Thursday, August 11, 2022

What is Barolo

 




BAROLO Aging in SLOVENIAN CASK




WHAT is BAROLO

Barolo is made from the Nebbiolo grape, or more precisely, from three sub-varieties of Nebbiolo, whose name recalls the fog (‘nebbia’ in Italian) that often envelopes the hills and valleys where it’s made at the time of the vendemmia.  

Just eleven comuni (towns) are allowed to produce Barolo, all comprised within a small area in the province of Cuneo, to the east of the regional capital of Turin: La Morra, Barolo, Verduno, Castiglione Falletto, Monforte d’Alba, Serralunga, Novello, Roddi, Grinzano Cavour, Diano d’Alba and Cherasco.

While the Nebbiolo grape, which some consider indigenous to Piedmont, has likely existed in the region since the 1st century AD (but ‘only’ explicitly mentioned with this name in 1268), Barolo is a more modern invention; among the figures who played a significant role in its development is none other than Camillo Benso Count of Cavour, known by most for being a statesman and the leading figure in the movement towards Italian unification.

It all happened on the Grinzane estate, a castle surrounded by vineyards less than 100 kilometers from Turin, which once belonged to Cavour’s family. A young Camillo (22 years old) was sent there in 1832 by his father, who wanted to distance him from Turin, in an attempt to control his hot-blooded personality and liberal spirit. Thus, for a while, Cavour shifted his energy and passion from politics to winemaking, determined to make Nebbiolo, which was already being produced on the family’s estate, the best on the market. 

As far as Italian wine regions go, it’s hard to beat Barolo. Crowds are thinner than in Chianti, the food better than in Friuli, the landscape lusher than in Umbria or Sicily. In the heart of Italy’s northwestern Piedmont region — a gastronomic paradise famous for its rich pastas and white truffles that are in season right now — this noble wine region encompasses the town of Barolo and 10 nearby municipalities. In addition to producing the most venerated of Italian wines — the robust, age-worthy Barolo — the region is also a delight to visit, especially in autumn after a trip to the annual truffle festival in the nearby city of Alba. Along winding roads that climb steep hillsides blanketed with neat rows of nebbiolo vines, there’s always an ancient castle up ahead, or a world-famous wine estate, or a storybook hamlet with swoon-worthy views. Just bring an appetite.







In SHORT

1)   Barolo is a wine from the Piedmont region of Italy.

2)   Barolo is made of 100% Nebbiolo grapes, grown in 11 different communes
       south of Alba.

3)   Barolo is a DOCG Wine. Italy's highest rating for native wines.

4)   Barolo must be aged 2 years in wood barrels or cask, and 1 year in bottle before 
        it can be released onto the market.

5)    Barolo is a wine made for aging. It is austere and rich with tannins, which help
         the wine to age for decades if desired.


Nebbiolo is very special. It delivers cherry and strawberry notes that are quite precise and pure. But there are also nuances that really set Nebbiolo apart, especially as it starts to age. These flavors are usually described as rose, tar, porcini and wild herbs like sage. Nebbiolo is a grape that truly enchants in a way that only Pinot Noir can compare.








NEED a ROOM in PIEDMONT

And WORLDWIDE












BAROLO / BARBARESCO Wine Tour






PRIVATE TRUFFLE HUNT 

BAROLO WINE TASTING











TOUR DESCRIPTION


Italy's Piedmont region is a gastronomic hotspot, and on this private tour, you'll have the opportunity not just to taste but to hunt for one of its most famous culinary products: the truffle.  Go behind-the-scenes and join a truffle hunter and his dog on a walk through the woods in search of these hidden treasures. Depending on the season, this 1-1.5-hour hunt will lead you in search of the White Truffle of Alba (in season from late September to January) or the black Scorzone truffle (in season during the Summer months). Truffle hunting involves walking on paths that can be slippery, muddy, and occasionally steep, so appropriate footwear is strongly recommended.  After the truffle hunt, learn the secrets of Barolo winemaking in a visit to a family-run winery. Sample 4-5 types of Barolo and discover what makes this local wine special.











BAROLO BOYS









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