Have you or your customers questioned before on what is the most iconic wine from Italy? We’re sure that Barolo has surely surfaced on the list of searches before and the term Barolo might have crossed your minds before.
But, what make these iconic wines great? and why are these wines also known by some as “The Wine of Kings”?
In this article we cover the all you need to know about Barolo, its production and the knowledge you’d hope to be able to share with your customers when uncorking the next bottle.
What is Barolo?
Located in the northwestern portion of Piedmont called Langhe, there are 11 communes/villages that make up the wine producing regions of the Nebbiolo grape variety: Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d’Alba, Cherasco, Diano d’Alba, Grinzane Cavour, La Morra, Monforte d’Alba, Novello, Roddi and Verduno.
These communes each have vineyards which contributes their own unique styles for production, while the area benefits from a continental climate, classified as warm and temperate, the extended summer and autumn in the area is perfect for producing top quality Nebbiolo grapes.
The Wine of Kings? Why?
Some call wines from Barolo the Wines of Kings, but many might not know the history behind its prominent term. History traces back as early as the 19th Century, when an influential figure of French descendant married to the last marquis of in the production of the grape variety.
Due to her family heritage and background of exquisite wine production back in France, she became very passionate about developing the Nebbiolo grapes and worked hard to affirm it as the king of Italian reds. The first batch of wines produced was then defined as “the wine of kings’ back in 1844, and only 100 bottles were filled.
Nebbiolo Grape Variety
Nebbiolo grapes is the name of the red grape variety that is used to produce the great bottlings of the Barolo wine. Most famously grown in the Piedmont region of Italy, the Nebbiolo grapes show the inherent character of not an overtly powerful grape variety.
The color of the grapes tends towards translucent, as opposed to more dark red grapes, but still have plenty of complexity and structure. Nebbiolo grapes not only look light, but the aromas are light too, with disarming red fruits and rose aromas that changes the second it enters the mouth, filled with strong tannins followed with striking flavors of cherry and coffee.
The grapes create a wonder of really great and exquisite wines, however the waiting game is often the hardest part when creating such wines with the grapes, as some say the wines can be aged for up to a decade before reaching its peak.
Regulations to be a Barolo
Barolo wines as we know are one of the most prominent and important wines from Italy, thus regulations by the Italian government are strict in controlling the production of such wines.
The regulation states that Barolo wines must be produced using on 100% Nebbiolo grapes. Besides, the maximum yield in grapes per year should be limited. The Valoritalia, whom is the control body also regulates the minimum aging time for the wine to be a minimum of 38 Months (of which 18 Months to be in wood) before being sold, and a minimum of 62 Months (of which 18 Months to be in wood) for the Riserva variant.
Cantine Sant’ Agata: Wine with deep roots, like family
Cantine Sant’ Agata is a family-owned winery from Piedmont, Italy. Founded in 1965 by Franco Cavallero, the winery is known for its high-quality wines, made from grapes grown in the vineyards of Monferrato, Northern Italy.
The winery produces a wide range of wines, Barolo being one of great fine wines among the many. Cantine Sant’ Agata is also well known for their Ruchè grape variety aside from the Nebbiolo grapes. Ruchè is a native grape of Piedmont that is known for its unique aromas of red fruits, berries, and spices.
Check out more about Cantine Sant’ Agata here: Cantine Sant’ Agata Official Website
Barolo from the best vineyard
Cantine Sant’ Agata produces their selection with Nebbiolo grapes obtained from a careful selection of the best bunches ripened from one of their best vineyards located in the municipality of Monforte d’Alba (one of the 11 communes as listed above).
The soil within the area is of morainic origins with dark clay mixed with white sandy marl. This gives the Nebbiolo grapes its signature characteristics and intense aromas combined with its lively color and elegant structure.
Barolo Selections
La Fenice Barolo DOCG
100% Nebbiolo Grapes
Gold Bussia Barolo DOCG
100% Nebbiolo Grapes
The wine of kings truly lives up to its name for its rich history and signature characteristics, an opportunity that you and your customer would not want to miss. A wine that will bring you on a memorable journey from its long history down to the vine and grape.
With Love From Italy prides ourselves for importing exceptional, high quality and unique wines like the selections from Cantine Sant’ Agata.
Contact us for a special consultancy session to transform and elevate your restaurants wine list or to learn more about the wines that With Love From Italy imports into Malaysia.
Italian Wine: 3S Rule to Enjoy Wine Better - With Love from Italy
[…] its different varieties such as the impressive Amarone della Valpollicella, great Barolo and tasteful Friulano just to name a few, Italian wines are an integral part of any dining […]