A guide to saying it correctly

How to Pronounce Dolcetto

How to pronounce Dolcetto, the Italian red wine grape and the wine made from it.

dolcetto

dol-CHET-oh

/dɔlˈtʃɛt.oʊ/  ·  dol · chet · to

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Native US English  ·  Kokoro neural TTS  ·  0:01

It's a popular, approachable red wine often recommended as a pairing for pasta, pizza, or lighter meat dishes.

Where the word comes from

The name 'Dolcetto' comes from the Piedmontese dialect word 'dolsèt', meaning 'little sweet one'. This refers to the grape's typically low acidity and soft tannins, though the wine itself is usually dry.

Common ways people get it wrong

  • dol-SET-oh The 'c' in Italian is often pronounced like 'ch' before 'e' or 'i', so 'cetto' sounds like 'chet-toh'.
  • dol-CHET-oh Some might pronounce the 'o' at the end like the 'o' in 'hot', but in Italian-influenced English, it's closer to the 'o' in 'go'.

Frequently asked

Is Dolcetto a sweet wine?

Despite its name, which means 'little sweet one', Dolcetto wines are typically dry. The name refers to the grape's naturally low acidity and soft, smooth character.

Where is Dolcetto wine from?

Dolcetto is a red wine grape variety native to the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. It's one of the most widely planted red grapes in that area.

What does Dolcetto taste like?

Dolcetto wines are usually medium-bodied with flavors of black cherry, plum, and sometimes licorice or almond. They are known for their soft tannins and easy-drinking style.