Grande's Barolo Preference

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Post on Nov 22, 2024

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Grande's Barolo Preference: A Wine Lover's Journey

Hey wine lovers! So, you wanna know about my Barolo preference? Let's dive in. It's been a wild ride, let me tell you. I've totally stumbled through my fair share of bottles – some amazing, some… well, let's just say they weren't my cup of tea. I'm talking about those expensive mistakes that haunt your dreams. But I've learned a thing or two along the way, and I'm happy to share.

My Barolo Awakening (and subsequent confusion!)

My Barolo journey started innocently enough. A friend, bless her heart, gifted me a bottle of something "fancy" – a Barolo from a producer I'd never heard of. I mean, I knew of Barolo, vaguely. The big, bold Nebbiolo grape, the earthy notes…blah blah blah. I read a few articles after drinking the wine. You see, I kinda went in blind!

The wine was… intense. Overpowering, even. It was like drinking a black cherry explosion with a side of leather and tar. Not exactly what I expected from a "fine wine". To be fair, it was good, in a "wow, that's a lot of flavor" kind of way, but I felt completely lost, overwhelmed. What was I supposed to do with this much complexity?

That's where my Barolo education really began. I've learned that Barolo isn't a "one size fits all" kind of wine. There's a huge range of styles, depending on the cru, the producer, and even the vintage! It's a deep rabbit hole, trust me.

Navigating the Barolo Landscape: Tips from a (recovering) newbie

So, what's my preference now, after years of trial and error? I've found that I gravitate towards Barolos from the south-facing slopes. These generally offer more approachable fruit and a softer tannic structure. My absolute favorite style leans toward the younger, more fruit-forward wines and then I also like the more age-worthy, complex ones.

Here’s the thing: Don't be afraid to experiment. Start with a few reputable producers, read reviews, and pay attention to tasting notes. Websites like Wine Spectator or Vivino can be great resources— but don't rely on them entirely. Your palate is your best guide!

Here are some actionable tips:

• Look for producers from renowned crus: Like Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d'Alba, or La Morra. These areas are known for producing consistently high-quality Barolos. You’ll find these keywords on many bottles.
• Pay attention to the vintage: Some years are better than others. Websites and magazines offer plenty of vintage charts for Barolo, so you can do some research and avoid a bad year.
• Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations: Your local wine shop can be a goldmine of information. Talk to the staff, explain what you like (or don't like!), and they can usually steer you in the right direction.
• Start with younger Barolos: These are generally more approachable than older, more age-worthy wines. You can always age them if you want to explore what that adds to the wine, of course.
• Pair it with the right food: Barolo pairs beautifully with hearty dishes like braised meats, roasted vegetables, or mushrooms. Consider pairing your wine with dishes that share some of the same flavors.

My Current Barolo Obsession (and a final word of advice)

Right now, I’m absolutely hooked on wines from Giacomo Conterno. Their Barolos are powerful, elegant and intensely complex. They are also really expensive, LOL. It’s a small treat. But I’ve also had some great experiences with Biondi Santi. Ultimately, it's all about finding what you enjoy!

Remember, exploring the world of wine should be fun. Don't be too hard on yourself if you don’t “get it” right away. It’s a journey, not a race. Keep tasting, keep learning, and most importantly – keep enjoying! Cheers!