Barolo
Definition - What does Barolo mean?
Barolo is a red wine with a DOCG status made in the region of Piedmont. It is made from the Nebbiolo grape and its signature aromas are roses and tar. It is a wine sought after by collectors for its ability to age. By law, the wine must be aged a minimum of 38 months before release with a combination of aging in wood and bottle.
WineFrog explains Barolo
Barolo is perceived as one of Italy's greatest wines.
The region where it is made is located southwest of where Barbaresco is made (with Nebbiolo) where it is cooler and the vineyards are at higher elevations.
It is a single varietal wine, as by law Barolo must be made with 100% Nebbiolo. Three clones of the grape grown within the region are permitted. It is known for its rich tannin structure and its ability to age for over a decade so that the tannins can soften. Its structure is imparted by fermenting the wine on its skins for a minimum of three weeks. Then it is aged in large wooden casks for a minimum of 18 months, but some producers age it for many years.
Riserva styles must be aged in wooden vats for a minimum of 5 years.
Pair Barolo with game fowl like pheasant, duck or quail. Sweetbreads also go well. For vegetarians, pair it with risotto and truffles or wild mushrooms. Despite its tannin profile, the flavors of Barolo are delicate, so red meats are not recommended.
