Barolo wine is so revered that it was one of just three wines awarded DOCG status on the day that the classification was introduced in July 1980. (The other two were Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano).
To the northeast of Barolo, just the other side of Alba, are the vineyards which produce another stellar Nebbiolo wine, Barbaresco. Currently, the most searched-for Barolo on our database is Giacomo Conterno Monfortino Barolo Riserva. (© Copyright, Wine-Searcher.com)
The classic Barolo taste
The hallmarks of the wine are a "tar and roses" aroma, bright ruby color (which fades to garnet over time), firm tannins, elevated acidity, and relatively high alcohol (often 14.5 or 15 percent abv). As the tannins soften over time, the complexity shows through with hints of earth, truffles and dark chocolate.
Despite the differences in the various terroirs in the region, and winemaking differences (see below) these key qualities tend to be consistent features in most Baroli. Other Nebbiolo wines from Piedmont can taste very similar, but otherwise Barolo is one of the most distinctive red wines in production.
The Barolo vineyard zone
This covers the parishes of Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d'Alba and Barolo itself. It also spreads over into parts of Monforte d'Alba, Novello, La Morra, Verduno, Grinzane Cavour, Diano d'Alba, Cherasco and Roddi.
The area (as with many in the wider Langhe district of Piedmont) has very complex topography with countless small hills. Nebbiolo tends to be reserved for the most favorable slopes in terms of exposure. A north-facing vineyard would likely be home to another variety.
The soils and mesoclimates vary slightly between these communes. This does create subtle differences between the wines produced from their Nebbiolo vineyards.
Barolo subregions
La Morra and Barolo
In these these communes the soil contains a high concentration of limestone-rich Tortonian marl. The more aromatic, fruitier styles of Barolo typically come from these soil types; La Morra is considered to produce the most perfumed and graceful Barolos, while those from Barolo tend to be a little more complex, and broader-textured.
Castiglione-Falleto, Serralunga d'Alba and Monforte
The vineyards are planted on looser and less fertile, Helvetian soils, which include both sandstone and limestone. This leads to a brick-colored wine which is more intense, bigger in structure and requires a longer time to age.
Serralunga d'Alba is well structured, long lived and the most tannic of the five, while Castiglione-Falleto is renowned for its full-bodied, rich nature and good balance and aromas. Monforte d'Alba offers rich, concentrated characteristics and a serious intensity.
Barolo Cru Vineyards
There are various Barolo vineyards which have achieved a sort of informal "cru" status, based on the official, structured model used in Burgundy. Esteemed winemaker Renato Ratti played a significant role in this and created a map outlining the various crus: Cannubi, Sarmazza, Brunate, Cerequio, Rocche, Monprivato, Villero, Lazzarito, Vigna Rionda, Bussia, Ginestra and Santo Stefano di Perno.
Barolo DOCG production rules
To earn the name Barolo, the wines must undergo at least 38 months' aging prior to commercial release, of which 18 must be spent in barrel (the remainder in bottle). For the added designation of riserva, the total aging time increases to 62 months.
Variations in winemaking style
Classic Barolos have traditionally required at least 10 years cellaring to tame their tannins. Today, however, some producers are moving towards more "international" styles, with reduced fermentation times (meaning less extraction of color or tannin from the must), and the use of new French barriques in place of the traditional large wooden casks.
This has resulted in a fruitier and more accessible style which is approachable at a much earlier stage in its life. Many believe this modernization detracts too severely from the classic character of Barolo. Some go so far as to say it makes the wines unrecognizable as Barolo.
The ongoing debate between Barolo's modernists and traditionalist has become known as the "Barolo wars". The skills and preferences of the individual winemakers in Barolo has at least as much influence over differences in wine styles as does terroir.
Barolo's run of great vintages
The wine's popularity has been strengthened by a run of very good to excellent vintages since 2010. The wines from that year and 2016 are widely regarded as among the best ever; 2015 and 2013 are not far behind, according to many critics.
The best 2012 and 2017 wines can scale similar heights. The 2014 vintage generally attracts slightly less favorable assessments in summary, but these still usually equate to 90+ ratings across Barolo (it is often described as a better year in neighboring Barbaresco).
The early signs for the 2019s is that it will be a year for powerful wines. The 2018s sit between those wines and the 2017s in that respect.
