Barolo
From it's beginning, Barolo was known as "The King Wines", however there are many including the 2 of us that believe it now shares the throne with Barbaresco. Made from 100% Nebbiolo, a late-ripening, thin-skinned, tannic grape that is best grown in the rich limestone, gypsum and marl soils found in the Langhe hills. It is aged for a minimum of 3 years (minimum 18 months in wood). However most producers age longer than 18 months. The wines are therefore not released until 4 years after the harvest.
The DOCG zone comprises 11 villages: Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d’Alba, Diano d’Alba, Grinzane Cavour, Monforte d’Alba, Novello, Cherasco,
La Morra, Roddi and Verduno. 1,982 ha / 4,896 acres
The soils to the west of the zone are more fertile and tend to produce softer and more delicate wines. These include the key vineyards of Barolo and La Morra. The slightly poorer soils to the east produce wines that are heavier and more muscular. e.g. Monforte, Castiglione Falletto and Serralunga. Harvest usually takes place in early to mid October although some producers are now experimenting with techniques to bring it forward to the end of September. The wines will generally benefit from extended cellaring and the best can prove to be eternal in a wine sense.
