Known as “the king of wines,” Barolo is one of the most prestigious, age-worthy, and collectible wines in the world. Barolo wine comes from the Piedmont region of Northwest Italy where it has been made since the 1800s. The Nebbiolo grape is a native grape of the Piedmont region, and it’s known for its thin grape skins that produce high tannic wines with high acidity. The wine is required to be made exclusively from the Nebbiolo grape variety, can only come from the Barolo DOCG (Denominazione d’Origine Controllata e Garantita), and must be produced following a strict set of rules and regulations.
As a DOCG wine, Barolo is a high-quality wine that has been certified by the Italian government. Aside from only being made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, Barolo must be aged for at least three years and at least 18 months in oak or chestnut barrels. In order for the term “Riserva” to be used on the label, a wine must have been cellared for at least five years. These strict rules ensure that Barolo DOCG wine is of the highest quality. Because Nebbiolo grapes are very high in tannins, a long aging process is required to soften and mellow the tannins and give Barolo more time to develop its fine aromas. The extended fermentation time contributes to the wine’s rich, full-bodied taste while the aging in oak barrels helps to develop and mature the complex flavors.
Barolo is a red wine with complex and powerful aromas. Dry, and very rich in tannins, this wine benefits from aging as its distinctive taste gets even more refined and sophisticated over time. With age, Barolo has notes of tar, roses, mushrooms, blueberries and cherries, with hints of black pepper and cinnamon spices, joined by rich dark chocolate, old leather, and sweet tobacco. None of these flavors are subtle and instantly overpower your senses and leave a lasting impression. Barolo is best paired with hearty, flavorful dishes. The wine pairs well with beef and veal, game meats, mushrooms, rich pasta dishes and strong cheeses.
Barolo wine has been winning awards for centuries, and as one of the most sought-after Italian wines in the world, it continues to be a favorite among wine lovers today.