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Wines

Barolo

Wine style and varietal guide

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  • Red
  • Red • Dry
  • 13–15% ABV
  • Full body
  • Dry sweetness
  • medium acidity

Is this for me?

Choose this if…

  • ✓You prefer dry, crisp wines without residual sweetness.
  • ✓You enjoy firm tannins and structured red wines.
  • ✓You want a full-bodied, rich wine to pair with hearty food.

Skip if…

  • ✗You prefer sweeter or off-dry wines.
  • ✗You prefer smooth, low-tannin or white wines.
  • ✗You prefer lighter, more delicate wine styles.

At a Glance

13–15%ABV
DrySweetness
mediumAcidity
HighTannin
FullBody
18°CServe

Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →

On this page

What is Barolo?

A prestigious full-bodied red wine from Piedmont, Italy, made exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes. Known for bold flavors of cherry, rose, tar, and truffle with high tannins and firm structure.

Taste profile

Dry sweetnessmedium acidityHigh tanninsFull bodyEarthyRed FruitFloralTannic
Earthy(medium)Red Fruit(high)Floral(low)Tannic(high)

Sensory profile

BodyLight – Full
DrynessSweet – Bone dry
TanninSoft – Grippy
AcidityFlat – Crisp
FruitinessEarthy – Fruity
BoldnessDelicate – Bold
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
  • Style: Red
  • ABV range: 13–15%
  • Full body
  • Dry sweetness

What do these dimensions mean?

Body
Full
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
medium
Tannin
High
  • Earthy · medium intensity — Barolo often shows earthy savoury complexity.
  • Red Fruit · high intensity — Barolo commonly shows red-fruit character.
  • Floral · low intensity — Barolo can show floral aromatic notes.
  • Tannic · high intensity — Barolo is known for firm tannic structure.

Based on structured style profile and canonical flavor relationships.

Grape & region

Grape varieties
Nebbiolo
Region(s)
Barolo, Piedmont
Country
Italy
Sweetness
Dry
Skin contact
Extended red-wine skin contact

How it’s made

Method
Barolo is made from Nebbiolo grapes, fermented on skins and aged for legally defined periods to build structure, tannin and complex aromatics.

How to serve

Serving temperature
18°C
Glassware
Large Bordeaux glass

When to serve

DinnerSavoury foodRed meatAged cheeseRed

Dietary

How Barolo fits common dietary preferences (general guidance — always check the specific producer).

  • Vegetarian
  • Gluten-Free

Frequently asked questions

What is Barolo?
A prestigious full-bodied red wine from Piedmont, Italy, made exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes. Known for bold flavors of cherry, rose, tar, and truffle with high tannins and firm structure.
What does Barolo taste like?
Barolo is often described as Earthy, Red Fruit, Floral, Tannic. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and vintage.
What foods pair with Barolo?
Barolo pairs well with Charcuterie, Cheese Board, Roast Meat, Steak. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
How strong is Barolo?
Barolo typically has an ABV of 13–15%. Strength varies by producer and vintage.
When should I drink Barolo?
Barolo works well as an aperitif, with a meal, or as a standalone sipping wine. The ideal occasion depends on the body and sweetness level — lighter styles suit casual dining while fuller-bodied wines complement heartier dishes.
What wines are similar to Barolo?
If you enjoy Barolo, explore other wine styles with a similar body and flavour profile using the sensory bars as a guide. Wines with matching acidity and tannin scores will feel closest in character.
Does Barolo improve with age?
Cellaring potential for Barolo depends on the producer, vintage and storage conditions. Most everyday expressions are best enjoyed within 3–5 years of release. Premium examples may benefit from longer ageing — check producer notes for guidance.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Tannin/Bitterness (soft to grippy), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent), Boldness (delicate to bold) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare wine styles at a glance.
How do I use the sensory profile to find wines I like?
If you enjoy light, crisp wines look for Light Body with Crisp Acidity. For bold, rich wines choose Full Body with Grippy Tannin. Compare Barolo with similar wine styles to find your next favourite.

Last updated

Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.