Barolo Red Wine

Barolo Red Wine, known as the “King of Wines” in Italy, has a rich and fascinating history that intertwines with the culture and tradition of the Piedmont region in northwestern Italy.

Barolo has a storied past that is as complex and compelling as the wine itself. Hailing from the rolling hills and ancient soils of Piedmont, each bottle of Barolo encapsulates the essence of the Nebbiolo grape and the nuanced terroir from which it originates. The Barolo Premium Tasting Case is a curated collection that offers oenophiles an immersive experience into this noble wine’s array of styles and expressions.

Each case typically includes a selection of Barolos from different vintners and vineyards, showcasing the diversity of the region. From robust and structured to elegant and fragrant, these wines represent the pinnacle of Piedmontese winemaking. A tasting case like this not only highlights the celebrated characteristics of the Nebbiolo grape—its formidable tannins, its capacity to age gracefully, and its seductive aromas—but also reflects the microclimates and the very hands that have nurtured it from vine to bottle.

When you explore a Barolo Premium Tasting Case, you’re not just sipping on a storied wine, you’re embarking on a journey through time-honored traditions, innovative techniques, and the living legacy of Italian viticulture. It’s an exploration that promises to deepen your appreciation of one of the world’s most prestigious wines.

Lets Take a Look at What’s Inside…

Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco 2019

The Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco 2019 is a vintage that has received acclaim for its complexity and elegance. It’s known for its vibrant, savoury qualities, and is made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, sourced from a single vineyard. Reviewers have highlighted its fragrant notes of tart cherry and pink florals, alongside a palate that offers savoury and spicy flavours with balanced acidity. The tannins are firm and structured, which suggests that the wine could benefit from some aging to fully reveal its character. The optimal drinking window suggested is from 2025 through 2040, indicating its potential for long-term cellaring.

This Barolo is characterised by a velvety texture that weaves together red fruits and black cherry flavours, with hints of tobacco and leather adding to its complexity. The wine is said to have refined tannins that provide structure and a vibrant acidity that brings a refreshing liveliness and a long-lasting impression after each sip.

Professional ratings for this vintage have been impressive, with scores in the mid-90s from Wine Enthusiast, and similarly high marks from other critics. This consistency in high ratings across the board underscores the quality and esteem of this vintage. It is described as spiced and fragrant, with aromatic layers that include cinnamon, fresh leather, red cherry, and clove. The palate experience is expressive, marked by wild berries, cedar, and forest floor notes, all contributing to a ripe and well-balanced structure.

The Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco 2019 is recommended to be paired with dishes like coq au vin, orzo risotto, and spezzatino, which can complement the wine’s robust and savoury profile​​​​​​.

Giovanni Rosso Barolo Cerretta 2018

The Giovanni Rosso Barolo Cerretta 2018 is a wine that has garnered admiration and excellent reviews from wine critics. The wine exhibits a deep ruby red colour with garnet nuances, and the nose offers an elegant and intricate bouquet with intense notes of red berry jams, wild herbs, and chocolate. On the palate, it is described as dry, fresh, and powerful, presenting thick yet polished tannins and a persistent fruity finish.

The 2018 Giovanni Rosso Barolo Cerretta has received a rating of 94 from James Suckling and a 93 from Wine Spectator. Suckling describes the wine as having notes of dried strawberry and tar with floral nuances on the nose, characterising the body as full and the tannins as chewy and sweet, suggesting that the wine would benefit from some years to soften, recommending drinking after 2025​​.

The wine’s fragrant nose features aromas such as iris, hay, woodland berry, and botanical herbs. The palate echoes these aromatic qualities with flavours like juicy Morello cherry, strawberry compote, star anise, and tobacco, all framed by tightly wound, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. It’s recommended to drink from 2026 through 2033, suggesting that while it can be enjoyed in the near term, it also has the potential to age gracefully​​.

Overall, the 2018 Giovanni Rosso Barolo Cerretta is praised for its finesse and charm. The vintage itself was challenging due to variable weather conditions, but it resulted in wines that offer a beautiful balance and clear expression of their terroir. These wines are described as having silk-like tannins and an approachability that may remind some enthusiasts of the pleasure derived from Pinot Noir, making the vintage a potential favourite for Burgundy aficionados looking to explore the Langhe region​​.

