The 15 Best Barolo You Should Drink in 2023

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Barolo
This is our review of the 15 Best Barolo you should drink this year. Enjoy!
Welcome! Have you ever found yourself staring at many Barolo bottles wondering which one you would like best?
 
We spent a lot of hours researching the topic and tested hundreds of wines to come up with the below 15 best-of list for you.
 
We have ranked them by quality, region, and value for money and added an extensive buying guide so that you have all you need to make an informed decision.
 
I come from a nearby area and I know Piemonte very well, let’s say that you are going to have some local insight here.
 
You don’t have to spend several $100s to get an outstanding bottle of wine.
 
Choose one of the below bottles and you’ll find quality wines at a competitive price, for all occasions and pockets.
 
Barolo DOCG is one of the top-quality wines, along with Barbaresco, made entirely from Nebbiolo grapes.
 
It’s produced in the southern part of Piemonte in Italy across several villages and communes all in the province of Cuneo.  
 
It’s known for its intense red fruit aromas, tar, licorice, high acidity, and high tannin content which makes Barolo suitable even for decades of aging.
 
Barolo has a DOCG appellation, that we are going to go through below.
 
Our best value bottle selection for you is Silvio Grasso Barolo 2018.
 
If you are after the best overall bottle, our recommendation is Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Monfalletto 2017.
 
You’ll find the table of content below. Let’s start with the review!
4.4/5

Vivino’s tips: Great value for money. Similar wines usually cost 2 times as much.

Region: Italy, Piemonte

Tasting notes: Raspberry, Cherry, Cocoa, Tobacco, Spice.

Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Monfalletto is a true gem of the Barolo region, showcasing the finest aspects of Italian winemaking.

From its dark fruit, spice, and leather aromas to its full-bodied texture and firm tannins, this wine is a masterpiece of balance and elegance.

The top four things that make this wine stands out vs its peers are:

  1. Winemaking Tecnique: the Montezemolo family’s dedication to tradition and innovation is evident in every bottle.

    Their expertise in winemaking has been passed down through generations, resulting in a wine that truly embodies the essence of the region.

  2. Brings Barolo to next level, this wine’s complexity and depth make it an excellent choice for those looking to explore the world of Italian wines.

    Its rich flavors and elegant structure make it a wine to savor and enjoy on special occasions, or simply indulge in a moment of relaxation.

  3. You can drink it now or let it age: the wine’s ability to be cellared for several years showcases its full potential.

    With each passing year, the wine evolves and matures, creating an even more exceptional drinking experience.

  4. Priced competitively against its peers, so you’ll save several $10s and still get an outstanding wine.

Overall, Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Monfalletto is a wine that embodies the essence of the Barolo region and is a true reflection of the Montezemolo family’s passion for winemaking.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just starting your journey, this wine is one that you won’t want to miss.

Read our full review here.

4.3/5

Region: Italy, Piemonte

Tasting notes: Strawberry, Cherry, Plum, Tobacco, Oak, Licorice.

Silvio Grasso Barolo is an exceptional wine that truly represents the winemaking expertise of the Piedmont Barolo region.

The wine’s complex aromas and flavors, along with its smooth texture and well-integrated tannins, make it a wine to be savored and appreciated.

The three things that make this wine the best value wine are:

  1. It’s complex, balanced and elegant, which means that you get various layers of  flavors and aromas that are not overpowering.

  2. Ageing: It aged for 2 years in oak barrels and 1 year in bottle, resulting in a complex and elegant wine and can age for another 10+ years.

  3. It offers great value for your money, it’s one of the best Barbaresco in this price range and it’s $30+ cheaper than Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo 2017.

Its versatility in food pairings also makes it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions, whether enjoyed with a hearty meal or on its own.

Silvio Grasso Barolo is a must-try for any wine enthusiast and is a testament to the quality of Italian winemaking.

Read our full review here.

4.2/5

Region: Italy, Piemonte

Tasting notes: Cherry, Plum, Blackberry, Oak, Licorice.

Cavalier Bartolomeo Barolo Altenasso is an exceptional wine that showcases the best of Piedmont’s winemaking traditions in the Barolo area.

The wine’s complex aromas and flavors, as well as its full-bodied texture and well-structured tannins, make it a wine to be savored and enjoyed.

Its versatility in food pairings also makes it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions, whether enjoyed with a hearty meal or on its own.

The three things that make this wine the best budget are:

  1. It’s refined and complex, which means you’ll get many layers of aromas and flavors combined together in fine way.

  2. It ages well up to 10-20 years so that you can store it and enjoy over time.

  3. It cost ~$40 (😲) yes, it’s unbelievable for the quality you get.

Cavalier Bartolomeo Barolo Altenasso is a must-try for any wine enthusiast and is a testament to the quality of Italian winemaking.

Read our full review here.

