Wine 101 The Fascinating Barolo

Discover the regal allure of Barolo, an Italian gem in the world of red wines, as we bid adieu to French classics and welcome the bold elegance of this Piedmontese treasure.

Barolo 101: Breaking Down the Elegance

• Barolo, a prestigious red wine, hails from Italy’s Piedmont region, exclusively crafted from Nebbiolo grapes.
• Nebbiolo, characterized by high acidity and tannins, undergoes budbreak early and sees a late October harvest.
• Fontanafredda’s winemaker, Danilo Drocco, likens Barolo to a captivating discovery, unfolding unique emotions with each uncorking.

Barolo’s Rich Tapestry

• Rich and full-bodied, Barolos showcase vibrant acidity and tannins, drawing comparisons to Burgundy’s great Pinot Noirs.
• Aromas of rose, tar, and dried herbs define Barolo wines, aged for a minimum of two years in oak and one in the bottle.
• Fontanafredda, a historic Barolo producer, encapsulates Barolo as an evolving experience, offering distinct sensations.

The Terroir of Barolo

• Located in Piedmont’s Langhe region, Barolo comprises 11 communes, with Barolo, La Morra, Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d’Alba, and Monforte d’Alba being the prominent ones.
• Diverse soils, from sand and limestone in the Serralunga Valley to clay in the Central Valley, influence Barolo’s intensity and fruitiness.
• La Morra, a leading commune, produces a significant portion of Barolo wines, contributing to the region’s diverse expressions.

The Art of Barolo-Making

• Barolo DOCG, the highest Italian wine classification, mandates wines to be 100% Nebbiolo, aged for at least 38 months, with 18 in wood barrels.
• The “Riserva” label indicates wines aged for a minimum of five years, showcasing the aging potential and quality of Barolo.

When to Sip the King of Wine

• Despite its age-worthy reputation, Barolo is both collectible and suitable for daily enjoyment, pairing well with diverse cuisines.
• Versatile flavors of tar and rose make Barolo ideal for spring and summer barbecues, fall mushroom risottos, and winter steak dinners.
• Barolo’s affordability, coupled with its structured and refined character, makes it an accessible luxury for various occasions.

Why Choose Barolo

• Barolo wines are structured, refined, and elegant, representing a cultural journey into Piedmont’s foggy northwest terroir.
• While some premium selections may be pricier, Barolo offers affordable options, making it a distinctive choice for any occasion.
• Embrace the Piedmontese culture with Barolo as a unique gift, a special dinner companion, or a delightful addition to casual wine and cheese nights.

10 Facts about Barolo

1. Barolo is a red wine from Italy’s Piedmont region, exclusively crafted from Nebbiolo grapes.
2. Nebbiolo grapes exhibit high acidity and tannins, harvested late in October.
3. Fontanafredda’s winemaker, Danilo Drocco, describes Barolo as an unfolding, captivating discovery.
4. Barolos are rich, full-bodied wines with vibrant acidity and tannins, drawing comparisons to Burgundy’s Pinot Noirs.
5. Aromas of rose, tar, and dried herbs define Barolo wines, aged for a minimum of two years in oak and one in the bottle.
6. Barolo comprises 11 communes, with La Morra being a significant contributor to production.
7. Diverse soils, from sand and limestone to clay, influence Barolo’s intensity and fruitiness.
8. Barolo DOCG mandates wines to be 100% Nebbiolo, aged for at least 38 months, with 18 in wood barrels.
9. The “Riserva” label indicates wines aged for a minimum of five years, showcasing aging potential and quality.
10. Despite its age-worthy reputation, Barolo is both collectible and suitable for daily enjoyment.

Since you made it here…Interesting Wines to try

2019 Bouchaine Hyde Vineyard Merlot Carneros – Napa Valley

• The legendary Hyde Vineyard unveils a brilliantly structured Merlot
• Ripe tannins dominate, yet irresistibly approachable in its early evolution
• Sarsaparilla, cola spice, and cigar humidor dance with black licorice
• Layers of plum sauce, blackberries, cassis, and black raspberries unfold
• Scrubby herbs emerge with perky acidity, keeping the experience lively
• Immerse yourself in the world of wine with Hyde Vineyard’s masterpiece
• Elevate your tasting experience with this captivating Merlot

