Barolo DOCG

Barolo is one of Italy’s most prestigious red wines, produced exclusively from 100% Nebbiolo grapes cultivated in the rolling hills of Piedmont. The official Barolo production zone includes the town of Barolo itself and 11 neighboring communes in the Langhe, near Alba. Among these, five historic villages - Barolo, La Morra, Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d’Alba, and Monforte d’Alba - are especially renowned for producing the finest and most distinctive expressions of Barolo wine.

Awarded one of the very first DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) designations in Italy, Barolo stands as a benchmark of quality and tradition. According to its disciplinare (strict production rules), Barolo must be made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes grown within the delimited area and aged for at least 38 months, including a minimum of 18 months in oak barrels.

For exceptional vintages, winemakers may produce Barolo Riserva, which requires a minimum of 62 months of aging, again with at least 18 months in wood. Each producer decides on barrel type and size - ranging from large Slavonian oak casks favored by traditionalists to smaller French oak barriques used in more modern interpretations - resulting in a fascinating diversity of styles. In challenging years, conscientious estates may declassify their wines to Langhe Nebbiolo, protecting the reputation and prestige of Barolo.

Barolo is full-bodied, high in tannins, and marked by vibrant acidity, giving it extraordinary aging potential. Young Barolos often show power and structure, with firm tannins and concentrated flavors. With age, however, they evolve into wines of remarkable complexity, revealing aromas of dried roses, tar, truffle, red berries, licorice, and earthy notes. This transformation makes Barolo one of the most collectible and age-worthy wines in the world.

Rightly called the “King of Wines and the Wine of Kings”, Barolo remains a cornerstone of Piedmontese winemaking and a global icon of Italian viticulture.

For detailed vintage assessments, click here.