Situated in the picturesque Cuneo province of Piedmont, northwest Italy, lies the charming wine region of Dogliani. Renowned for its mastery of the Dolcetto grape, Dogliani DOCG, formerly known as Dolcetto di Dogliani, spans 21 communes, including the eponymous Dogliani town itself. Nestled amidst the undulating hills just a short distance south of the revered wine village of Barolo, this region has a rich viticultural history and distinctive terroir.
The roots of Dolcetto grape cultivation run deep in Dogliani, and legend suggests that the variety may have originated in these very hills. The town’s coat of arms, featuring a blue lion clutching a golden wine carafe, attests to the strong bond between Dogliani and its Dolcetto wines. The name “Dogliani” itself is thought to have evolved from “Dolium Jani,” meaning “the wine jar of Janus.” According to folklore, the Roman god Janus once visited the town to savor its wines, which were stored in earthenware dolia, or wine jars. Another etymology hints at Dogliani’s soft and early-maturing Dolcetto wines, ready for enjoyment as early as January (Janus’ month) following the vintage, in contrast to the later-maturing Nebbiolos of neighboring villages.
The terroir of Dogliani is characterized by diverse soils and a temperate climate. The region’s hilly terrain provides varying altitudes for vineyards, with an upper limit of 800 meters (2,625 feet) above sea level. This diverse topography, combined with unique soil profiles, contributes to the exceptional quality of Dolcetto wines produced here.
The hallmark grape of the region is Dolcetto, which thrives in these terroirs. Known for its vibrant fruit character and deep, rich flavors, Dogliani Dolcettos offer a bolder and more intense style compared to their counterparts from Dolcetto DOC areas like Dolcetto d’Alba and Dolcetto d’Asti. These wines exhibit aromatic bouquets with notes of dark cherries, raspberries, warm spices, and hints of savory herbs. They are often complemented by undertones of coffee and dark chocolate, creating a sensory journey that captures the essence of Dogliani.
Dogliani DOCG wines are diverse in style, with some producers opting for fermentation and aging in wood, followed by bottle aging before release. This approach sets them apart from traditional Dolcettos, which are typically lighter, softer, and intended for early consumption while Nebbiolo wines mature.
The region offers two key classifications: Dogliani DOCG and Dogliani Superiore DOCG. The latter imposes stricter regulations, including lower yield levels per hectare and a minimum potential alcohol level of 13%. Superiore wines also require a minimum of 12 months of maturation before release.
Dogliani stands as a treasured enclave within the Piedmont wine landscape, celebrated for its mastery of Dolcetto wines. With its rich history, diverse terroir, and a focus on this exceptional grape variety, Dogliani continues to enchant wine enthusiasts with its bold and flavorful expressions of Dolcetto.