4.2/5

Vivino’s tips: Great value for money. Similar wines usually cost 2 times as much. | 93+ points by Wine Advocate.

Region: Italy, Piemonte

Tasting notes: Cherry, Strawberry, Plum, Blackberry, Oak, Tobacco, Licorice, Rose.

Mauro Molino Barolo is an exceptional wine that truly showcases the winemaking expertise of the Barolo region.

The wine’s complex aromas and flavors, as well as its smooth texture and well-integrated tannins, make it a wine to be savored and appreciated.

Its versatility in food pairings also makes it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions, whether enjoyed with a hearty meal or on its own.

Mauro Molino Barolo is a must-try for any wine enthusiast and is a testament to the quality of Italian winemaking.

Read our full review here.

4.2/5

Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 58% more. | Featured in Top 25 Italian Barolo wines in the USA right now.

Region: Italy, Piemonte

Tasting notes: Cherry, Raspberry, Plum, Leather, Earthy, Violet.

Damilano Barolo Lecinquevigne is an exceptional wine that truly showcases the winemaking expertise of the Barolo region.

The wine’s complex aromas and flavors, as well as its smooth texture and well-integrated tannins, make it a wine to be savored and appreciated.

Its versatility in food pairings also makes it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions, whether enjoyed with a hearty meal or on its own.

Damilano Barolo Lecinquevigne is a must-try for any wine enthusiast and is a testament to the quality of Italian winemaking.

Read our full review here.

4.2/5

Vivino’s tips: 93 points by Robert Parker

Region: Italy, Piemonte

Tasting notes: Cherry, Raspberry, Plum, Licorice, Earthy.

G.D. Vajra Albe Barolo is a truly remarkable wine that represents the quality of Piedmont winemaking.

The wine’s complex aromas and flavors, as well as its smooth texture and well-integrated tannins, make it a wine to be savored and appreciated.

Its versatility in food pairings also makes it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions, whether enjoyed with a hearty meal or on its own.

G.D. Vajra Albe Barolo is a must-try for any wine enthusiast and is a testament to the quality of Italian winemaking.

Read our full review here.

4.5/5

Vivino’s tips: Featured in Top 25 Italian Barolo wines in New York right now (2018 Vintage)

Vivino’s tips: Featured in Top 25 Italian Barolo wines in New York right now (2018 Vintage)

Region: Italy, Piemonte

Tasting notes: Ripe Cherry, Strawberry, Rhubarb, Oak, Leather, Spice.

Massolino Barolo is a premium wine that truly showcases the winemaking expertise of the Barolo region.

The wine’s complex aromas and flavors, as well as its smooth texture and well-integrated tannins, make it a wine to be savored and appreciated.

Its versatility in food pairings also makes it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions, whether enjoyed with a hearty meal or on its own.

Massolino Barolo is a must-try for any wine enthusiast and is a testament to the quality of Italian winemaking.

Read our full review here.

4.5/5

Vivino’s tips: Featured in Top 25 Italian Barolo wines in New York right now (2018 Vintage)

Region: Italy, Piemonte

Tasting notes: Ripe Cherry, Strawberry, Rhubarb, Oak, Leather, Spice, Rose.

Fontanafredda Barolo Serralunga d’Alba is an exceptional wine that truly showcases the winemaking expertise of the Barolo region.

The wine’s complex aromas and flavors, as well as its smooth texture and well-integrated tannins, make it a wine to be savored and appreciated.

Its versatility in food pairings also makes it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions, whether enjoyed with a hearty meal or on its own.

Fontanafredda Barolo Serralunga d’Alba is a must-try for any wine enthusiast and is a testament to the quality of Italian winemaking.

Read our full review here.

4.4/5

Vivino’s tips: 95 points by Robert Parker (2018 Vintage)

Region: Italy, Piemonte

Tasting notes: Ripe Cherry, Plum, Rhubarb, Oak, Leather, Spice, Rose.

M. Marengo Brunate Barolo is a remarkable wine that truly showcases the winemaking expertise of the Barolo region.

The wine’s complex aromas and flavors, as well as its smooth texture and well-integrated tannins, make it a wine to be savored and appreciated.

Its versatility in food pairings also makes it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions, whether enjoyed with a meal or on its own.

M. Marengo Brunate Barolo is a must-try for any wine enthusiast and is a testament to the quality of Italian winemaking.

Read our full review here.

4.5/5

Vivino’s tips: 96 points by James Suckling (2017 Vintage)

Region: Italy, Piemonte

Tasting notes: Ripe Cherry, Raspberry, Plum, Oak, Leather, Spice, Rose petals.

Schiavenza Barolo Cerretta is an exceptional wine that truly showcases the winemaking expertise of the Barolo region.

The wine’s complex aromas and flavors, as well as its smooth texture and well-integrated tannins, make it a wine to be savored and appreciated.

