BAROLO BUYER’S GUIDE
Buying and investing wine can be intimidating… especially Barolo! This is why I have come up with my own Barolo Buyer’s Guide. A producer once told me, “ appreciating a Merlot or Cab is like classic art, appreciating Barolo is like Contemporary Art”. Like some varietals, they can be easily loved if they are immediately big, bold and flavorful while others, like those that come from the Nebbiolo grape, might not be so obvious. Often they can display mostly fruit and flowers with a surprisingly light color and body weight followed by an astringency that might not be pleasant to everyone’s palate.
How to Buy Barolo Online
I would personally trust in a wine shop that knows Piemonte well, carrying high quality small producers. If they know your taste they can guide you in the right direction (i.e Chambers St. Wines or Verve in NYC). Or you can join a wine club or community like the Barolo Wine Club where you can get a sampling of different wines, vintages and learn about them through videos and tasting materials.
I would personally trust in a wine shop that knows Piemonte well, carrying high quality small producers. If they know your taste they can guide you in the right direction (i.e Chambers St. Wines or Verve in NYC). Or you can join a wine club or community like the Barolo Wine Club where you can get a sampling of different wines, vintages and learn about them through videos and tasting materials.
What Makes Barolo Special?
1. The magical power & finesse combo
Don’t let its color or body deceive you! Although it may seem light, it is packed with layers and complexities of aromas and flavors. Always “elegant”, Barolos generally have approximately 14.5% alcohol and gain body through the years.
2. The Nose
I can literally just swirl and sniff Barolo for days without even taking a sip! Every Barolo smells different yet common aromas could be considered: roses, violets, red fruit, licorice, tobacco, truffles and tar. If you are a pro – you could even guess which vineyard “crus” the Barolos come from based on certain characteristics.
3. Ability to age
Barolo can easily be aged for decades. The once rough and tough Barolos from the 50s and 60s can still be surprising even now. In the last 20 years, Barolo producers have made these traditionally tannic and “hard” Barolos to drink young, more approachable upon release. However, waiting 8-10 years from the vintage can give you the maximum expression of Nebbiolo from Barolo.
4. The terroir
Barolo can only be made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes grown in a very small region made up of 11 small villages. Drinking any Barolo from this small overall production globally should be considered as special. Barolo can sometimes be compared to Burgundy with its sensitivity to terroir. If grown on one hill it can completely change personality from the next hill over. Each of these single appellations or “crus” shared by multiple producers, gives the wine its unique identity making it fun to find your own “preferred” cru.
Tip: If you find a single vineyard Barolo you love, search out a different winery with the same single vineyard to compare! Ex: Boggione “Brunate” vs. Oddero “Brunate”
Barolo Vintage Guide
- 2016 – ***** Classic cooler vintage (cellar well)
- 2015 – **** Warmer vintage (can drink younger)
- 2014 – *** Cool vintage (can drink younger)
- 2013 – ***** Classic cooler vintage (cellar well)
- 2012 – *** Average vintage (hold or drink)
- 2011 – **** Warmer vintage ( can drink younger)
- 2010 – ***** Classic vintage (cellar well)
- 2009 – *** Warmer vintage (can drink younger)
- 2008 – ***** Cooler vintage
- 2007 – **** Warmer vintage
- 2006 – **** Classic cooler vintage
- 2005 – *** Average vintage
- 2004 – **** Classic cooler vintage
- 2003 – * Hot vintage
Which Area / Village Should You Choose?
If you prefer more delicate floral notes and red fruits you could bet on trying a Barolo from the Western side from villages like La Morra and Verduno. Some of the most famous single vineyard crus from this area include: Movigliero, Arborina, Rocche d’Annunziata, Brunate, Bricco delle Viole.
Perhaps you are in the mood for earthier spicier and more tannic Barolos you could try a Barolo from the South Eastern side like Serralunga and Monforte villages. Famous vineyards from this area include: Bussia, Vignarionda, Lazzarito, Francia
A nice balance of power and finesse can often be found in the central villages of Barolo and Castiglione Falletto with famous vineyards like Cannubi and Villero.
