Barolo

Austere and elegant, it is not an ambassador just for Piedmont, but also for Italian-made products throughout the world.

With its ruby-red colour and orange highlights, intense and pleasant bouquet, and dry, full, robust and velvety taste, Barolo, the king of wines and wine of kings, epitomises the gentleness and fragrance of the Langhe hills. Produced in a restricted area centred around the municipality of Barolo in the province of Cuneo, it has a long history, involving figures such as the Marquise Giulia Colbert Falletti Barolo, Camillo Benso of Cavour and King Victor Emanuel II. The first of these modernised the wine production on her estates in the early 1800s, while the other two made it their calling card in the courts of Europe. A visit to the Wi.Mu is a must in order to get a taste of these atmospheres. This brand-new Wine Museum has been set up in Barolo Castle itself, with displays designed by the architectural and set design genius, François Confino.

Barolo wine is made from Nebbiolo grapes aged for a minimum of 3 years, at least two of which should be in oak or chestnut barrels. Five years, however, are required to attain the special title “riserva”. Since 2010 Barolo bottle labels can also display additional geographic specifications, which are listed in the production guidelines, and its alcohol content should be at least 13 degrees.

Barolo is a perfect accompaniment to game, roast meat, mature cheeses and truffle dishes. When young, it goes well with hot and cold Piedmontese hors d’oeuvres. Barolo Chinato is made from Barolo DOCG wine mixed with alcohol and an infusion of aromatic herbs.

To journey along the Barolo and Great Wines of Langa Trail is to learn the sweet art of “andar per Langa” (passing through Langa), a rural tradition which has now become a pleasant tour through the countryside along well-worn hill-country routes.