Wine of the Week: 2009 Francesco Rinaldi Dolcetto d’Alba ‘Roussot’

2009 Francesco Rinaldi Dolcetto d’Alba ‘Roussot’

Francesco Rinaldi, one of the oldest and most traditional estates in Piedmont, is known for its classic Barolo. Those who prize the elegance and earthiness of Piedmontese reds should search out Rinaldi’s single-vineyard Dolcetto d’Alba “Roussot.” If you go to Piedmont, you’ll find winemakers drinking Dolcetto at their own tables — with salumi, pasta or a panini maybe.

But this Dolcetto, made with grapes from a vineyard near the famous Cannubi, is in a higher class. Ruby red and fruity, with a bright acidity, the 2009 Dolcetto has a subtle elegance that makes it ideal summer drinking.

Open a bottle with pasta dishes, pizza, grilled sausages and panini. It’s a summer-weight red that works with just about anything.

— S. Irene Virbila

Region: Piedmont, Italy

Price: About $20

Style: Soft and elegant

What it goes with: Salumi, pasta dishes, panini, grilled sausages

Where to find it: Venice Beach Wines in Venice, (310) 392-3539, https://www.venicebeachwines.com; the Wine House in West Los Angeles, (310) 479-3731, https://www.winehouse.com; and Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454, https://www.winex.com