Barolo DOCG

Fancy discovering the very best Italy has to offer when it comes to wine? Immerse yourself in the world of the legendary Barolo. It embodies one of the most prestigious appellations in the world. Nestled in the heart of the Piedmont region, the Barolo vineyard is renowned for its exceptional wines, producing reds that combine power and complexity. A reputation forged over several centuries! The history of this wine-growing region stretches back a long way, but it truly came into its own from the 19th century onwards. This was thanks to improvements in winemaking techniques and the quality of Barolo wines, spearheaded in particular by Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour. Thanks to the outstanding expertise of the region’s producers, Barolo was awarded DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) status – the most prestigious distinction for Italian wines – in 1980.

As well as unique, time-honoured expertise, Barolo owes the exceptional quality of its wines to its unique geography. Situated in the Langhe region, the vineyards cover an area of approximately 1,500 hectares, spread across 11 municipalities, including Serralunga, Castiglione Falleto, Monforte d’Alba and La Morra. Its location in a hilly region means it enjoys a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.

Located south-west of Alba, the Barolo vineyard lies at the heart of a stunning natural landscape, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The vines are spread across small plots characterised by varied soils, exposures and microclimates, creating a vast diversity similar to that of the Burgundy vineyards. Barolo red wine is produced from two exceptional terroirs. Between the municipalities of Grinzane Cavour and Novello, the soil consists mainly of compact blue marl and clay, yielding tannic, powerful and complex wines. Diagonally across, between the municipalities of Verduno and Novello, the vines thrive on predominantly sandy soils with lighter textures. The wines produced on this terroir are more delicate, elegant and sensual.

To savour the excellence of Barolo, a true jewel of Italian winemaking, there’s no need to cross the Alps. At Vinatis, our experts have curated a diverse selection, bringing together the best Barolo wine, which reflect the excellence of the region’s terroirs.

At the heart of Barolo’s exceptional character, Nebbiolo is the only grape variety authorised by this appellation. This variety takes its name from the Italian word ‘nebbia’, meaning ‘mist’, a reference to the thick blanket of fog that frequently envelops the vineyards in autumn. It thrives particularly well on south- and south-west-facing slopes, allowing it to capture as much light as possible. Nebbiolo flourishes in predominantly clay-limestone soils. A late-ripening, temperamental grape variety, it is generally harvested when the first mists begin to appear. The production of Barolo wine made from this grape variety generally involves prolonged maceration and several years of ageing to refine and round out their tannic structure.

Visually, Nebbiolo gives young Barolo wine a pale colour. After several years, this wine takes on a deep garnet colour with orange highlights. This variety gives the wine a remarkably complex bouquet, blending aromas of ripe red fruits, black fruits and white truffle. Notes of wilted roses, as well as hints of spices, liquorice, leather and tobacco, are also evident on the nose. On the palate, its imposing tannic structure is one of its key characteristics. The Italian Barolo is distinguished by its firm yet elegant tannins and high acidity. Despite a legal ageing period in casks of at least 38 months, this wine, which is austere in its early years, generally requires much more time to develop roundness and complexity.

Both wines come from Piedmont and are made from Nebbiolo grape variety, Barolo and Barbaresco are often compared. Yet these two Italian legends each have their own distinctive characteristics. The vines of the Barolo appellation are rooted in soil composed mainly of clay and marl, giving the wine a robust structure and exceptional ageing potential. Its slightly warmer climate produces fuller-bodied wines with powerful tannins. In contrast, the Barbaresco production area is situated on more fertile soil, rich in limestone and sand, resulting in more subtle wines. Its cooler climate favours the production of red wines with fine, soft tannins.

In terms of aromatic profile, Barolo is renowned for producing red wines with notes of black fruit, leather and tobacco. Conversely, Barbaresco is more floral, developing aromas of violet and rose combined with notes of red fruit and spices.

Fancy discovering the different facets of Nebbiolo? Why not treat yourself to a themed tasting centred on this grape variety, featuring Barolo red wine available at the best prices at Vinatis.

There is not just one Barolo, but two distinct styles, embodying the full richness of this prestigious Italian appellation. Straddling tradition and modernity, these two styles coexist, each offering a unique interpretation of the Nebbiolo grape variety.

Fermentation lasting up to 30 days, extraction through pumping over, and ageing for several years in large oak casks… purist winemakers favour traditional winemaking methods. This technique produces robust Barolo wines with powerful tannins, requiring several years of ageing to reveal their full potential.

