Barolo - The quintessential Italian wine

Barolo is an Italian wine produced in the Piedmont region of Italy. It is renowned for its richness, character and longevity. Barolo is considered one of Italy’s finest wines and is often compared with the great wines of France.

🤓 Good to know: if you love Barolo, don’t hesitate to browse our selection:

Discover

What characteristics are generally attributed to Barolo?

Barolo is one of the most prestigious wines in the world, often called “the wine of kings, the king of wines”. The wines are complex, powerful and built for long ageing, with a firm tannic structure that needs considerable time to soften. Barolo is produced in the Piedmont region, in north-west Italy, in the villages of Barolo, La Morra, Castiglione Falletto and Serralunga d’Alba.

Wines made from Nebbiolo are often very tannic, with high acidity. This grape is known for producing wines with complex aromas and flavours such as dried flowers, tar and truffle. Barolo is generally made in a traditional style, with extended maceration and ageing in large oak casks.

Barolo wines are generally aged for at least five years before release, and sometimes much longer. The wines are often cellared for decades and can continue to improve with age.

Piedmont's other face, all lightness: Moscato d'Asti, sweet and frizzante, at five degrees.

What grape variety is Barolo made from?

Barolo is made from Nebbiolo. Nebbiolo is a red grape variety native to the Piedmont region in north-west Italy. It is the main grape of the Barolo “Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita” (DOCG). It is also found in the Barbaresco and Gattinara DOCGs. Nebbiolo produces lightly coloured red wines that can be very tannic in their youth. Nebbiolo-based wines may need years of ageing to refine and round out their tannic structure.

The first mention of Nebbiolo dates back to 1268, in a document from the Palazzo della Torre in the commune of Alba, in Piedmont. The variety is mentioned again in 1556, in an agricultural treatise by Piero di Cosimo de’ Medici. In the 19th century, Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, one of the leading figures of the Italian Risorgimento, described Barolo as “the king of wines and the wine of kings”.

Nebbiolo is native to Piedmont and its name derives from the Italian word for fog, nebbia. This grape is difficult to grow and is susceptible to a number of vine diseases, notably powdery mildew, downy mildew and botrytis. Its thin skin also makes it particularly vulnerable to wind and frost damage.

You will find it in a good number of our tannic reds.

When should you drink Barolo?

Barolo is a wine for special occasions. It is perfect for a festive meal, a romantic dinner or a dinner among wine lovers. It is often enjoyed with intensely flavoured food such as game, lamb, black mushrooms or long-aged cheeses.

What is the difference between Barolo and Barbaresco?

Barolo and Barbaresco are two red wines produced in the Piedmont region of north-west Italy from the Nebbiolo grape, and both are renowned for their high quality and unique flavours.

The main difference between the two wines lies in the nature of the soils. Those of Barbaresco are more fertile and richer in nutrients, giving less tannic wines. Those of Barolo, on the other hand, are poorer, giving more tannic and more rustic wines.

Barolo and Barbaresco are both produced in the province of Cuneo, the former south-west of Alba, the latter to the north-east. The two wines are made using different methods:

• Barolo is made using the traditional “long maceration” method, in which the grape skins stay in contact with the wine for an extended period, giving the wine its characteristic tannic, robust taste.

• Barbaresco is made using the “short maceration” method, in which the grape skins stay in contact with the wine for a shorter period, giving a softer, more elegant taste.

The two wines also differ in their ageing requirements: Barolo must be aged for at least 38 months, while Barbaresco must be aged for at least 26 months.

Barolo is often described as the “king of wines” because of its full-bodied, powerful taste, while Barbaresco is often called the “queen of wines” for its more delicate taste.

So, what is the difference between Barolo and Barbaresco?

Put simply, Barolo is a fuller-bodied, more robust wine, while Barbaresco is more delicate and elegant.

What are the best vintages for Barolo?

The best Barolo vintages vary according to personal taste and preferences in wine style. Some of the most highly regarded Barolo vintages are:

• 2015: considered an exceptional vintage. It was marked by ideal weather conditions, with a hot, dry summer that led to perfect ripening of the grapes.
• 2010: a hot, dry vintage that produced rich, concentrated Barolos with aromas of ripe red fruit, cherry and rose.
• 2006: a hot summer interrupted by two heavy downpours, which produced balanced Barolos with aromas of red fruit, blackcurrant and violet.
• 2001: an excellent vintage in both quality and quantity. Perfect structure and ripeness, though it lacks a little acidity.
• 1996: a cool, damp vintage that produced elegant, balanced Barolos with aromas of cherry, blackcurrant and violet.

Please note that this is only a brief overview and that other vintages can also be considered excellent for Barolo.

What are the best Barolos?

It is hard to say which are the “best” Barolos in the world, as it depends largely on personal preference. However, some wine houses are widely regarded as producing high-quality Barolo. Here are a few examples of houses known for the quality of their Barolo:

• Giacomo Conterno: this house embodies the classic, timeless style of Barolo, with wines aged for long periods in old casks and able to improve for over 30 years. Their Monfortino is considered one of the greatest and most authentic wines in Italy, comparable to Gianfranco Soldera’s Brunello di Montalcino.

• Bruno Giacosa: he was a leading figure in the Italian wine world, particularly in Barolo and Barbaresco. He was introduced very early to selecting grapes at harvest time, which enabled him to build a reputation as a quality négociant before acquiring his own vineyard.

• G.D. Vajra: over the years, Aldo and Milena Vajra have built a successful and renowned business thanks to one thing: their passion for producing the finest Barolo.

• Ceretto: the Ceretto estate covers 160 hectares spread across 4 wineries and produces 17 different wines. It draws on an exceptional terroir, showcased by family know-how.

• Borgogno: founded in 1761, it is one of the oldest estates in the Piedmont region of Italy.

There are of course many other wine houses producing quality Barolo, so it is worth tasting different wines to find the one that suits you best.