2019 Chappellet Merlot Napa Valley

• Inky richness, bursting with toasty cacao, espresso, and grilled vanilla
• Silky mouthfeel framed by sweet, integrating tannins
• Spiced plums, cassis, and bright acidity lingering through a blueberry-kissed finish

2019 Cuvaison Arcilla Merlot Los Carneros – Napa Valley

• Pure evocation of strawberries with evolving tea-like tannins
• Flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, and smashed blueberry
• Notably savory with hints of carob, mineral, black licorice, and plum sauce layers

2019 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot Napa Valley

• A beautiful expression with sweet tannins and well-integrated oak spicing
• Hoisin sauce, cassis, violets, and candied orange peels
• Sandalwood, floral peppercorns, espresso beans, warm vanilla, and loam

2019 L’Ecole No. 41 Merlot Walla Walla Valley, Washington

• Estate-grown brilliance structured for mid-term aging
• Ripe red berry fruit and cherries finding counterpoints in dusty tannins and carob
• Minerality pulsing through each sip, delivering a brilliant wine experience

2019 La Jota Vineyard Co. Howell Mountain Estate MerlotNapa Valley

• A classic effort from winemaker Chris Carpenter with astounding mountain-grown grapes
• Age-worthy tannins allowing notes of licorice, granite, cacao nibs, and well-steeped tea to shine
• Cardamom and violets lingering through the long, elegant finish

2020 Macari Vineyards Merlot North Fork of Long Island

• A spicy and fascinating expression, dominated by crushed peppercorns
• Remarkably translucent, revealing red cherries, raspberries, and toasted fennel seeds with oak spice

2018 Meeker Winemakers’ Handprint Collection Merlot Sonoma County

• Lifted and well-delineated, expressive of black raspberries, ripe cherries, and goji berries
• Loamy earthiness, sarsaparilla-dusted tannins, and a bay-leaf note creating an intriguing wine experience
• Elegant yet powerful, structured for cellaring or enjoying now with grilled meat

2019 Mt. Brave Merlot Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley

• Toasty, rich, and brooding, a wine rewarding patience
• Notes of blackberry liqueur, kirsch, cassis, purple plums, and cardamom promising complexity
• Impressive balance and structure with graphite-like tannins and singed laurel nuances

2019 Northstar Premier Merlot Columbia Valley, Washington

• Velvety texture, ripe with a counterbalancing punch of acidity
• Crushed blackberries and mulberries, vanilla, clove, and toasty oak through the finish
• A stellar example of what the wine variety does best in the Columbia Valley

2019 PlumpJack Estate Winery Merlot Napa Valley

• A toasty, modern, crowd-pleasing beauty with rich, chocolatey notes
• Plums, blackberries, and cassis lifted by candied violets
• Aging potential of five to seven years, but delightful fruitiness makes it enjoyable now

2019 Ridge Vineyards Estate Merlot Santa Cruz Mountains

• Shining with the character of the venerable Monte Bello Vineyard
• Cedar, incense, brambly berries, elegant balance, and beautifully calibrated acidity
• Promising another ten to fifteen years of life ahead

2019 Rutherford Hill Winery Merlot Napa Valley

• Silky and herbaceous, less fruit-forward than typical Napa Merlot
• Layers of black and red raspberries, cherries, and chocolate with lively mineral finish
• A solid value delivering a unique wine experience for less than $30

2019 Seavey MerlotNapa Valley

• Estate-grown Merlot marked by toasty oak, cafe mocha notes, and woodsy spices
• Silky tannins, density, and underlying pulse of minerality providing real energy
• A captivating wine experience with impressive aging potential

2020 Seven Hills Winery Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Walla Walla Valley, Washington

• Fruit-forward Merlot from a vineyard planted in the early-1980s
• Underlying bergamot note with nuances of sage, oregano, and cracked peppercorns
• Sweet tannins lingering through flavors of red and purple plums and huckleberries

2018 St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery Rutherford Estate Vineyards MerlotNapa Valley

• Rich, chocolatey aromas of hoisin sauce and spiced blackberry liqueur
• Balanced acidity with minerality, hint of dried herbs, and fantastic kirsch finish

2019 Vérité La Muse

• One of the most intriguing and appealing new-release Merlots
• A balance of perfume and depth with red currants, raspberries, cherries, plums, graphite, and hints of tobacco and sandalwood

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