Barolo is a fine Italian wine grown in Piedmont, more commonly known as Piemonte to Italians. The wine region is situated in the northwestern corner of Italy and produces delicious and world-renowned wines including the very famous, Barolo, which is made from Nebbiolo grapes. Barolo comes from a town by the name of Alba in this area.

Nebbiolo is a grape variety treasured by growers; the term may have roots in the Italian word "nebbia" which can be translated into the word, fog. The red Italian wine grape variety from Piedmont is considered one of the noble wine varieties. In general, the Nebbiolo grapes are bigger, darker, tannic and more alcoholic than most other varietals. These features make the grape juice ideal for long aging; this means the wines are more expensive compared to other wines from Italy made with smaller grapes and which are aged for less time.

Nebbiolo creates lightly colored red wines with high tannins in younger wines, combined with scents of tar and roses. As the wines made from Nebbiolo grapes age, the wines take on a characteristic brick-orange hue at the rim of the glass and mature to reveal other aromas and flavors inclusive of (but not limited to) violet, tar, wild herbs, cherries, raspberries, truffles, tobacco, and prunes. These tasting notes are really making me crave Barolo! Wines made with the Nebbiolo grape really do need a good few years of aging in order to balance the tannins with other characteristics.

As the Nebbiolo grape is so complex, many wine makers often think that the grape is difficult to work with. The wine can be changeable, moody and unpredictable during its aging process both in the bottle and in barrel. However, more often than not, the wine that follows offers a wonderful perfume of aromas including a gentle smell of dried violets and sour cherries and a fabulous taste on the mouth that is reminiscent of truffles, wild herbs and tobacco immediately taking you to that foggy north-western Italian region.

Barolo goes impressively well with full flavoured cheeses including Dolce Latte and Gorgonzola also from Italy. Decent Barolo wines normally sell in the region of £40-£70 per bottle. If you have the cash to splash on a wine gift that is perfect for aging (approximately 8-10 years) then give a bottle of Barolo, or give Barolo as part of a Barolo Wine Sets as a really special gift idea. Barolo wines include Marchesi, Antario Barolo and Barolo Franco Serra.

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Date posted: 31/01/2012