Barolo, often referred to as the “King of Wines,” is one of Italy’s most esteemed and historic wine appellations. Located in the heart of the Langhe region in the province of Cuneo, Barolo lies in the rolling hills of Piedmont, in the northwest of Italy, just south of the city of Alba. As a DOCG wine, Barolo is produced across 11 villages, including the town of Barolo itself. The area is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The origins of Barolo date back to the early 19th century, though twine production in the region dates back centuries. The grape variety behind Barolo is Nebbiolo, a noble red grape that expresses its fullest potential in the diverse soils and microclimates of the Langhe. It was in the 19th century that Barolo became a wine of aristocratic and royal favor, thanks in part to the patronage of the House of Savoy. By the mid-20th century, Barolo began gaining international recognition, cementing its status as one of the world’s finest wines. In 1966, Barolo was granted DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) status, and in 1980 it became one of the first Italian wines to be awarded DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), the highest level of quality certification in Italy.

Traditionally, Barolo is a dry wine, heavy in acidity, tannins, and alcohol. Prior to the mid-1800s, Barolo was drastically different, made in a richly sweet and fruity style. This was because the Nebbiolo grape ripens in late October when temperatures are steadily dropping. By November and December, temperatures in Piemonte would be cool enough to halt fermentation, leaving a substantial amount of sugar in the wine. Barolo is always crafted from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, which are known for their rich tannins, acidity, and ability to age for decades. 

Today, Barolo is made by around 300 producers, ranging from small family estates to larger commercial wineries. Despite the increase in production, Barolo remains an artisanal wine, with a focus on quality over quantity. Annually, around 2 million cases of Barolo are produced annually. The wines from this appellation have a full and intense garnet color, at the same time fruity and spicy perfume which is reminiscent of small red fruits.

At Laguna Cellar we feature one of the most iconic wines from the estate Parusso Armando : Bussia, Mosconi and Mariondino.