The 3 most frequently asked questions about Barolo

by Camilla Renzi

Barolo is the red wine that best expresses the territoriality of the Langhe.

It’s also known as the “Wine of Kings, King of Wines” for its noble structure and for satisfying the tastes of Italian nobility. If you want to know what history lies behind Barolo, I recommend reading the blog Discover Barolo, wine of kings and king of wines

There are three questions that are asked most about Barolo. We have collected them in this article to reveal the answers that no one has ever given you.

Why does Barolo cost so much?

Its price is due to the quality of the raw material: the Nebbiolo vine is the most expensive in Italy.

In fact, it’s one of the most difficult vines to cultivate due to the fragility of the grapes, the long life cycle, the late ripening and the need for long ageing. Only 11 communes in the Langhe have the right pedo-climatic conditions for its production.

How do you serve Barolo?

It should be served at a temperature of 18-20°, allowing the open bottle to oxygenate at least an hour before tasting.

Use a large goblet to allow the aromas to diffuse.

Its austere tannins, earthy and undergrowth scents go well with truffles, meat and mature cheeses.

Bitter, spicy or very salty dishes should be avoided.

What is the difference between Barolo and Barbaresco?

They both originate from the same grape variety, Nebbiolo. They have the same elegant and noble structure. They are both produced in Langhe.

But they are totally different.

The 11 communes of Barolo have soils rich in limestone that express themselves in power and density.

The 3 communes of Barbaresco are a more sandy area which results in more elegant and perfumed scents.

Now that you are clear about Barolo, you can devote yourself to choosing your favourite Barolo label from those of Poderi Gianni Gagliardo.

In their selection you will find 4 Barolo wines that differ clearly from each other according to the terroir in which the vines are grown. Let us discover them together.

The selection of Poderi Gianni Gagliardo

Barolo DOCG
Vineyards cultivated between La Morra, Barolo, Monforte, Serralunga and Verduno.

The combination of Nebbiolo from these soils gives a particularly expressive character even at a young age, but with excellent ageing potential.

The 2018 Barolo is characterised by aromas of cherry and plum skin with more delicate hints of blueberry, rose and violet.

Barolo DOCG Castelletto
Vineyards located in Monforte d’Alba. Its hallmarks are elegance, depth, delicate marine hints, ripe cherry, lavender and liquorice powder.

The 2016 vintage had a winter with mild temperatures, a cool, rainy spring and a summer with a marked temperature range: the perfect climate for getting the best out of Barolo.

Barolo DOCG La Morra
This is the coolest Barolo from Gagliardo, whose vineyards are cultivated in La Morra.

The 2017 vintage saw a spring frost and little rainfall: the berries were small but concentrated with sweetness.

The first aromas to emerge are those of red fruits, herbaceous and spicy notes, and it closes with leather and tobacco aromas.

Barolo DOCG Lazzarito
Gagliardo’s Barolo Cru.

The taste brings with it aromas of earth, leather, underbrush and final notes of vanilla and tobacco. An elegant wine with a persistent flavour.

In 2017, the Lazzarito vineyard produced a wine of great depth and length with ripe and pleasant tannins.