What to Pair Your Barolo With

3 Recipes for Barolo

Braised beef or lamb shank

Braised beef or lamb shank

Description :

The wine’s robust tannins and rich fruit flavors complement the savory, slow-cooked meat, enhancing the depth and complexity of both the dish and the wine.

Mushroom risotto or truffle pasta

Mushroom risotto or truffle pasta

Description :

The earthy flavors of these dishes are elevated by the wine’s complex aromatics and tannic structure, making for a harmonious pairing.

More on Barolo

Barolo Wine Description

Barolo is a prestigious red wine made exclusively from the Nebbiolo grape in the Barolo DOCG region of Piedmont, Italy. Often referred to as “the wine of kings and the king of wines,” Barolo is known for its deep flavor profile, high tannins, and significant aging potential. The wine undergoes a rigorous production process, including a minimum of three years of aging, with at least two years in oak barrels.

Appearance:

  • Color: Bright ruby, transitioning to garnet with age.
  • Opacity: Medium to high, with a clear and bright appearance that reflects the wine’s concentration and depth.

Aroma:

  • Primary Aromas: Floral notes such as rose and violet, along with red fruit aromas like cherry and raspberry.
  • Secondary Aromas: Developed from oak aging, including hints of licorice, tar, and spices.
  • Tertiary Aromas: With extended aging, Barolo develops complex aromas such as dried fruits, leather, tobacco, and truffle.

Flavor Profile:

  • Fruit Flavors: Dominated by red fruits like cherry and raspberry, with deeper notes of plum and fig as the wine ages.
  • Other Flavors: Notes of licorice, tar, earth, and spices such as cinnamon and clove are common, along with hints of chocolate or tobacco in aged wines.
  • Oak Influence: Significant, with Barolo wines often aged in large oak barrels, imparting flavors of vanilla, toast, and sweet spices.

Structure:

  • Body: Full-bodied, providing a rich and velvety texture.
  • Tannins: High, giving the wine a firm structure that softens with age, making it ideal for long-term cellaring.
  • Acidity: Medium to high, which balances the tannins and contributes to the wine’s longevity.
  • Alcohol: Between 13.5% and 15%.

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