Barolo DOCG

Barolo is one of Italy’s most revered red wines, made exclusively from 100% nebbiolo grapes grown in a designated area surrounding the town of Barolo and 11 other communes in the Langhe region, near Alba in Piedmont. This area is considered one of the most prestigious in all of Italian viticulture, with five key villages - Barolo, La Morra, Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d’Alba, and Monforte d’Alba - producing the most distinctive and high-quality expressions of Barolo.

Barolo was one of the very first Italian wines to be awarded the coveted DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) status, a recognition of its historical importance and consistent quality. The official disciplinare - the set of strict production regulations - states that Barolo must not only be made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes grown within the approved zone, but must also be aged for a minimum of 38 months, including at least 18 months in wooden barrels.

In outstanding vintages, producers may set aside wines for extended aging and bottle them as Barolo Riserva, which requires a minimum of 62 months of aging, again with at least 18 months in wood. The choice of barrel size, type of oak, and aging method is left to each winemaker, allowing a broad range of interpretations - from more traditional, austere Barolos aged in large Slavonian oak casks to more modern styles matured in smaller French oak barriques.

In years when conditions are less favorable, responsible producers may choose to "declassify" their Barolo, releasing the wine under a more general Nebbiolo label, thereby maintaining the prestige of the Barolo name.

Stylistically, Barolo is a full-bodied, high-tannin wine with vibrant acidity and remarkable aging potential. In its youth, it often displays firm structure and bold flavors, but over time, Barolo develops an extraordinary complexity - aromas of dried roses, tar, red berries, truffle, licorice, and earthy notes emerge, making it one of the most fascinating wines to age and collect.

Barolo’s reputation as the "King of Italian Wines" is well-earned. It is not only a pillar of Piedmontese winemaking, but also a benchmark for age-worthy red wines worldwide.

For vintage assessment click here.