Dolcetto d'Alba, Bruno Giacosa 2025 75cl

Dolcetto is the wine Piedmontese growers drink while their Barolo sleeps in cask, and a Dolcetto from Bruno Giacosa carries the pedigree of one of the region's greatest names. This 2025 is a fresh, juicy, everyday red built for the table rather than the cellar — the friendly counterpoint to the estate's serious Nebbiolo.

Despite its name — dolcetto means little sweet one — this is a dry red, grown in the Alba hills of Piedmont. Giacosa vinifies it in the traditional way to preserve its bright fruit and soft structure, with no heavy oak to get in the way. The point of Dolcetto is pleasure, and it delivers without fuss.

Expect a deeply coloured, purple-black wine full of ripe black cherry, blackberry and dark plum, with a floral lift of violet and a faint almond bitterness on the close that is Dolcetto's signature. Low in acidity, gentle in tannin, round and generous — this is Piedmont's answer to a proper glugging red.

At around £19 this is honest, characterful value from a legendary estate. Drink it young and joyful over the next year or two; Dolcetto is not made for ageing.

How to Serve

Serve at 15–16°C — a touch cooler than most reds suits its fresh style. No decanting needed; a standard red wine glass is fine.

Where to Drink It

Lina Stores, Soho — for a casual plate of pasta. Trullo, Islington — the everyday Italian sweet spot. Bocca di Lupo, Soho — regional cooking that loves Dolcetto.

Food Pairings

Made for a plate of tagliatelle with a rich meat ragù. It is also a happy match for a charcuterie board and some good salami.