Are you confused as to what to pair with that lovely bottle of Barolo wine? In this post we will cover some of the best wine pairing tips for Barolo wine, along with links to the specific recipes. Read on to learn more about the "King Of Italian Wine!"
What Is Barolo Wine?
Like many people, I fell in love with Barolo wine when I visited Italy. Barolo wine is produced in Northern Italy’s Piedmont region, and it is made exclusively from the Nebbiolo grape.
In order for a wine to be classified as a Barolo vino it must be produced following a strict set of rules and guidelines, one of which being that 100% of the grapes used must be of the Nebbiolo variety and grown on hillsides. Additionally, the Barolo vineyards are touted as being one of the most beautiful in the region.
What Does Barolo Wine Taste Like?
Barolo is commonly known as being the “king of wines”, due to its powerful, bold and complex flavor.
It’s easy to assume that it is a light bodied red, due to its translucent shade, and lighter floral notes, however Barolo is a full-bodied wine that has high tannins, high acidity, and high alcohol content.
Barolo has an array of fascinating aromas such as rose petals, cherry, tar, coffee, cinnamon, and dark chocolate along with other earthy flavors of red berries, earth, and red roses. It is an excellent wine that certainly deserves to be paired with incredible food which will leave your taste buds dancing.
Barolo Wine Pairing Tips
Thankfully, Barolo vino pairs well with a variety of foods. Since Nebbiolo grapes are more acidic, contain more tannins and are higher alcohol it pairs really well with rich, savory dishes, or rich sauces that have a higher fat content.
In the list below you will see fatty meats, pastas, pizzas and cheese as they pair well with this incredible wine.
Dishes That Pair Well With Barolo Wine
Meats
Due to the earthy notes, Barolo wine pairs wonderfully with red meat and other meaty dishes or hearty stews. Steak, veal, prime rib, pork chops, wild boar and even duck would make an excellent Nebbiolo food pairings.
- Steak With Cherry Tomatoes
- Osso buco
- Beef Stew
- Brasato al Barolo
Pastas
In my opinion the best Barolo food pairing is the combination of pasta and Barolo. They go together like peanut butter and jelly, and the powerful flavors make for the perfect Barolo wine pairing.
Consider pairing your glass of Barolo with a hearty tomato sauce based pasta dish, as it will stand up nicely to Barolo’s blood flavor. The acidity in the wine also works well with creamy pasta dishes.
Pizzas
Out of all the Barolo food pairings, Pizza and Barolo seems to be the most popular. Try pairing it with a mushroom and truffle pizza to play off of the earthy tones in the wine. Another solid combination would be pairing Barolo with a classic margarita pizza.
Cheese Board or Charcuterie
Another Barolo wine pairing that you can’t go wrong with is cheese, however be sure to select powerful and strong flavors that will stand up to the wine. Try Parmigiana Reggiano or Pecorino which are fantastic with Nebbiolo, or opt for Castelmagno, Gorgonzola or any of your favorite blue cheeses.
You can also enjoy Barolo wine with a charcuterie board full of cured meats and treats (prosciutto, salami, olives etc).
Side Dishes
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There are many wonderful side dishes that you can make to round out your dinner that pair well with Barolo vin. Think of sautéed porcini mushrooms, mashed potatoes, polenta or a rich truffle risotto.
Anything hefty would make for an ideal pairing. To take your side dishes to the next level try adding some white truffles to your dish, as the earthiness in the white truffles is a perfect match for the bold tannins in the Barolo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Purchase Barolo Wine?
When shopping for Barolo Wine you will want to look for a DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata Garantita) mark on its label. DOCG is the Italian certification that guarantees the quality and the production methods.
You can get Barolo wines at your local grocery store or even online through Amazon.
I am a member of a wine club called Dry Farm Wines, they source wines from all over the world and all their growers use organic, regenerative, and dry farming practices. No pesticides, herbicides, or any other “-cides,” ever. Only nutrient-rich living soils and sun. If you are a wine lover and interested in checking them out you can use my link to get a free bottle for a penny with your order.
You can also check out my full blog post on Dry Farm Wines.
What Cheese Goes With Barolo Wine?
You will want to find strong cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino which are fantastic with Barolo. You can also opt for Castelmagno, Gorgonzola or even Burrata.
Should Barolo Wine Be Chilled?
A full-bodied wine like Barolo is best served at 60ºF to 65ºF. You can place the wine in the refrigerator about 30-45 minutes before serving.
How Long Should Barolo Wine Breathe?
For the best experience, you will want to decant your bottle of Barolo wine 30 min - 2 hours prior to serving. This wine needs plenty of time to breathe, especially if it is an aged Barolo, as the contact with oxygen makes the texture of the wine more gentle to the palate.
Why Is Barolo Wine So Expensive?
Barolo wine price can be on the high-end, because the Nebbiolo grape is difficult to grow and the aging process takes time, creating a limited supply. It's my first choice of wine for a special occasion. While an aged Barolo can carry a hefty price tag, you can still find a good bottle of Barolo for under $30.00 USD.
What Type of Glass Do I Serve Barolo In?
You will want to enjoy a glass of Barolo vino in an oversized wine glass. This allows the wine to breathe, allowing the tannins to break down. Here are a few of my favorite wine classes for serving Barolo.
- Luigi Bormioli Atelier Barolo Wine Glass
- ROVSYA Red Wine Glasses
- JBHO Hand Blown Italian Style Crystal Burgundy Wine Glasses
Is Barolo A Dry Wine?
Barolo is a very dry wine. Since Barolo is high in alcohol and packed with tannin, it would be considered bone-dry as it has a long, dry finish.
Is Barolo A Grape?
Barolo is a region in Italy that grows Nebbiolo grapes, which are used to make Barolo wine. So no, Barolo is a region not a grape.
How To Store
You will want to store your Barolo wine horizontally, in a cool, dry and dark place.
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