Understanding Barolo: One of Italy’s Best Red Wines

Barolo is more than just a red wine: it’s referred to as “Wine of Kings and the King of Wines.” This is due to its historical significance that includes its association with royalty. Italian kings belonging to the Savoy dynasty played a major role in making Barolo prestigious. 

It wouldn't be wrong to say that Barolo is a story in a bottle; it's a bold, rich, and prestigious Italian red wine with deep roots. Grown in a special region in northern Italy, Barolo is known around the world for its flavor, tradition, and beauty. Read on to learn all about the Barolo wine region, the grape that makes Barolo wine, and why the wine made here is adored by many.

Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cerretta 2019, a top pick from Community Wine and Spirits

Where Is the Barolo Wine Subregion?

Barolo wines are produced in a small region in Piedmont, in northwestern Italy. This region sits in the foothills of the Alps, giving the land a cool climate with misty mornings. The Barolo wine region is made up of just 11 communes. 

The most famous ones are:

• Barolo (the heart of it all)

• La Morra
  

• Castiglione Falletto
  

The soil in each village can be different, which affects the taste of the wine. The wine making style of each commune also has an impact on its taste. This is why some Barolo wines are lighter and fruity, while others are bold and earthy.

What Is Barolo Wine?

If you’re wondering, “what is Barolo wine?,” it’s a dry red wine made from the Nebbiolo grape. This grape is thin-skinned and grows best in foggy hills. “Nebbia” means fog in Italian, this is where the grape gets its name.

The Barolo Wine Grape: Nebbiolo

The popular Barolo wine grape, Nebbiolo, is picky. It needs the right soil, sun, and care to grow well. This is why great Barolo wines are truly rare and special.

Nebbiolo grapes typically ripen late in the season, often harvested in October. They produce wines that are high in acid and tannin. This gives Barolo its structure and power.

Tannin might make the wine feel dry or “grippy” in your mouth. However, over time, those tannins soften, and the wine becomes silky and smooth.

How Does Barolo Taste?

Barolo wine tastings are typically structured academic tastings with a variety of examples. But here’s what you’ll often taste in a glass of good Barolo:

• Cherry and raspberry flavors
  

• Hints of rose petals and violets
  

• Notes of licorice, truffle, and leather
  

• A touch of spice or smoke from oak barrels, and some notes of tar
  

Barolo has a long finish, which means the taste stays in your mouth for a while. This is a sign of a typical high-quality wine.

Best Barolo Wine: What Should You Look For?

When searching for the best Barolo wines, start with trusted villages and vintages. 

Here are some tips:

• La Morra and Barolo villages may produce softer, more floral wines
  

• Choose Barolo if you’re looking for longer-aged, premium wines
  

Top Barolo Wines Worth Trying

You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy top Barolo wines. Below are a few Barolo wines that wine lovers admire, and their top qualities. 

1. Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cerretta 2019
   Delicate, floral and fruity notes.

2. Giacomo Conterno Ceretta Barolo (Magnum)
   Delicate, floral and fruity notes.
   

3. Pio Cesare Barolo
   Reliable, approachable, and widely available.

How to Enjoy a Barolo

• Use a large glass: Barolo needs room to breathe. Aroma collector glasses are the right fit
  

• Let it breathe: Open the bottle 1–2 hours before drinking
  

• Serve Barolo wines at cooler temperatures, somewhere around 60°F
  

• Pair with rich food: Try truffle risotto, charcuterie, or aged cheese
  

Note: Aged Barolo goes great with dishes that have umami, like handmade truffle pasta. Its strong flavors hold up well with hearty meals.

Barolo vs. Other Red Wines

Barolo stands out because of its aging power and high tannins. It’s not a casual sipping wine, it’s a wine to savor.

Is Barolo Wine Worth the Price?

Barolo wines might seem more expensive than other types of red wines. However, it’s a great luxury experience for serious wine lovers who don’t mind the justified Barolo wine cost. 

Qualities of Barolo:

• Complex, layered flavors
  

• A wine that improves over time
  

Many Barolos can age for 10 to 20 years or even more. If stored well, they get better with time. So, the Barolo wine price tag is worth it. 

Final Thoughts on Barolo

Barolo is not just another red wine, it’s a taste of northern Italian tradition, soil, and passion.

Whether you’re new to Italian wine or a seasoned fan, a good Barolo belongs in your glass. Next time you open a bottle, take your time, sip, and enjoy.

Shop for the best Barolo from the top wine store, Community Wine and Spirits. Choose from a wide range of Barolo wines to find your favorite today. Don’t forget to enjoy every bit of it at your own pace!