Barolo

Barolo red wine: fruity, intense, brilliant

Depending upon their type and age, Baroli may be intensive or fruity and shine in a splendid garnet to brick red. They are never deep red. Good Barolo wine exhibits nuances of plum, raspberry and cherry, with accents of violet, hay, truffle, liquorice or tobacco. The necessity for such a long maturation period is due to the tannin-rich skins of the Nebbiola grape. It takes years for Barolo red wines to reach drinkability, and they often have an alcohol content of up to 15 %/ vol.

The history of Barolo wine

The namesake and original region of this legendary Italian is the community of Barolo in the Piedmont. Up until well into the 18^th Century, it was vinified as a sweet wine. The late harvest of the Nebbiolo grapes, however, posed a few problems: During the fermentation period, which often only began in the winter, it could be so cold that the yeast died in the wine cellars, and the sugar was only partially converted into alcohol.

In the 19^th Century, it is said that the French oenologist Louis Oudart finally came up with a solution. Oudart moved the fermentation process into subterranean wine cellars, which ensured constant temperatures. He also improved the hygienic conditions in the cellars themselves. Although his efforts mainly applied to the wineries of Marchesa Giulia Falletti di Barolo and Count Camillo Benso di Cavour – where Barolo wine was first vinified as dry wine here – he was also allowed to use the royal hunting lodge Fontanafredda in Serralunga d'Alba and its surrounding vineyards for his experiments. This was how the Barolo garnered its royal fans, the House of Savoy, who shortly thereafter christened it 'the wine of kings and king of wines'. The Savoy dynasty no longer exists today, but the Barolo wine is and remains one of the top Italian wines.

Barolo wines – long maturation, high quality

In 1966, the Baroli DOC Appellation was granted DOCG Status. In order to ensure its high quality, this wine is produced according to strict regulations. It must be matured for at least three years, two of which are spent in a cask. Only then is a Barolo wine allowed to be marketed. The designation Barolo Riserva is reserved exclusively for wines that have been matured for at least four years, at least three of which are spent in a cask. A Barolo Riserva Speciale must be matured for at least five years, four of which are spent in a cask.

Baroli from 2006, 2008 and 2010 are considered classic vintages. Although they are tough and tannin-rich, they are considered very durable. The products from the vintages 2007, 2009 and 2011 are considered distinctive and accessible. Those who would like to dig a little deeper into their pockets may invest in a Barolo red wine from the 1990s. The 1996 and 1999 vintages are quite sought after.

Foodpairing with Barolo red wine

Barolo wines and hearty dishes such as pot roasts, beef tenderloin and game make sensational partners. A cheese platter – preferably with blue cheese, which really brings out the flavour of Barolo - is also suitable in combination with this fantastic Italian red wine. Another companion worthy of the famous Barolo is a very dark chocolate with about 85 % cocoa.

Due to its marked tannins, Barolo wine should never be enjoyed too cold. Decanted for at least an hour and brought to a drinking temperature of 16 - 18 °C, the tannins fuse together to become harmonically round. Baroli are wines with great maturation potential. Top quality products can be matured for around 20 years if stored in a cool, dry and dark place.

Buy Barolo wine online

Are you looking for a jewel for your wine collection or just something as a special treat for yourself? Then take a closer look at the pride of Italy, the Barolo. Your Vinello wine shop offers you a large selection of Barolo wines. We also offer you our exclusive Vinello cork guarantee, 30-day return guarantee, purchase on invoice – right from your first order - and 14 other payment methods for your convenience. And of course – punctual delivery to your home.