roast poultry, especially when served with berry-based sauces or herb-infused gravies.

• Grilled Sausages or Burgers:

  
  

  Casual fare like grilled sausages or even a burger with cheese and caramelized onions finds an easy companion in Dolcetto d’Alba, thanks to its fruit-forward nature and balanced tannins.

4. Aged Cheeses and Antipasti:

• Semi-Hard and Aged Cheeses:

  
  

  Pecorino, Asiago, or a young Parmigiano Reggiano pair well with Dolcetto’s fruit-driven profile and touch of bitterness, enhancing both the wine and cheese.

• Cured Meats and Salumi:

  
  

  Salami, mortadella, or prosciutto di Parma all shine alongside Dolcetto’s smooth body and juicy fruit flavors, making it an excellent choice for a charcuterie platter.

• Olives, Caponata, and Other Vegetable Antipasti:

  
  

  The wine’s light tannins and fruity freshness balance the salty, tangy flavors of olives or caponata, as well as other marinated vegetable appetizers.

5. Vegetarian and Rustic Dishes:

• Stuffed Bell Peppers or Eggplant:

  
  

  Dolcetto’s fruitiness and moderate body complement the savory fillings of stuffed peppers or roasted eggplant Parmesan, while its soft tannins match the dish’s creamy and cheesy components.

• Vegetable Stews and Braises:

  
  

  Hearty vegetable stews, such as a bean-and-vegetable soup or a slow-cooked ratatouille, pair beautifully with Dolcetto’s earthy and fruit-forward character.

• Mushroom Dishes:

  
  

  Whether sautéed, grilled, or incorporated into a pasta or risotto, mushrooms find a natural partner in Dolcetto’s gentle tannins and subtle spice.

In Summary:Dolcetto d’Alba’s bright fruit, soft tannins, and moderate body make it an incredibly versatile food wine. It pairs effortlessly with tomato-based pastas, grilled or roasted meats, casual pizzas and panini, and a variety of cheeses and antipasti. This approachable yet elegant wine complements simple everyday meals and rustic, traditional dishes alike, making it a delightful choice for a wide range of culinary occasions.