Pairing with Dolcetto di Dogliani By Master Chef Gianluca Deiana Abis
Dolcetto di Dogliani, often regarded as a more structured and intense expression of the Dolcetto grape, hails from the Dogliani DOCG zone in Piedmont. Compared to other Dolcetto-based wines, Dolcetto di Dogliani typically offers deeper fruit concentration, more pronounced tannins, and an earthy complexity that lends itself beautifully to food pairings. Its hallmark characteristics include notes of ripe blackberries, plums, and cherries, accompanied by hints of almonds, licorice, and herbs. This robust yet approachable profile makes Dolcetto di Dogliani a versatile partner for a wide range of dishes, from simple rustic fare to more elaborate, hearty meals.
1. Pasta and Risotto:
Tagliatelle with Wild Mushrooms:
The wine’s earthy notes and ripe fruit flavors complement the umami-rich mushrooms, creating a well-rounded pairing. Its tannins provide enough structure to stand up to a creamy mushroom sauce.
Pasta with Sausage and Tomato Sauce:
Dolcetto di Dogliani’s robust fruit and subtle spice balance the savory, slightly fatty sausage and the acidity of the tomato-based sauce.
Risotto with Truffle or Porcini:
The wine’s earthy undertones make it a natural match for truffle-infused risottos or porcini risotto, adding complexity and depth to the dish.
2. Grilled and Roasted Meats:
Grilled Lamb Chops with Herbs:
The wine’s bold fruit flavors and gentle tannins enhance the savory, herbaceous flavors of grilled lamb chops, creating a harmonious pairing.
Roast Pork Shoulder or Loin:
The ripe berry notes and light bitterness of Dolcetto di Dogliani balance the richness of roast pork, while its acidity keeps the pairing fresh.
Duck Breast with Berry Sauce:
Dolcetto di Dogliani’s natural fruitiness works beautifully with duck, especially when served with a blackberry or cherry sauce. The wine’s structure complements the duck’s rich, tender meat.
3. Game and Rustic Dishes:
Wild Boar Stew:
The wine’s earthy complexity and firm structure hold up to the intense, gamey flavors of a slow-cooked wild boar stew.
Venison Ragù over Pappardelle:
With its concentrated fruit and subtle spice, Dolcetto di Dogliani enhances the depth of a venison ragù, providing a delicious contrast to the savory, slow-cooked sauce.
Rabbit with Rosemary and Garlic:
The wine’s herbal and berry notes complement the tender, aromatic rabbit, creating a balanced and flavorful combination.
4. Semi-Hard and Aged Cheeses:
Pecorino Toscano or Aged Fontina:
The salty, nutty profiles of these cheeses pair perfectly with Dolcetto di Dogliani’s ripe fruit and gentle tannins.
Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano:
These hard, aged cheeses match the wine’s earthy complexity and balance its ripe cherry and plum flavors.
Toma Piemontese:
A local Piedmontese cheese, Toma’s creamy texture and mild tang complement Dolcetto di Dogliani’s vibrant fruit and light bitterness.
5. Vegetarian and Rustic Vegetable Dishes:
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Herbs:
The wine’s fruity notes and moderate tannins pair well with the sweetness of roasted bell peppers and the savory, herbed stuffing.
Eggplant Parmesan:
Dolcetto di Dogliani’s earthy undertones enhance the roasted eggplant and tomato sauce, while its acidity cuts through the dish’s rich cheese layers.
Mushroom and Lentil Stew:
The wine’s earthy flavors resonate with the rustic, hearty nature of a mushroom and lentil stew, providing a complementary pairing that’s both satisfying and balanced.
In Summary: Dolcetto di Dogliani’s bold fruit, gentle spice, and robust structure make it a versatile wine for pairing with a variety of dishes. It shines alongside grilled and roasted meats, hearty pasta and risotto, game dishes, and aged cheeses, as well as vegetable-based preparations. Its deeper flavor profile and approachable tannins ensure that it enhances both casual meals and more refined cuisine.
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