What Makes Barolo So Special?
In the heart of Piedmont, nestled within the rolling hills of Langhe, Barolo stands as one of Italy’s finest wine regions—a land where history, tradition, and passion collide to create wines of unparalleled distinction. Barolo is celebrated not only for its profound elegance but for its unique ability to embody the terroir of its rugged, sun-drenched vineyards.
Its landscape is a patchwork of small, family-owned estates, where winemaking is more than a craft; it’s a calling, passed down through generations. Here, tradition reigns, but there is an openness to innovation.
The Land Itself
Barolo’s terroir is a masterclass in tension and nuance — a patchwork of sun-drenched slopes and ancient marl soils that pull every ounce of character from the Nebbiolo grape. Here, altitude and exposition are everything: one hilltop might yield austere, age-worthy tannins, while the next gives perfume and lift. The interplay between clay, limestone, and sandstone in communes like La Morra and Serralunga d’Alba sculpts wines that are both cerebral and deeply emotive. It’s not just soil and sun — it’s soul, etched into every glass.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo, the only grape permitted in the region, making it the heart of Piedmont, delicate in hue, yet formidable in structure. It serves as the foundation of Barolo, where shaped by time and terroir, it evolves into a wine of remarkable depth and nobility. Under the stewardship of the Langhe’s dedicated vintners, Nebbiolo expresses a signature profile of tar and rose, of earth and fading floral notes, anchored in the region’s calcareous marl soils and centuries of tradition.
Its exceptional ageing potential lies in its naturally high acidity and robust tannic structure, which allow it to develop extraordinary complexity and elegance over decades.
Making Barolo
Barolo must be made using traditional local methods, including fermenting with the grape skins (maceration) and ageing in oak barrels. Regular Barolo requires at least 38 months of ageing, with 18 of those in oak, while the Riserva version ages even longer—at least 62 months, still with 18 in oak. Standard Barolo must have a minimum alcohol content of 13%, and Riserva must reach at least 13.5%. Before being sold, all Barolo wines are officially taste-tested to ensure they meet strict standards for colour, aroma, flavour, and overall quality.
Santamaria, Barolo 'Capalot', 2019
A brooding yet elegant expression of Barolo, the 2019 ‘Capalot’ from Santamaria is all about quiet confidence. Aromas of dried rose petals, dark cherry, and worn leather unfurl gently, backed by tar and sweet tobacco. On the palate, it's taut and structured, with finely grained tannins framing a core of redcurrant, black tea, and earthy truffle. This is Nebbiolo with its collar buttoned, waiting for the right moment to speak volumes. Best decanted now or cellared for a decade of deeper conversation.
Benevelli, Barolo 'Ravera', 2020
The Benevelli Piero Barolo 'Ravera' 2020 is an exceptional Nebbiolo from the renowned Ravera di Monforte vineyard in Piedmont, Italy. This Barolo showcases a classic bouquet of dark cherries, liquorice, and earthy undertones. On the palate, it presents a fresh, complex character with great depth and a lasting finish. This Barolo exemplifies traditional winemaking and offers a memorable experience for wine lovers.
Ancient regions such as Barolo always have more to offer than meets the eye. If you're interested in learning more, visit our website.