G.D. Vajra Barolo Bricco delle Viole 2018

The G.D. Vajra Barolo Bricco delle Viole 2018 is a highly regarded vintage, and is celebrated for its floral bouquet, where the aromas of violets and roses blend with brandied cherries, balsamic, and subtle spicy hints. On the palate, it is full-bodied with silky tannins, demonstrating a refined elegance and a balance of power and grace. This Barolo’s notable finesse and aromatic complexity make it a collector’s wine that can be aged beautifully for decades, yet it retains the ability to enchant in its youth, especially when paired with red meats, game stews, or aged cheeses.

Aurelio Settimo Barolo Rocche dell’Annunziata 2017

The Aurelio Settimo Barolo Rocche dell’Annunziata 2017 has garnered attention for its distinctive qualities and complexity. This vintage, produced in the renowned La Morra region of Piedmont, Italy, is made entirely from Nebbiolo grapes. It’s celebrated for embodying the traditional and mature characteristics of Barolo wines, offering a rich tapestry of floral and dried red berry undertones. It has been suggested that this wine has a cellaring potential of up to 15 years and benefits from decanting two hours before serving

Mirafiore Barolo Lazzarito 2015

The Mirafiore Barolo Lazzarito 2015 has received commendable reviews from wine critics, emphasising its complex and refined character. Wine Spectator awarded it a high rating, noting the wine’s balance of ripe cherry and currant fruit flavours, enhanced by layers of floral, licorice, and tobacco notes. The vibrant acidity and the long, mouthwatering finish suggest that it will age beautifully, recommending a drinking window from 2023 through 2045​​.

Wine Enthusiast also praised this vintage, highlighting the wine’s aromas of cedar, rose, camphor, and wild berry, with new leather and pipe tobacco adding to its appeal. The palate is described as precise and elegant, with flavours of red cherry, crushed raspberry, and spices, supported by refined tannins and fresh acidity. The recommendation is to hold this wine to enjoy even more complexity, with a suggested drinking period from 2023 to 2035​​.

These reviews capture the essence of what makes the Mirafiore Barolo Lazzarito 2015 a standout wine, showcasing the Nebbiolo grape’s potential for depth, complexity, and aging capability. Whether you’re looking to enjoy it soon or let it mature further in your cellar, this Barolo represents the excellence of Piedmont’s winemaking tradition.

This collection of six Barolo vintages offers a unique insight into the region’s winemaking prowess, showcasing the diverse expressions of the Nebbiolo grape.

Exploring Six Captivating Vintages in One Case

1. Lo Zoccolaio Barolo 2018: A vintage that marries floral elegance with rich fruitiness, perfectly accompanied by robust dishes.

1. Ca Viola Barolo Caviot 2019: Vibrant and deep, with notes of red cherries and vanilla, ideal with hearty stews or roast lamb.
2. Aurelio Settimo Barolo 2017: Bold yet graceful, characterised by dark fruit and earthy undertones, excellent with mushroom risotto or game dishes.
3. Mirafiore Barolo 2017: A fresh and harmonious blend of roses, tar, and red fruits, pairs beautifully with aged cheeses or osso buco.
4. Michele Chiarlo Barolo Tortoniano 2017: Exemplifies tradition, balancing ripe fruits with a hint of spice, perfect for beef bourguignon or rich ragu.
5. Domenico Clerico Barolo 2018: A robust wine bursting with dark cherry and licorice flavours, complements grilled meats or chocolate desserts.

Origins and Early History

• Early Beginnings: The history of Barolo wine dates back to at least the 19th century. The region of Piedmont, where Barolo is produced, has been involved in viticulture since the Roman era, but the Barolo as we know it today began its evolution in the 1800s.
• Influence of the French: The modern style of Barolo is often credited to the French oenologist Louis Oudart, who was hired by the Marchesa Giulia Falletti di Barolo in the mid-19th century. Oudart applied French winemaking techniques to the local Nebbiolo grape, significantly transforming the style of the wine.

