Quick Facts
- Location: Alto Monferrato, Piedmont, Italy
- Grape: 100% Dolcetto
- Established: 1972 DOC status
- Styles: Standard DOC (11.5% ABV) and Superiore (12.5% ABV, aged 1 year)
- Production: 159 hectares, ~52,300 cases annually
Price Range: €15–30
Table of Contents
What is Dolcetto d’Acqui DOC?
Dolcetto d’Acqui DOC is one of Piedmont’s most charming and under-the-radar red wines. Produced exclusively from 100% Dolcetto grapes grown in the Alto Monferrato hills, this wine is known for its approachable style, deep ruby color, and notes of black cherry, plum, and almond. Despite its name meaning “little sweet one”, Dolcetto is a dry wine with gentle tannins and a soft, velvety texture.
History: From 18th Century Records to DOC Status
The first documented mention of Dolcetto cultivation in the Acqui Terme area dates back to the 1700s. Local records show that these wines were beloved by both farmers and nobility. The DOC status was granted in 1972, recognizing the unique character of wines from this sub-region.
Alto Monferrato Terroir: Geography & Climate
The Alto Monferrato zone is a UNESCO-listed wine landscape, with rolling hills, marl-limestone soils, and a continental climate tempered by maritime breezes from the Ligurian Sea. These conditions enhance Dolcetto’s aromatic profile while keeping acidity fresh.
Dolcetto Grape: The ‘Little Sweet One’ Explained
Dolcetto is an early-ripening grape native to Piedmont. While its name suggests sweetness, the wines are dry, offering a palate of ripe black fruits, violets, and a characteristic almond finish.
DOC vs Superiore: Quality Levels Explained
- Dolcetto d’Acqui DOC: Minimum 11.5% ABV, designed for early drinking.
- Dolcetto d’Acqui Superiore DOC: Minimum 12.5% ABV, aged at least 1 year, offering more structure and aging potential.
Dolcetto d’Acqui vs Other Dolcetto DOCs
- Dolcetto di Dogliani: Fuller-bodied, more intense tannins.
- Dolcetto d’Alba: More widely produced, with fruitier, softer styles.
- Dolcetto di Ovada: Richer, higher alcohol, more age-worthy.
Dolcetto d’Acqui sits between Alba’s elegance and Ovada’s depth, making it a versatile choice.
Tasting Profile: What to Expect
Color: Deep ruby with purple highlights
Aroma: Black cherry, plum, violets, almond, and spice
Palate: Medium-bodied, smooth tannins, gentle acidity, dry finish
Serving Temperature: 14–16°C (57–61°F)
Drinking Window: Best within 3–5 years for DOC; 5–7 years for Superiore
Best Vintages and When to Drink
Excellent vintages in the past decade: 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2022.
Drink young for vibrant fruit or allow Superiore to evolve gracefully.
Food Pairing Guide
- Traditional Piedmontese: Agnolotti del Plin, bagna càuda, vitello tonnato
- Everyday Matches: Pizza, charcuterie, mushroom risotto
- Cheeses: Robiola, Toma Piemontese
- Experimental Pairings: Duck tacos, lamb kofta
Best Dolcetto d’Acqui Producers and Wines
- Bruno Giacosa – Elegant, benchmark style
- Marenco – Known for fresh, fruit-driven wines
- Cascina Garitina – Rich, structured Superiore expressions
- Tre Secoli – Excellent value for money
Top 5 Dolcetto d’Acqui Wines to Try
- Marenco Dolcetto d’Acqui DOC Superiore
- Cascina Garitina Caranti Superiore
- Tre Secoli Dolcetto d’Acqui DOC
- Bruno Giacosa Dolcetto d’Acqui DOC
- Bersano Dolcetto d’Acqui Costalunga
Where to Buy and Pricing
Available from €15–30 in Italian wine shops, online retailers like Wine-Searcher, and specialty importers.
Wine Tourism: Visiting Acqui Terme
Acqui Terme is not just about wine — it’s a spa town with Roman thermal baths, historic piazzas, and panoramic vineyard landscapes. Many wineries offer tastings combined with wellness experiences.
Hidden Gems & Expert Picks
- Hidden Gems: Azienda Agricola Brezza, La Giustiniana
- Sommelier Pick: Cascina Garitina’s Caranti Superiore 2021 — perfect for fall menus.
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