Description: Discovering the Less Traveled Wine Trails of the World
Barolo, in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, is home to some of Italy’s most famous red wines. Barolo and Barbaresco wines are both made from the Nebbiolo grape – their names indicate the particular region where the vineyards are located. Within these regions, there are several crus which impart different characteristics to the wine. Although relatively resistant to frost, damp, and mist, the Nebbiolo grape is particularly sensitive to terrain – thus the extensive and varied wine classification, which
Barbaresco lies to the north and east of Barolo. Although the varietal – Nebbiolo – is identical, winemakers generally consider Barbaresco as the feminine expression of the varietal – more delicate and refined, with less tannic structure. Barolo is the more masculine expression of Nebbiolo – intense, muscular, tannic. Both have incredible aging potential which range from 5 years to several decades.
As with many regions in Italy, there are certain regulations around barrel and bottle aging. Barolo must be aged for three years before release, and at least two of those must be in the barrel. Barolo Riservas must be aged for a total of five years before release and also require at least two years of barrel aging. Barbaresco must undergo two years of aging, at least one of which must be in the barrel. Barbaresco Riservas must be aged for at least four years.