Dolcetto
⏳ Drinking Window
2023 - 2026
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Charcuterie boards, pasta with meat sauce, roasted pork
✨ Technical Specifications
Scheid Vineyards' exploration of Italian varietals led them to plant Dolcetto in the unique microclimates of Monterey County. Originating from Italy's Piedmont region, where its name translates to 'little sweet one' in reference to the grape's low natural acidity rather than sweetness in the finished wine, Dolcetto thrives in the Salinas Valley. Here, the dramatic temperature swings—characterized by warm afternoon sun followed by chilly winds sweeping in from the deep Monterey Bay—allow the grapes to ripen fully while maintaining their characteristic dark berry flavors and soft, approachable tannins. Scheid crafts this wine to highlight its vibrant fruit profile, utilizing gentle fermentation and aging techniques to preserve its fresh, expressive character. It stands as a testament to Monterey's incredible climate diversity and the Scheid family's pioneering spirit in cultivating non-traditional varieties.
🍾 About the Producer
Founded in 1972 by Al Scheid, Scheid Vineyards is a pioneering wine estate nestled in the heart of Monterey County's Salinas Valley in California. Over five decades, the family-owned operation has expanded across twelve distinct estate vineyards, leveraging the dramatic maritime cooling of the Monterey Bay to cultivate diverse grape varieties. Committed to forward-thinking stewardship, the winery is entirely powered by renewable wind energy and follows rigorous certified sustainable farming practices. Scheid Vineyards is celebrated for its diverse portfolio of vibrant white, red, and rosé wines, producing acclaimed varietal bottlings such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Albariño, and Barbera, alongside handcrafted cuvées like the Claret Reserve.
🍇 Grape Varieties
Dolcetto