Barolo

Buy Barolo Wine at Wine Auction

Barolo is a gem in the Italian wine world, enjoyed by wine enthusiasts all over the globe. Its complexity, depth, and potential for long maturation make it a favorite among many.

The path to great Barolo wine from renowned producers can be long and winding, unless, of course, you know about ShareWine. Here on the marketplace, you'll always find a large and impressive selection of wine auctions featuring Barolo wine.

Explore the selection of Barolo wines here.

The Story Behind Barolo Wine

Barolo wine has an exciting history as part of winemaking in the Piemonte region, dating back to 400-500 BC. The Nebbiolo grape arrived later (around 100 AD), and in the year 1730, the name Barolo appeared in the history books in connection with winemaking. Over the years, experimentation took place with the wine, and the style evolved from sweet wine to the dry wine that characterizes Barolo today. The first modern Barolo wine was bottled by Marchesi di Barolo and found great enthusiasm from King Carlo Alberto, who immediately ordered a barrel of Barolo for each day of the year. The well-known nickname for Barolo, "The Wine of Kings, The King of Wines," originates from this time.

The Nebbiolo Grape and Its Characteristics

The Nebbiolo grape is the heart and soul of Barolo wine. This grape variety is known for its thin skin, high acidity, and robust tannins. Nebbiolo based wines have a characteristic aroma of cherries, roses, tar, and spices.

Climate and Soil

The Barolo area has a unique climate and soil conditions that are ideal for cultivating the Nebbiolo grape. Located in northwestern Italy, the region benefits from a combination of cool alpine winds and warm sunshine, while the limestone rich soil imparts the wines with their distinctive minerality.

Traditional Production Methods

Barolo wine is traditionally made by undergoing a lengthy maceration and fermentation in large oak barrels. Subsequently, the wine matures for at least three years, with a minimum of two years spent in barrels. This traditional approach preserves the complexity and structure of the Nebbiolo grape.

Aging Potential in Barolo Wine

Wines from Barolo are known for their exceptional aging potential. They can mature and develop in the bottle for many years, offering a unique wine experience when enjoyed at the right time. Mature Barolo wines often present a blend of fruit, floral, and earthy notes.

5 Popular Producers of Barolo Wine

The Barolo area boasts many outstanding producers who have contributed to the wine style and popularity of Barolo. The ShareWine marketplace is filled with Barolo wines from exciting producers, where you can find wines and vintages that may otherwise be hard to come by.

Here are 5 of the most popular producers of Barolo wine:

• Giacomo Conterno

  Giacomo Conterno is a legendary producer that has created some of the most iconic Barolo wines. Their wines are famous for their concentration, complexity, and ability to age beautifully.

• Vietti

  Vietti is a family-owned winery that has been in operation for five generations. They are known for their commitment to traditional production methods and produce high-quality wines with impressive balance and finesse.

• Bruno Giacosa

  Bruno Giacosa is one of the most respected producers in the Barolo area. Their Barolo wines are known for their elegant style and depth of complexity. Bruno Giacosa is also recognized for their production of Barbaresco wines.

• Bartolo Mascarello

  Bartolo Mascarello is a small family-owned winery that believes in tradition and quality. Their wines exude elegance and refinement and are beloved by many wine enthusiasts around the world.

• Aldo Conterno

  Aldo Conterno is an iconic name in Barolo wine production and is known for their high quality and craftsmanship. The winery is operated by the Conterno family, who have dedicated themselves to crafting exceptional wines for decades. Their commitment to traditional production methods and respect for the region's terroir is reflected in every bottle. Aldo Conterno is a true master of the art of Barolo wine and continues to impress wine enthusiasts worldwide.

Best Vintages

Here, we have gathered 7 of the best Barolo vintages over the past 30 years. These vintages have been praised for their exceptional quality, depth, and potential for long maturation.

• 1996

• 2001

• 2004

• 2010

• 2013

• 2015

• 2016

Traditionalists vs. Modernists

The division between traditionalists and modernists in Barolo has been one of the most debated topics in the wine world. This division stems from different approaches to winemaking and stylistic choices.

Modernists are a group of producers who began emerging in the 1980s and 1990s. They sought to modernize and experiment with production methods to create wines that were more approachable and easier to drink in their youth. These producers introduced shorter maceration times, used smaller barrels, and implemented more controlled fermentation temperatures. The goal was to produce Barolo wines that were more fruity, softer, and less tannic. Modernists aimed to attract a broader audience and increase Barolo's international popularity.

Traditionalists, on the other hand, adhere to old traditions and production methods. They maintain longer maceration times, use large oak barrels for aging, and prefer a more natural and slow approach to winemaking. Traditionalists believe that Barolo wine should be complex, structured, and have the potential for long aging. They emphasize terroir and the authentic expression of the Nebbiolo grape, asserting that modernist methods can compromise the wine's authenticity and unique character.

The division between traditionalists and modernists has led to tensions and discussions in the region. Both parties have a deep passion for Barolo wine, but their approaches and visions differ. Some producers have even chosen to combine elements from both approaches to create wines that balance tradition and innovation.

Today, one can find both modernist and traditionalist wines on the market. The choice between the two styles depends on individual consumer preferences and tastes. Whether one prefers the fruity and approachable style or the complex and tannic style, Barolo wine remains a remarkable and revered wine in the wine world.

The division between traditionalists and modernists is not always clearly defined and can vary based on individual producers' approaches and philosophies. Some producers may even fall somewhere between traditionalists and modernists or have their own unique approaches to winemaking. However, here are some producers generally considered traditionalists and modernists in Barolo:

Traditionalists:

• Bartolo Mascarello

• Giuseppe Rinaldi

• Bruno Giacosa

• Cavallotto

• Cappellano

These producers have a strong commitment to traditional production methods and preserving the authentic character and terroir of Barolo wine.

Modernists:

• Elio Altare

• Roberto Voerzio

• Paolo Scavino

• Luciano Sandrone

• Domenico Clerico

These producers have been known to experiment with production methods and seek a more approachable and modern style of Barolo wine.

It's important to note that this division is not absolute, and there may be producers who fall somewhere between traditionalists and modernists or have their own unique approaches to winemaking. Producers may also change their approach over time based on personal choices or market developments.

Sell Your Barolo Wine

If you have Barolo wine stored in your cellar, it might be sought after by other collectors and therefore valuable to you. If you're considering selling your Barolo wine, you can benefit by creating a fixed price listing or wine auction on the ShareWine marketplace, providing buyers from all over Europe the opportunity to bid on your wine.

Sell your Barolo wine - Create an auction.