Barolo wines (89)

Barolo Wine: The Queen of Red Wines

Barolo wine, also known as the Queen of Red Wines, is a noble and traditional wine variety. It originates from Italy and has since captured the hearts of wine lovers worldwide. Let yourself be taken on a journey through the origin, production, and unique characteristics of Barolo wine.

The Origin and History of Barolo Wine

The origin and namesake of this legendary northern Italian wine is the municipality of Barolo in Piedmont. Until the 18th century, it was produced there as a sweet wine. The late harvest of Nebbiolo grapes posed challenges back then. During the fermentation period, which often only took place in winter, it was sometimes so cold that the yeasts in the cellars died. As a result, sugar was only partially converted into alcohol.

In the 19th century, the French oenologist Louis Oudart finally provided a solution. Oudart moved the fermentation process into underground wine cellars and ensured constant temperatures. He also improved hygiene in the cellar. His support significantly impacted the wineries of Marchesa Giulia Falletti di Barolo and Count Camillo Benso di Cavour. It was here that Barolo wine was first produced as a dry red wine. Additionally, he was allowed to use the royal hunting lodge Fontanafredda in Serralunga d'Alba and the surrounding vineyards for his experiments. Thus, Barolo won over its royal fans, the House of Savoy, which soon dubbed it the wine of kings and king of wines. The dynasty is now dethroned, but Barolo wine remains at the top of Italian wines.

Regions and Terroir

Barolo is primarily cultivated in the municipalities of Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d'Alba, La Morra, and Monforte d'Alba in the province of Cuneo within the Piedmont growing area. The unique combination of climatic conditions and soil quality in this region creates the ideal environment for growing the Nebbiolo grape, from which Barolo is made.

The Nebbiolo Grape - The Heart of Barolo Wine

Barolo is not made from multiple grape varieties. Rather, it is almost exclusively vinified from the Nebbiolo grape. It is known for its full body, high acidity, and strong tannins. The grapes are harvested by hand, usually at the end of September or the beginning of October, ensuring their full ripeness.

Taste and Characteristics of Barolo Wine

Depending on the variety and age, Baroli can present fruity or intense flavors. They shine in glorious garnet to brick red. However, they do not appear deep red. Good Barolo wine offers nuances of plums, raspberries, and cherries, along with accents of violets, hay, truffles, licorice, or tobacco. The long aging is due to the highly tannic skins.

Only after several years can Barolo red wines be enjoyed. They then have an alcohol content of up to 15 percent.

Barolo wines are characterized by their strong structure, complex flavor, and intense aroma. The aroma palette ranges from ripe cherries to rose petals to spices and leather. The wines are known for their longevity and often evolve over many years.

The Perfect Accompaniment for Culinary Delights

Barolo wines pair sensationally with hearty dishes such as braised meats, beef filet dishes, or game. A cheese platter is also suitable to combine with this wonderful Italian red wine, preferably with blue cheese that particularly highlights the aromas of Barolo. The powerful flavor and tannins harmonize perfectly with the intense aromas of the dishes, making for a special tasting experience.

An equally good companion for the famous Barolo nectar can be chocolate with an 85% cocoa content.

Due to its distinctive tannins, Barolo wine should never be consumed too cool. Allow it to breathe in a decanter for at least one hour to reach a drinking temperature of 16-18 °C. This allows the tannins to merge into a more harmonious whole.

Baroli are wines with great aging potential. Products of top quality can be stored cool, dry, and dark for up to 20 years.

Long Aging Time, High Quality: Barolo

In 1966, the Barolo DOC Appellation was awarded, and in 1980 it received DOCG Status. To ensure high quality, the wine is produced according to strict regulations. It must age for at least three years, with two of those in a barrel. Only then is a Barolo wine released for the market.

Only wines that have aged for at least four years, with at least three of those in a barrel, may carry the designation Barolo Riserva. A Barolo Riserva Speciale matures for a full five years, with four years spent in oak barrels.

