Barolo - the Noble Red Wine from Piedmont

Type purity

Barolo wine is made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, unlike other great wines that are made from the blending of several grape varieties. It is also worth mentioning in this context that most Barolo wines are site wines. So they not only come from one grape variety, Nebbiolo, but also only from a Cru declared on the wine label. Barolos are unique and complex, and their ideal drinking window can vary widely depending on the vintage and winemaking style.

Flavour

The Barolo wine impresses with its extraordinary taste. These bodied, full wines have a great variety of fruity and berry aromas and flavors. The spectrum ranges from violets, cherries, blackberries, raisins and plums to tobacco, tar, truffles and leather, to name just a few properties. The wine has a savory fullness and dry strength, which is beautifully paired with incomparable elegance, harmony and finesse. This is what makes the Barolo so unique. These characteristics are only fully expressed when the winemaker accompanies the interaction of the vine with the climate and the terroir and only intervenes when they appear necessary.

Cultivation area

In Piedmont and especially in the Barolo wine-growing region, the autochthonous Nebbiolo grape variety finds the perfect climatic conditions and the ideal soil conditions so that these high-quality wines can be produced. This small and compact growing area in combination with the strict cultivation and production conditions are the best conditions to produce great Barolo wines. That is why Nebbiolo wines, which are cultivated outside the Piedmont wine-growing areas, do not come close to the quality of the local wines.

Quality

The high tannin content of the Nebbiolo grape used to make it absolutely necessary to store Barolo wines for many years before they could even be enjoyed. Fortunately, this has fundamentally changed due to various factors. On the one hand through improved soil and vine management in the vineyard, on the other hand through temperature control during fermentation. These measures provide the winemaker with grapes of optimal quality and with temperature control he has much more influence on the style of the wine. This is why the wines are now immediately accessible, but they often develop their full potential only after a longer period of aging in the bottle.

The most important things about Barolo at a glance

• Wine style: always dry
• Grape variety: 100% Nebbiolo
• Home: Piedmont
• Colour: ruby ​​red, garnet red
• twill: full-bodied, full-bodied
• bouquet: strong in character, intense, sustainable
• Flavours: violets, cherries, blackberries, raisins, plums, tobacco, tar, truffles and leather
• tannin content: high
• acidity: high
• Alcohol content: high, at least 13 percent by volume
• Ideal serving temperature: 16 to 18 °C

Piedmont: home of the exquisite wine with extraordinary aging potential

The cultivation and production of Barolo are restricted to an area of ​​11 villages in the province of Cuneo, in Piedmont Between the products of each village there are subtle differences in taste that can be traced back to the respective soil conditions. The Barolo from Serralunga d'Alba, for example, is famous for its tart, full notes and its particularly long aging potential, while Monforte d'Alba is known for its soft, elegant Barolo with fruity notes.

But whatever the soil quality and flavor notes, the aging process is usually the same. After the wine has been made, it is stored for 38 months, of which at least 18 months are in wooden barrels. Thereafter, the wine is sold to consumers around the world, with many choosing to age it for another decade. Its high aging potential and the excellent storability inspire wine connoisseurs worldwide.

Discover the best Barolo vintages!

Nebbiolo: the red grape variety used to make Barolo wine

The Nebbiolo grape is an ancient grape variety that has probably been cultivated since ancient times in the Italian region of Piedmont and also has its origins here. It was already mentioned in writing in the 13th century. Its name goes back to nebbia - fog - which refers to the white coating of the fully ripe berries on the one hand and the wafts of fog that often envelop the hills during harvest on the other.

Nebbiolo is one of the demanding grape varieties that is difficult to grow. The vines thrive almost exclusively on calcareous marl soil and prefer steep slopes to the south, south-east and south-west. Of the approximately 6,000 hectares of vineyards worldwide, well over 5,000 can be found in Italy, because the growing conditions outside of northern Italy are not suitable for the Nebbiolo grape variety. There are only smaller Nebbiolo growing areas in North, Central and South America as well as in Spain and in Switzerland.

In addition to Barolo, there are other famous Nebbiolo wines such as the Barbaresco wines, which are also produced in the province of Cuneo in the Piedmont.

Barolo: Buy Piedmont in a glass online at Babarolo

Browse through our large range of exquisite Barolo wines, which we obtain directly from local winegrowers. There they are made in small family businesses by hand and sustainably in the spirit of Piedmontese tradition and culture. You buy Barolo from Babarolo in first-class quality at fair prices.Also, be sure to check out our ever-changing Offers!

FAQ: Everything you need to know when buying Barolo wine

What is Barolo?

Barolo is a red wine from the Piedmont region of Italy. It is made 100% from the Nebbiolo grape and is one of the most famous and renowned wines in the world.

What color is Barolo?

To the eye,Barolo wine is not as appealing as other  great red wines because its color is not as intense and dark. Depending on the age and how the wine was made, the color varies between a brilliant red and an intense ruby ​​red. However, the most common shade is garnet red with orange edges.

When is Barolo drunk?

The Barolo is usually drunk with food. The classic pairing is with roasts, game, red meat or aged cheeses. A very old Barolo is an excellent meditation wine and you can also drink a good Barolo just like that. For the passionate Barolo drinker, there really isn't an opportunity that isn't suitable for enjoying a Barolo.

How many years can Barolo age?

The Barolo only comes onto the market 38 months after its production and is then ready to drink. However, it may be that the wine will only reach its full potential after further and longer bottle aging. Nobody can predict when the Barolo will reach its peak. What is certain is that the Barolo can benefit from additional bottle aging and thus has more balance, balance and elegance. Great Barolo wines have enormous ageing potential and can be stored for up to 30 years or more.

How long should Barolo wine be decanted?

It is recommended that freshly opened Barolo bottles be left so sit open for at least 1 to 2 hours. This allows the wine to develop its full potential. If you take the time, you can fully enjoy all the complex aromas and flavors of this wonderful wine.

What glasses are suitable for Barolo wine?

For maximum enjoyment, you should only drink Barolo wines from Bordeaux glasses. The shape of these glasses supports the typical features of Barolo wines and brings them out Flavors to unfold.

Why is Barolo expensive?

Barolo is not a mass wine that is produced industrially. It is a high quality wine made organically, sustainably and by manual labor . After the autumn hand-picking and the subsequent winemaking, the producer has to work 38 months to produce this vintage. Then the Barolo goes on sale. The wine is also made from Nebbiolo grapes, which are notoriously difficult to grow. The climate in the Barolo region is also quite demanding, with cold winters and hot summers, which can make it difficult to produce wine of consistent quality year after year. All these factors contribute to the high price of Barolo, but in the end it is worth it - the wine is truly unique.