Its versatility in food pairings also makes it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions, whether enjoyed with a hearty meal or on its own.

Schiavenza Barolo Cerretta is a must-try for any wine enthusiast and is a testament to the quality of Italian winemaking.

Read our full review here.

4.5/5

Vivino’s tips: Featured in Top 25 Italian Barolo wines in the USA right now.

Region: Italy, Piemonte

Tasting notes: Red Fruit, Ripe Plum, Leather, Oak, Tobacco, Violet.

Pio Cesare Barolo is an exceptional wine that truly represents the quality of Piedmont winemaking.

The wine’s complex aromas and flavors, as well as its smooth texture and well-integrated tannins, make it a wine to be savored and appreciated.

Its versatility in food pairings also makes it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions, whether enjoyed with a hearty meal or on its own.

Pio Cesare Barolo is a must-try for any wine enthusiast and is a testament to the quality of Italian winemaking.

Read our full review here.

4.3/5

Vivino’s tips: 94 points by Robert Parker.

Region: Italy, Piemonte

Tasting notes: Rhubarb, Ginger, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Bitter Orange.

Pio Cesare Barolo Chinato is a unique and flavorful wine-based digestif that showcases the rich flavors and aromas of the Barolo region in Piedmont, Italy.

The wine’s complex bouquet of aromas and rich, velvety texture make it an excellent choice for after-dinner sipping, and its versatility in food pairings makes it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions.

Pio Cesare Barolo Chinato is a must-try for any wine enthusiast and is a testament to the quality of Italian winemaking.

Read our full review here.

4.3/5

Region: Italy, Piemonte

Tasting notes: Rhubarb, Ginger, Cardamom, Cocoa, Aromatic Spices.

Cappellano Barolo Chinato is a unique and complex wine that combines the richness of Barolo with the aromatic and flavorful herbs and spices of the chinato infusion.

This traditional Italian digestif is a testament to the expertise of the Cappellano family in winemaking and is a must-try for anyone interested in Italian wine and spirits.

Its rich and complex flavors, along with its smooth texture and long finish, make it a perfect after-dinner treat or a special sipper on a cold winter evening.

Read our full review here.

4.7/5

Vivino’s tips: Among top 1% of all wines in the world

Region: Italy, Piemonte

Tasting notes: Cherry, Strawberry, Roses, Leather, Licorice, Oak, Tobacco.

Mascarello Giuseppe e Figlio Barolo Monprivato 2018 is an exceptional wine that truly represents the quality of Piedmont winemaking.

The wine’s complex aromas and flavors, as well as its smooth texture and well-integrated tannins, make it a wine to be savored and appreciated.

Its versatility in food pairings also makes it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions, whether enjoyed with a hearty meal or on its own.

Mascarello Giuseppe e Figlio Barolo Monprivato 2018 is a must-try for any wine enthusiast and is a testament to the quality of Italian winemaking.

Read our full review here.

4.4/5

Vivino’s tips: Ranks #1 in Top 25 Italian Barolo wines in New York right now (2018 Vintage)

Region: Italy, Piemonte

Tasting notes: Cherry, Plum, Roses, Leather, Oak.

Gaja Dagromis Barolo 2018 is an exceptional wine that truly represents the quality of Piedmont winemaking.

The wine’s complex aromas and flavors, as well as its smooth texture and well-integrated tannins, make it a wine to be savored and appreciated.

Its versatility in food pairings also makes it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions, whether enjoyed with a hearty meal or on its own.

Gaja Dagromis Barolo is a must-try for any wine enthusiast and is a testament to the quality of Italian winemaking.

Read our full review here.

Buying Guide to Barolo

It’s not just about which Barolo you should buy.

There are other important aspects like how to serve it, food pairings, and much more.

The below buying guide will give you a detailed overview of all these topics.

Barolo Overview

Here you find an overview of where Barolo is most commonly planted.

Grape

Nebbiolo

ABV

13.5%–15%

Main Regions

Italy: Piemonte

Other Regions

-

Grape

Nebbiolo

ABV

13.5%–15%

Main Regions

Italy: Piemonte

Other Regions

-

Barolo Taste Profile

These are some of the most common aromas and flavors of Barolo.

Color

Ruby

Nose

Cherry
Raspberry
Roses
Tar
Licorice

Palate

Red Fruit, Licorice
Dry
High Acidity
High Tannins
Full Body

Color

Ruby

Nose

Cherry
Raspberry
Roses
Tar
Licorice

Palate

Red Fruit, Licorice
Dry
High Acidity
High Tannins
Full Body

Barolo Food Pairing

These are some food pairing suggestions for Barolo.

