Piemont

DOC for dry red wines in the wine-growing region of Piemonte in Italy. It is thought that this is the origin of Dolcetto wines, a document from the 16th century mentions that this variety was planted in the area. Legend has it that the Marchese di Clavesana issued an edict from his catle in 1303, thretenting the death sentence on any who dared to plant any grape variety other than Dolcetto in his large area of influence. In the early 20th century, the later state president of Italy, Luigi Enaudi (1874-1961), owned a wine estate here. The zone has a total vineyard area of 650 hectares, and includes the communes of Bastia Mondovi, Belvedere Langhe, Cigliè, Clavesana, Dogliani (main centre of production), Farigliano, Monchiero and Rocca Cigliè, as well as parts of the communes of Roddino and Somano in the province of Cuneo. The wine is ruby red and fruity, and is a pure varietal wine made from Dolcetto grapes. It must mature for one year before being sold, of which a minimum of six months in oak barrels, and it must have a minimum alcohol content of 12,5% vol. If it has 13% vol of alcohol it may be called Dolcetto di Dogliani Superiore, this has been a separate DOCG since 2005. Well-known producers include Anna Maria Abbona, Bottega del Vino Dolcetto di Dogliani, Romana Carlo, Chionetti, Einaudi, Angelo Gaja, Pira, San Fereolo and Voerzio.