Wine of the week

Wine of the week

What: 2009 Francesco Rinaldi Dolcetto d’Alba “Roussot”

Info: Francesco Rinaldi, one of the oldest estates in Piedmont, is known for its classic Barolo. Those who prize the elegance and earthiness of Piedmontese reds should seek out Rinaldi’s single-vineyard Dolcetto d’Alba “Roussot.”

In Piedmont, you’ll find winemakers drinking Dolcetto at their own tables — with salumi, pasta or panini. 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.

Region: Piedmont, Italy.

Price: About $20.

Style: Soft and elegant.

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

Mix masters

Let the Made in Napa Valley team help you add sizzle to simple fare with a couple of bottled items from their Vineyard Pantry line.

Maple fig balsamic (balsamic rules, maple vies for attention, fig plays a minor role) could mate with oil to dress a green salad dotted with apple or pear chunks. Or drizzle it on roasted winter squash or pork before roasting.

The Parmesan Dipping Oil (grapeseed oil and champagne vinegar top the ingredients) can be used for dipping bread or brushed onto thick slices before oven-toasting. Cook with it, too, saut ing zucchini, chicken or shrimp.

Buy an 8.45-ounce bottle of maple fig ($7.49) or Parmesan ($6.99) at madeinnapavalley.com.

Perfect pairs

Pork loves sweetness and pairs beautifully with apples, winter squash and sweet potatoes. Seasonings such as thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano, fennel, cumin or lemon zest are compatible choices.

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