# Dolcetto d'Alba (Barberis)

> Red, Dolcetto d'Alba DOC by [Barberis](https://ilvinobello.com/wineries/barberis.md), Langhe, Piemonte, Italy. From Il Vino Bello (https://ilvinobello.com/wines/barberis-dolcetto-d-alba).

- **Producer:** Barberis
- **Style:** Red
- **Denomination:** Dolcetto d'Alba DOC
- **Grape:** Dolcetto 100%
- **Production area:** Cortemilia (CN), about 300 m above sea level; terraced vineyards of the Val Bormida
- **Soil:** Calcareous-marly
- **Exposure:** South-east
- **Harvest:** Third ten days of September, hand-picked
- **Vineyard planting:** Guyot (simple counter-espalier), 4,000 vines/ha; some vines over a century old alongside younger ones; planted 1972 (per the web page)
- **Vinification:** Soft destemming and crushing that leaves the berries whole; 6-7 days of fermentation at controlled temperature. Racking, clarification and 2-3 rackings, then 6-8 months in steel with weekly bâtonnages and 12-18 months in bottle before release.
- **Serving temperature:** 14-16 °C
- **Last updated:** 2026-10-04



## Summary

Dolcetto from Cortemilia terraces, a Slow Food Presidium since 2016 per the producer. 13% vol.

## Tasting notes

Ruby red with violet reflections. Cherry, wild strawberry and a touch of black pepper. Juicy and fresh with well-integrated tannins; a savoury finish with the typical bitter almond note.

## Food pairings

Excellent with cured meats and medium-aged cheeses from any region. In Piedmont: tajarin with ragù, agnolotti del plin, mushroom risotto, Bra sausage. In Italy: spaghetti with tomato, legume soup, minestrone, breaded steak. Worldwide: Cantonese rice, chicken curry, pork and vegetable empanadas.