Appetizer

Porcini Mushroom,
Truffle Risotto/Tajarin,
Vitello Tonnato,
Grilled Radicchio, Butternut Squash

Meat

Battuta di Fassona (Meat Tartare),
Braised Duck,
Roast Turkey,
Ribeye Steak

Fish

-

Cheese

Semi Hard (Parmigiano, Pecorino)
Blue Cheese (Gorgonzola)

Appetizer

Porcini Mushroom,
Truffle Risotto/Tajarin,
Vitello Tonnato,
Grilled Radicchio, Butternut Squash

Meat

Battuta di Fassona (Meat Tartare),
Braised Duck,
Roast Turkey,
Ribeye Steak

Fish

-

Cheese

Semi Hard (Parmigiano, Pecorino)
Blue Cheese (Gorgonzola)

Serve and Store Barolo

Here you find some useful tips on how to serve and store Barolo.

Decant

1 hrs

Glass

Aroma Collector

Serve at

59 - 68 °F
15 - 20 °C

Store for

Up to 10 years
Up to 30+ years finest bottles only

Decant

1 hrs

Glass

Aroma Collector

Serve at

59 - 68 °F
15 - 20 °C

Store for

Up to 10 years
Up to 30+ years finest bottles only

Barolo Styles

You’ll find primarily three Barolo styles: DOCG, Riserva and Barolo Chinato.

The DOCG appellation, see below in FAQ section for more details, requires for Barolo 3 years of ageing of which 18 months in  oak before release.

Barolo Riserva must age for at least 5 years, of which 18 months in  oak before release.

Barolo Chinato is a dessert wine, very aromatic and smooth, that is generally used as digestive.

It’s made with Barolo DOCG and a series of spices amongst which you find cinnamon, coriander, cinchona tree and vanilla.

Barolo wine are very tannic, as such you should wait at least 7 to 10 years after vintage before drink it. 

Our Verdict

Barolo DOCG is one of the top-quality wines, along with Barbaresco, made entirely from Nebbiolo grapes.
 
If you have been through the buying guide, you should have a pretty good idea of how to navigate the Barolo world.
 
At the same time, you have probably realized by now, that there’s a huge selection and various price points.
 
The good news is that you can get very high quality usually at a good price if you know where to look!
 
That’s why proper guidance comes in handy. We hope our guide was helpful in this regard.
 
Our best value bottle selection for you is Silvio Grasso Barolo 2018.
 
If you are after the best overall bottle, our recommendation is Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Monfalletto 2017.
 
As always, make sure to serve your Barolo at the right temperature and with the proper glass.

What to do next?

Read our wine tasting guide to enhance your tasting experience and taste like the pro!

Alternatively, why don’t you check out our guides on Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot, or the other red wines?

FAQ

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Barolo.

What does Barolo mean?

Barolo wine is named after the Falletti family, Marquesses of Barolo, who started the producing Barolo wine at the beginning of the 1800.

What is Barolo history?

The Borolo wine was initially produced at the beginning of the 1800 by the noble Falletti family, Marquesses of Barolo.

In the mid 1800, Giulia Falletti di Barolo perfected the winemaking process and successfully promote the wine across Europe.

Barolo become the favorite wine of the ruling House of Savoy from where the description “the wine of kings, the king of wines” comes from.

From the 60s of the 1900, the wine gained again popularity and in the 80s it got the DOCG.

During the same period, some Barolo producers, led by Paolo Cordero di Montezemolo, Renato Ratti and others, started a more modern production.

This improved the Barolo quality and ability to age and made it more suitable for the international market as well.

Where does Nebbiolo grow best?

Nebbiolo is a delicate grape and needs a careful site selection.
 
It gives its best in calcareous marl soil, dry weather and warm climate. This allows the sugar and fruity flavors to develop and counterbalance the high acidity.
 
The Barolo zone is usually cooler and located on higher elevation compared to the Barbaresco zone.
 
This means that the ripening happens at a later stage which usually coincides with mid-October.

When is the perfect time to drink Barolo?

Barolo is a full body and complex wine, as such it is a great choice for truffle, rich fat dishes and red meats dinner.

Is Barolo sweet?

Barolo is not sweet. It is a dry wine which means it contains less than 15 g/L, or sugar per liter.

Learn more about wine sweetness level here.

What does the acronym DOC and DOCG mean?

DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata. It’s one of the highest classification in Italy.

DOCG stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita. It’s the highest classification in Italy.

Every DOCG wine is tested before bottling by a committee of licensed judges which guarantee the quality of the wine.

To obtain DOC winemakers need to follow rigorous protocols for harvesting, cultivation, and production. 

Other common classifications are DO and IGT.[2]

What’s Barolo's typical price range?

Barolo is rarely an affordable wine but you can find good entry-level bottle around $40.

Great bottles will generally priced around $50-$100 price range.

For those of you who are after the luxury segment be prepared to spend several $100s.

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We try our best to find high quality wines that offer great value for money so that they have a light weight on your wallet as well!🤩

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