The classic vintages are considered to be 2006, 2008, and 2010. Despite being hard and tannic, they are said to have longevity. The vintages 2007, 2009, and 2011 present themselves as elegant and accessible. Those looking to spend a little more can invest in a Barolo red wine from the 90s. The 1996 and 1999 vintages are highly sought after.

The Maturation of Barolo Wines

The aging of Barolo wines takes place in wooden barrels, mostly made of oak, for a period of at least two years. Afterwards, they continue to age in the bottle to develop their complexity and maturity. The total aging time often amounts to five years or more before they are released to the market.

The Barolo Bestsellers at VINELLO

Dive into the world of exquisite wines and discover our bestsellers in the Barolo category. This selection represents the best that the renowned Barolo region has to offer – a symbiosis of tradition, craftsmanship, and unmatched flavor. Our bestsellers set standards and invite you on a special wine journey:

1. Serralunga d'Alba Barolo DOCG - Fontanafredda: This Barolo from Serralunga d'Alba comes from the Fontanafredda winery. It impresses with its deep ruby red color and intense aromas of red fruits, violets, and spices. On the palate, it presents itself powerfully with well-integrated tannins.

2. Barolo DOCG - Costa di Bussia: The Barolo Costa di Bussia enchants with intense garnet red. It has a complex bouquet of blackberry, violet, and spices. This characterful wine comes from the Costa di Bussia house and convinces with its balanced structure and long-lasting finesse.

3. Serre dei Roveri Barolo DOCG - Sartirano: Another gem from Costa di Bussia is the Barolo Terre dei Roveri. With intense aromas of dark fruits, licorice, and elegant spice notes, it represents the authenticity of the Barolo region. A wine that delights discerning connoisseurs.

4. Barolo Lo Zoccolaio DOCG - Lo Zoccolaio: The Barolo from Lo Zoccolaio impresses with its deep ruby red, accompanied by a complex bouquet of ripe fruits, roses, and spices. On the palate, it shows itself powerful and well-structured, with silky tannins and an impressively long finish.

5. Barolo DOCG - Ricossa: The Barolo from Ricossa presents itself in noble garnet red, with seductive aromas of cherries, dried rose petals, and spices. The elegant wine impresses with its balanced structure, velvety tannins, and a long finish.

Barolo Spirits

Barolo Grappa

The Elegance of Barolo in Every Note

Barolo Grappa is a refined spirit that originates from the sun-drenched vineyards of the Barolo region. It takes on the noble qualities of the renowned Barolo wine and transforms them into a special tasting experience. Dive into the world of Barolo Grappa and discover how distillation captures the essence of the Nebbiolo grapes in a fascinating way.

Origin and Tradition

Barolo Grappa is made from the pomace of Nebbiolo grapes used in the production of Barolo wine. The tradition of Grappa production in the Barolo region dates back a long time and is closely tied to winemaking. The careful selection of pomace and the artful distillation make Barolo Grappa a unique expression of local craftsmanship and tradition.

Aromatic Variety

The Nebbiolo pomace used to make Barolo Grappa carries the characteristic aromas and nuances of Barolo wine. The result is a Grappa with a fascinating aromatic variety, ranging from floral notes to fruity nuances and subtle spice aromas. The elegance and depth that characterize Barolo are reflected in every note of this fine Grappa.

Tasting Experience

Tasting Barolo Grappa reveals a harmonious balance between strength and finesse on the palate. Its smooth texture and complex flavor make this spirit an ideal digestif. It pairs perfectly with a delicious dinner or a relaxed moment of enjoyment. The journey through the aromas of Nebbiolo pomace is simultaneously a journey through the vineyards and hills of the Barolo region.

Buy Barolo Online at VINELLO

Are you looking for a treat for your wine collection or simply wish to indulge yourself? Then turn to Italy's flagship, Barolo. Your wine retailer Vinello offers you a rich selection of various Barolo wines. We also guarantee safe shopping and multiple payment options.