Discover Barolo Barbaresco Brunello and Barbera
If you have just started to get into wine or you’re trying to branch into the world of Italian reds, let this be your starter guide to Italian wine! We promise, next time you open an Italian wine list, you will feel like a pro at the table.
These wines are considered not only the most popular Italian red wines, but they are also the most fine red wines from Italy. We like to refer to them as the Four B’s of Italy due to their popularity. Below we will break down these great Italian wines and give you some suggestions that you can buy today and try for yourself.
Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera are all from Piedmont, Italy. Piedmont is in the upper north west corner of Italy. right underneath of France. Being below the Alps and Apennines mountain ranges aka “the foot of the mountain” or “ai piedi” in Italian is how Piedmont was named.
BARBARESCO, BAROLO, BARBERA AND BRUNELLO WINE
The most noble grape of this region is Nebbiolo and this is what Barolo and Barbaresco wines are made from. Barolo and Barbaresco are named for the specific region in Piedmont that they come from. These regions have different soils and elevation which can contribute to the differences in the two styles of Nebbiolo that they produce.
It’s rumoured that Nebbiolo was named after the morning fog, ‘la nebbia’ that rolls through the area to cool the grapes. This is important because the fog slows down the grape’s ripening so that these grapes retain high acidity while increasing alcohol and tannin. These are the cornerstones of what is needed to make a powerful age-worthy wine. The thing is that Nebbiolo is a very thin skinned grape. So a glass of Barolo would looks paler than a glass of Napa Cabernet for example. You might think there’s no way this Barolo wine is anywhere as bold and full bodied; but you would be wrong. Barolo is after all- the king!
Barolo: The King of Italian Red Wines
Barolos are the most intense representation of Nebbiolo. The soil here is rich clay and this lends to a more “muscular” wine. Due to their propensity for high tannins, these wines must be aged for a minimum of 38 months. 18 of those months must be in wood. Right now, on our shelves you’ll find some back vintages but new releases are from 2021 and you will find these on our shelves. These wines can and should continue to age. If you aren’t feeling patient and want to try without splurging, check out Borgogno’s No Name “Barolo”. Made from Nebbiolo grapes in Barolo but in a much softer style to drink now, this doesn’t pass the aging requirements to truly be Barolo but it’s still interesting. If you want classic well priced Barolo try the Diego Conterno Barolo 2020. If you already know that you love Barolo and are looking for something cellar worthy, go for the G.D Vajra ‘Bricco delle Viole’ Barolo 2020.
Barolo Tasting Notes: cherry, raspberry, tar, roses, coffee and leather. With more age you will also find aromas of truffle mushroom, chocolate and tobacco.
Barbaresco: The Elegant Alternative to Barolo
If Barolo is King then Barbaresco is Queen! This is not meant in a hierarchical way since both wines are outstanding. It refers to the elegance that you will find in Barbaresco. Here the sandy soil and lower altitude bring about a softer and fruitier style of Nebbiolo. We wouldn’t go so far as to call this a light wine because compared to other wines made by different grapes it is still very structured and complex. Due to these differences, Barbarescos are ready to drink sooner and the legal requirement for aging Barbarsecos is one year less than Barolos. They are a great alternative, especially if you want to drink the wine sooner.
The La Ca’Nova Barbaresco Montestefano 2021 is what we would recommend for one of the best showings of the style that is ready to drink now. If you are looking for a cellar worthy Barbaresco, the amazing Pio Cesare Barbaresco 2021 can be held back until 2030. If you want to buy a few, then we recommend Albino Rocca Ronchi Barbaresco 2021 as the price is approachable and it still has aging potential. It does not need to cellared, so you can enjoy a bottle now and tuck away a second.
Barbaresco Tasting Notes: strawberry, raspberry, cherry cordial, anise, roses and leather. Has less notes of tar and tobacco than Barolo. With more age you will also find aromas of truffle and chocolate.
Barbera: A Versatile Everyday Wine
Despite the popularity of Barolo and Barbaresco which are made from Nebbiolo grapes, Barbera is actually Piedmont’s most planted red grape. It generally shows high acidity but low tannin although now it is subject to a range of stylistic interpretations. Making it a great wine that can be made for everyday or special occasions. For the summer months we are loving the Tenuta Olim Bauda Barbera d’Asti ‘La Villa’.
Barbera Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, raspberry, strawberry, plum, incense, nutmeg and violets
Brunello: A Bold Tuscan Classic
We could talk about Piedmont all day, but we would be remiss to talk about the mighty Brunello di Montalcino from Tuscany. Made of only Sangiovese grapes (specifically the Sangiovese Grosso clone), Brunello refers to the specific region in Tuscany that these wines hail from. Similar to Nebbiolo, Sangiovese also is a thin-skinned grape with huge aging potential and its style can be very region dependant.
Brunello di Montalcino is a UNESCO site and only 5000 acres are allowed to be farmed for this wildly beloved wine. The aging requirements for Brunello are more like Barbaresco. Requiring a minimum of 2 years in cask and an additional 4 months in bottle. One of our go to Brunello recommendations is Terre Nere Brunello di Montalcino 2018. For a higher end but worth every penny option try the Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino 2016.
Brunello Tasting Notes: Cherry, strawberry, blackberry, potpourri, espresso, fresh soil. With age you can expect more anise, chocolate and dried fig.
See our recommendations below in more detail and be sure to check out our full collection online. These wines move fast so don’t be surprised if something sells out. We are always searching for the best wines to bring in for you.
The 4 B’s Recommendations:
This wine is made with 100% Nebbiolo and from grapes grown in Barolo but it is stylistically a little different than typical Barolo. Ruby red color in the glass with purple highlights. Aromas of violet, rose, fresh berries and spicy hints on the nose. Velvety and fully bodied but ready to enjoy now.
G.D Vajra ‘Bricco delle Viole’ Barolo 2020: Cellar Worthy
98 points. This wine is known for its highly aromatic nose with candied roses, wild raspberries, tea leaf, tar and sage. Can age until 2040-2050.
Pio Cesare Barbaresco 2021
96 points. Elegant with notes of plum, strawberry and cedar, sea shell and chocolate undertone. Medium body, ultra-fine tannins and a beautiful finish. Try to be patient and try again in 2030 to see its full expression.
La Ca’Nova Barbaresco Montestefano 2021
98 points. Lauded as one the best young wines to be tasted. Rich and powerful with some brightness to balance. Notes of strawberries, blueberries, plum, lavender, anise, gravel and herbs.
Albino Rocca Ronchi Barbaresco 2021
96 points. Full bodied with enticing aromas of new leather, wild herb, dark spice, camphor and dog rose. It’s succulent and delicious, delivering strawberry compote, cherry, mocha and truffle that dance across the palate.
Tentuta Olim Bauda Barbera d’Asti ‘La Villa’. 2023
A young Barbera that does not see barrel aging, leaving it very lively in the glass. Notes of cherries, raspberries, and spice like nutmeg. Enjoy a slightly chilled bottle with a big bowl of pasta.
Terre Nere Brunello di Montalcino 2018.
95 points. A polished wine with notes of wild strawberries, cherries, candied orange fresh coffee and salted dark chocolate. Dense tannins matched with high acidity.
Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016.
96 points. This is one of those cult favourites where wine and art combine. Since 1984 there have only been 10 vintages of this reserve wine. Bright cherry, plum, iron and tobacco combine together to create this stunning wine. This is a powerful red wine and can be aged until the late 2040’s.
Can’t decide? Buy 6 and save 10% or buy 12 and save 15%.
