LCBO Find: Povero Capitano del Palio Monferrato Dolcetto 2024

Dolcetto is one of the world's most underrated grapes, and it is easy to see why; it is from the same area in Italy where biggie Barolo comes from, the Piedmont. Given Dolcettos place in the shadows, many do not get to know this lovely. It's high in acid, medium-bodied, and dances with red and black fruit. This profile makes Dolcetto an annual red (chill it in the summer and enjoy on a patio) and amazing with food. So, seeing that the LCBO was carrying the Povero Capitano del Palio Monferrato Dolcetto 2024, I just had to cover it.

About Dolcetto

Dolcetto, which literally translates to “little sweet one,” is a grape that often misleads people with its name. Despite sounding sugary, Dolcetto wines are bone dry, brimming with dark cherry, blackberry, and subtle violet notes. The grape ripens earlier than Nebbiolo and Barbera (its more famous Piedmont cousins), which is why many growers use it as a steady, reliable crop.

Historically, Dolcetto was the wine that locals drank while waiting for their Nebbiolo barrels to mature. It was the weekday wine, approachable and vibrant.

In the glass, Dolcetto tends to be soft on tannins but full in fruit, with that crisp acidity that makes it so food-friendly. Think of it as the cheerful friend in a region known for seriousness, easy to love and ready to hang when you are.

About Cantine Povero

Cantine Povero makes its home in the Piedmont, with roots stretching back to the 1940s. The family behind it, the Poveros, have always leaned into the idea of expressing place rather than prestige. They work sustainably across several small vineyard sites, keeping traditional methods at the core while integrating just a touch of modern technique for precision and consistency.

The family is big on tradition and family ideation. The family says, “from Nonno Tumlin, through our parents, we learned to listen to the seasons,” and you can taste that patience and timing in the glass.

What makes Povero especially interesting is their diversity. They produce everything from sparkling Moscato to structured Nebbiolo, yet manage to give each variety its own expression of the Piedmont’s limestone soils.

About Povero Capitano del Palio Monferrato Dolcetto 2024

The Povero Capitano del Palio Monferrato Dolcetto 2024 is a vivid reminder of why Dolcetto shouldn’t be overlooked.

In the glass, it pours a deep ruby with a purple edge, the kind of hue that makes you want to get to sipping! Aromatically, it bursts with ripe plum, cherry, strawberry, blackberry, and a hint of wild herbs. On the palate, it’s soft yet lively, with a perfect play between juicy fruit and gentle grip. There’s a whisper of cocoa and almond on the finish, nodding to Dolcetto’s classic profile.

This 2024 vintage from Monferrato shows Dolcetto’s more playful side. It is bright, balanced, and built for enjoyment without pretense. It’s the perfect wine for when you want something Italian, delicious, and unbothered by formality.

The Povero Capitano del Palio Monferrato Dolcetto 2024 can be found at the LCBO for $18.95.