With a wine, folks! Y'all need to get your mind out of the gutters...  

Dolcetto - "little sweet one" -  is one of Italy’s most underappreciated grape varieties. But its one of my favorites, and I’m determined to introduce more people to just how great these wines can be. Native to Italy’s Piemonte region, Dolcetto is the forgotten cousin behind Nebbiolo and Barbera. But why? The best Dolcettos like this one are flat out delicious and are one of the most versatile wines out there. Trust me, this is going to be your new go-to value Italian red.

Paolo Manzone Magna Dolcetto d’Alba 2019

• Buy six bottles -pay $11.99 
• Anything less, $13.99 on sale!  (Both are US best online prices!)

Paolo Manzone is one of the under the radar producers in Piemonte’s Serralunga d’Alba commune, but with wines this good as he won’t be for long. Paolo has been awarded Gambero Rosso’s Tre Bicchieri award (Italy’s highest honor) several times, and wasn’t recently recognized as one of the top 25 producers in Barolo by Forbes. It’s clear this winery is on the up and up, and with prestigious neighbors like Bruno Giacosa, Roberto Conterno, Vietti, and Pio Cesare I expect it won’t be long before Manzone’s prices climb too. For now though, Manzone’s wines are a steal, and you should snap them up if you love great Piemonte reds. The original house and vineyards on Manzone’s estate, located in the Cru Meriame of Serralunga, have been in his wife Luisella’s family for generations. In 1999 after years of wine consulting Paolo and Luisella launched their own winery and agriturismo. Today, after expanding their holdings, they farm almost 12 hectares, planted with Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto.

From 50 year old Dolcetto vines planted in clay calcareous soils at 1200 ft in elevation. Fermentation and ageing takes place in stainless steel tanks preserving the freshness and purity of this old vine fruit. This is classic Dolcetto too, with violets, blackberry and cracked black pepper on the nose. Medium-bodied and bright on the palate, with more blackberry and some cherry notes and cocoa. Low tannins, moderate acidity and great overall balance make this a very easy drinking red that’s hard to put down once you pour a glass. It’s the perfect pairing for all kinds of foods too. Cold cuts, mushroom ragouts, roasted tomatoes and eggplant with garlic. Try this simple local dish acciughe-al-verde (anchovies-green-sauce) recipe. Click on the pic.


Or reply. The wine is available now in Chapel Hill. Friday, as ordered, in Hillsborough.