Development of Barolo

• Improvement in Techniques: Prior to Oudart’s influence, Barolo was often a sweet wine due to the difficulty in achieving fermentation to dryness. Oudart’s techniques improved fermentation and aging processes, leading to the dry, robust style known today.
• 19th Century Recognition: The wine quickly gained fame, especially among the nobility and royal court of the Kingdom of Sardinia and later the Kingdom of Italy. It was particularly favoured by King Victor Emmanuel II and his son, Umberto I.

20th Century Challenges and Evolution

• Economic and Phylloxera Challenges: Like many European wine regions, Barolo suffered from the phylloxera epidemic in the late 19th century and economic challenges in the early 20th century.
• Post-World War II Revival: After World War II, there was a concerted effort to revive the Barolo wine industry. This period saw the introduction of more modern winemaking techniques and equipment.
• Barolo Wars: In the 1960s and 1970s, a divide arose between traditional and modern Barolo producers. Traditionalists aged the wine in large old barrels, while modernists used small French barriques for aging, leading to wines with different styles. This was often referred to as the “Barolo Wars”.

Modern Era and DOCG Status

• DOCG Status: Barolo was one of the first wines to be awarded DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) status in 1966, and later upgraded to DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) status in 1980, recognizing its quality and heritage.
• Global Recognition: Today, Barolo is renowned worldwide for its quality, depth, and longevity. The region encompasses several communes and vineyards, each imparting unique characteristics to the wine.

Cultural and Gastronomic Significance

• Culinary Pairings: Barolo has a strong cultural association with Piedmontese cuisine, particularly dishes like truffles, risottos, and meats, complementing the region’s rich culinary traditions.
• Tourism and Festivals: The Barolo region, part of the larger Langhe wine area, is a significant destination for oenotourism, featuring wine festivals, tastings, and tours that celebrate its winemaking heritage.

Barolo’s history reflects a blend of tradition and innovation, rooted in local terroir yet influenced by broader European winemaking practices. This rich history not only contributes to the wine’s complexity and allure but also makes it a symbol of Italian winemaking excellence.

FAQ’s

Why is Barolo so Expensive?

Barolo is one of Italy’s most prestigious and celebrated wines. Several factors contribute to its high cost:

1. Limited Production Area: Barolo comes from a strictly defined region in Piedmont, around the towns of Barolo, La Morra, Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d’Alba, and Monforte d’Alba. The limited production area restricts the amount of wine that can be produced, inherently limiting supply.
2. Nebbiolo Grape: Barolo is made exclusively from the Nebbiolo grape, which is notoriously difficult to cultivate. It requires a very specific climate and soil type to thrive, and even within Piedmont, only certain hillside vineyards have the ideal conditions. Nebbiolo grapes also have a long growing season, ripening later than most other varieties, which can increase the risk of poor weather affecting the crop.
3. Aging Requirements: The production of Barolo is governed by strict regulations that require a minimum aging period of 38 months after harvest, with at least 18 months in wood barrels for standard Barolo. For Riserva Barolo, the aging period is extended to a minimum of 62 months. This extended aging process requires significant investment in time and resources, contributing to the final cost.
4. Labor-Intensive Production: The steep, hilly terrain of the Barolo production area makes mechanisation difficult, leading to a reliance on manual labor for vineyard tasks such as pruning, harvesting, and maintenance. This labor-intensive process adds to the production costs.
5. High Demand and Prestige: Barolo enjoys a prestigious reputation worldwide, with a high demand among wine collectors and enthusiasts. The combination of its quality, history, and the prestige associated with the Barolo name allows producers to command higher prices.
6. Quality and Complexity: Barolo is renowned for its complexity, depth, and aging potential. It can evolve for decades, developing a wide range of nuanced flavours and aromas. The meticulous process of creating a wine that balances the Nebbiolo grape’s natural tannins, acidity, and alcohol content, while also considering the influence of terroir, results in a high-quality product that wine lovers are willing to pay a premium for.

Together, these factors contribute to the high cost of Barolo wines, reflecting both their quality and the meticulous care taken in their production.