Other producers choose to modernise their techniques to produce Barolos that are more fruit-driven. Fermentation temperatures below 28°, limiting fermentation and maceration times, and ageing in oak barrels to soften the tannins are among the modern winemaking techniques adopted. These result in Barolos that are fruitier, more approachable and rounder, with supple tannins. Wines that are more approachable when young!

Whether you’re a curious novice or a discerning connoisseur, Barolo has something to suit every palate. Those who favour structure and complexity will find what they’re looking for in the classic vintages, with their powerful tannins and built for ageing. The more charming, fruity and rounded styles, on the other hand, are perfect for discovering this great Italian red wine without having to wait years. With Vinatis’ selection, discover the different facets of Barolo and find the one that perfectly suits your tastes.

The jewel in the crown of the Italian wine world and the king of Piedmont, Barolo is a wine for special occasions. Its power, finesse and aromatic complexity make it an exceptional choice for celebrating life’s great moments. Weddings, birthdays, fine dining… Barolo, offering a unique taste experience, is a must-have for turning your events into memorable moments. Curious to discover this legendary wine? Let yourself be captivated by Vinatis’ selection of exceptional Barolos. Top-of-the-range vintages await you, ready to enhance your most special moments!

Giving a bottle of wine is an elegant way to show your affection. And when it comes to finding the perfect gift for a discerning wine lover or connoisseur, a bottle of exceptional wine is the obvious choice. Rich, complex and powerful, Barolo is one of those wines that inspire admiration. This gem from Piedmont makes an excellent gift idea to mark a special occasion such as a birth or a birthday marking the start of a new decade. And for an even more prestigious gift, choose a bottle from Barolo’s finest vintages, such as 2015, 2020 or 2021.

By choosing your Barolo from Vinatis at best price, you’ll have access to the appellation’s finest vintages, rigorously selected for their exceptional quality and prestige.

A wine that brings a sparkle to the eyes of even the most passionate connoisseurs, Barolo wine is one of the most sought-after and collected Italian wines. Its incredible ageing potential – up to 20 years and more for the finest wines of this appellation – allows it to develop harmoniously over time. Collecting bottles of Barolo red wine means building a prestigious wine cellar, offering the promise of future memorable tasting experiences. Barolo also offers interesting prospects for capital appreciation.

Ranked amongst Italy’s finest red wines, Barolo wine price depends on the producer’s reputation, the style, the terroir from which it comes, or the vintage. On average, expect to pay between £20 and £30 for an entry-level wine. However, the price of a top-of-the-range Barolo – whether a prestigious cru or an old vintage – can easily exceed £100. At Vinatis, you’ll find a selection of Barolos to suit all budgets, from affordable wines to exceptional bottles, all of which are guaranteed to be of the highest quality.

Choosing a bottle of Barolo can seem complicated due to its many nuances. At Vinatis, we make it easier for you with a carefully curated selection of wines tasted and approved by our experts, complete with detailed descriptions (tasting notes, food and wine pairings, serving advice, etc.). Whether you’re looking for a traditional-style Barolo with powerful tannins or a fruitier, more approachable wine, let our intuitive filter system guide you.

A great Barolo red wine deserves to be tasted in a manner befitting its calibre! When enjoyed whilst still young, this wine needs to be decanted for a few hours before serving to soften its tannins and allow its aromas to develop fully. Barolo is best enjoyed at a temperature of between 16°C and 18°C.

Produced in a modern style, Barolo can be enjoyed young, after ageing for less than 10 years. On the other hand, wines produced in keeping with the traditions of Barolo’s great red wines age beautifully for more than 10 to 15 years.

The diversity found within the Barolo appellation offers a wide range of food and wine pairings. To bring out the best in this Italian wine, the most classic pairings are rich, flavourful dishes such as stews, roasted or braised red meats, and game meat—whether furred or feathered. Barolo also pairs perfectly with a dish of risotto with aromatic truffles and other mushroom-based dishes.

Whether you’re looking to stock up your wine cellar or searching for an exceptional gift, discover our selection of high-quality Barolos from renowned producers such as Gaja, Ceretto, Domaine Clerico, Giovanni Sordo, Chiara Boschis and Elio Altare. But at Vinatis, quality doesn’t always mean exorbitant prices! With a selection to suit all budgets, as well as the various great deals we frequently run (regular promotions, Bin End selections, clearance sales…), you can stock up on Barolo at bargain prices. Perfect for discovering this appellation without breaking the bank!