Dolcetto in Italian, translates to “little sweet one”, and is a red wine grape from the Northwest region of Italy. Unlike its name, Dolcetto does not produce sweet wines, but the name rather reflects the low acid nature of the grape. Doletto is a dark skinned grape that is fairly simple to grow and ripens early. While the Dolcetto grape is common in the Italian Monferrato hills and the Piedmont region, it has grown in popularity in Australia and the United States. In Piedmont, Dolcetto is known as Ormeasco, and thus used in the production of Ormeasco di Pornassio. Nebbiolo and Barbera are first and foremost in Piedmont, followed up by the use of Dolcetto. It is typically grown in cooler climates, which helps retain acidity, and in high elevation. Dolcetto will produce a very fruit-forward wine with rich red or purple colors. The palate will be spicy and earthy with flavors of almond or walnut. They have relatively low acidity, and soft tannins, however it can leave you wanting more in terms of aroma. Dolcetto is very easily consumed young and fresh, which gives an advantage over the more popular Nebbiolo grape. Dolcetto can be cellared for up to four years.
Rinaldi Follie Pink is made from 50 % Dolcetto, 45 % Merlot, and 5 % Brachetto.
Fresh, fruity with hints of Strawberry and Cherry.
This is a great wine for Aperitif.
Review:
"Here’s a delightful aperitif wine to brighten your spirits as you prepare dinner or relax on the patio. Flavors of strawberries and raspberries throw a party in your glass and will bring a smile to your face. The blend is dolcetto and merlot, with a little brachetto. - Dave McIntyre"
- Washington Post (May 2020), Exceptional *** - Great Value
It is the purest example of tempranillo grapes from Rioja Alavesa. Coming from a vineyard over a hundred years old with an extremely low production. You can taste a high concentration of ripe fruit, well-bodied, with a final touch of toffee and lime soil plus a perfect acidity which makes this wine fresh and very tempting.
VINEYARD From the Cuba Negra Vineyard in southern Labastida, the El Belisario bottling comes from Tempranillo vines planted in 1910.
ALCOHOL 14.5%
PROCESS Fermented naturally in oak foudre. Malolactic fermentation and aging occur in 100% new French oak barriques over two years.
TASTING Along with its brilliant garnet color, aromas of cherries, dried plums, black pepper, and savory mushroom leap from the glass. The palate is fresh and concentrated with mixed red and black fruit, chocolate, menthol, and coffee. Displays a surprisingly elegant nature. Pair with game, red meat and dark chocolate.
Review:
One of those wines that makes you belief in the special magic of old vines, El Belisario hails from La Greña, parcel planted on limestone rich soils in 1910. Aged in older French barrels, it's a focused, nuanced, wonderfully expressive Tempranillo with raspberry, pomegranate and red cherry fruit, filigree tannins, energetic acidity and sweet, caressing oak spices.
96 Points - Top Rated Single Vineyard in Tim Atkin's 2023 Rioja report
A very deep purple, red in color. This wine showcases Shiraz with its depth of Barossa Valley and the alluring, aromatic freshness of Eden Valley. Vibrant aromas of dark cherries, anise and red raspberry. A distinctive wine with richness and dark berry, fruit compote palate. Perfectly balanced, elegant and refined.
Enjoy with beef filet, roast beetroot and horseradish, or Korean fried cauliflower.