An updated list of the best Barolo wines recommended by Jean Marco Palmieri.
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INDEX
Best Barolo – Recommended by Jean Marco Palmieri
What are the best Barolo wines?
Let’s discover together the updated list of the best Barolo wines with photos and tasting notes, so that everyone can find the best Barolo suitable for their tastes.
Barolo ‘Brunate’ 2021 – Rinaldi
Description:
A fine and detailed nose, with notes of red currant, pomegranate, and citrus zest, accompanied by hints of dog rose and subtle herbaceous nuances. On the palate, it shows a taut and linear profile, with well-defined tannins and an acidity that supports its length.
The spontaneous fermentation, carried out by indigenous yeasts, lasts for about 25 days in Slavonian oak vats.
The Brunate by Rinaldi, now led by Marta and Carlotta Rinaldi, confirms its status as a benchmark among the best Barolos for the eloquence of its aromas and the elegance and complexity on the palate.
Vineyard Area: La Morra, Barolo (Brunate)
Barolo 2020 – Bartolo Mascarello
Description: A bright and well-defined nose, with scents of wild strawberry, red currant, and pomegranate, enriched by hints of wild rose and a touch of aromatic herbs. On the palate, it develops with elegance, displaying sweet and well-integrated tannins, accompanied by a lively acidity that adds lift and freshness.
The grapes come from the Cannubi, Rué, San Lorenzo, Monrobiolo di Bussia vineyards in the Barolo municipality and Rocche dell’Annunziata in the La Morra municipality. Spontaneous fermentation takes place in cement tanks with indigenous yeasts, followed by aging for 32 months in Slavonian oak barrels.
Bartolo Mascarello winery, led by Mariateresa Mascarello, offers a classic, balanced interpretation with significant aging potential, capable of highlighting the varietal characteristics of Nebbiolo with finesse.
Vineyard Area: La Morra (Rocche dell’Annunziata), Barolo (Cannubi, Rué, San Lorenzo, Monrobiolo di Bussia)
Barolo Vigna Rionda 2019 – Massolino
The aromatic profile is broad and layered, with notes of cherry in brandy, ripe blackberry, and candied citrus, enriched by nuances of licorice root, medicinal herbs, and underbrush. On the palate, it stands out for the fusion of structure and finesse: the sip is dense and enveloping, supported by silky tannins and a well-balanced acidity that amplifies its persistence and freshness.
Vinified according to tradition, it undergoes a long fermentation and maceration in oak vats, followed by aging for 42 months in large Slavonian oak barrels and an additional 24 months in bottle.
The iconic Vigna Rionda by Massolino confirms itself as one of the most refined and long-lived expressions of the 2019 vintage, combining depth, balance, and elegance with extraordinary precision.
Vineyard Area: Serralunga d’Alba (Vigna Rionda)
Barolo Riserva Monfortino 2015 – Giacomo Conterno
Description:
The aromatic profile is enriched with balsamic and mature notes, featuring hints of eucalyptus, resin, and graphite, accompanied by touches of small red fruits in jam and subtle herbal nuances. On the palate, the structure is solid and imposing, with powerful, well-defined tannins that integrate perfectly with a balanced freshness.
The alcoholic fermentation is carried out by isolated and selected indigenous yeasts, in large Austrian oak vats with an extended submerged cap maceration. The wine is aged for about 84 months in large casks before bottling.
Giacomo Conterno, under the guidance of Roberto Conterno, presents a new vintage of the renowned Francia cru in Serralunga d’Alba, which since 1978 has continued to produce some of the most long-lived and complex Barolos. A wine that stands out for its extraordinary aging capacity.
Vineyard Area: Serralunga d’Alba (Francia)
Barolo Bussia 2020 – Livia Fontana
Description: The bouquet opens with extraordinary aromatic depth, intertwining ripe forest fruits, black currant, and plum, enriched with balsamic nuances of pine resin, humus, and a hint of camphor.
On the palate, it shows concentration and dynamism, with a dense, velvety tannic structure, balanced by a vibrant acidic push that enhances its freshness and progression. The finish is broad, enveloping, and of exceptionally long persistence.
Fermentation takes place in steel tanks at controlled temperatures, with frequent pump-overs and délestages. Maceration lasts for about 20 days, followed by aging for at least 30 months in traditional oak barrels and further bottle aging before release.
Livia Fontana, led by Livia and her children Michele and Lorenzo, presents a Barolo that combines expressive power and elegance, revealing with precision and consistency all the finesse of Nebbiolo.
Vineyard Area: Monforte d’Alba (Bussia)
Barolo ‘Ornato’ 2022 – Pio Cesare
The aromatic profile is rich and complex, with notes of ripe cherry, licorice root, and a delicate trace of herbal nuances, enhancing its complexity.
On the nose, the perfect interaction between the alcoholic and phenolic components creates a robust and enveloping taste, with a structure that develops in length, while a lively acidity adds freshness and fluidity, balancing the richness of the wine.
Aging takes place in French and Slavonian oak barrels for about 30 months, with a small portion in barriques, which contribute to the finesse and depth of the final product.
The iconic Ornato by Pio Cesare, under the guidance of Federica Boffa, continues to stand out for its ability to combine complexity and finesse, emerging as one of the most balanced and structured expressions of Barolo.
Vineyard Area: Serralunga d’Alba (Ornato)
Barolo ‘Bricco delle Viole’ 2021 – Vajra
The nose is enveloped by elegant and captivating notes of withered roses and cherry in spirit, enriched by nuances of candied orange peel, cocoa powder, and delicate woody tones that integrate perfectly.
On the palate, the wine presents a rich and polished tannin, well-balanced by a vibrant acidity that supports its drinkability. The finish is long and persistent, with a clear varietal signature of Nebbiolo that recalls its typical freshness.
Aged for 28 months in large Slavonian oak barrels (25 and 50 hectoliters), the Bricco delle Viole by Vajra continues to stand out as one of the most elegant and fresh expressions of Barolo, confirming the winery’s mastery in honoring the terroir.
Vineyard Area: Barolo (Bricco delle Viole)
Barolo Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe 2019 – Cavallotto
The Barolo Bricco Boschis by Cavallotto presents an intense ruby red color, while the nose opens with great complexity, dominated by scents of ripe berries, plum, and a delicate note of mentholated balsamic herbs, followed by hints of tobacco and resin.
On the palate, its structure is enveloping, with thick and velvety tannins that harmoniously intertwine with an acidic push that enhances its freshness and length.
This Barolo, coming from the Castiglione Falletto area (Bricco Boschis), is vinified with natural yeasts, with a submerged cap maceration lasting 18-30 days. The aging lasts 36-42 months in Slavonian oak barrels, with a bottle aging of 6-12 months.
A wine with great aging potential, one of the best for its capacity to age and the authenticity of its profile.
Vineyard Area: Castiglione Falletto (Bricco Boschis)
Brunate 2020 – Voerzio
Description:
The Brunate 2020 by Voerzio is a Barolo that embodies the power and refinement of Nebbiolo. The nose offers a wide range of aromas, from ripe black fruits to balsamic and spicy notes. On the palate, the wine presents well-defined tannins and a powerful yet balanced structure, supported by fresh acidity that enhances its drinkability.
The fermentations are spontaneous, using indigenous yeasts. Aging takes place for 24 months in large oak barrels and second-passage barriques, followed by an additional 8 months in steel and 8 months in bottle before release.
The Voerzio estate is currently led by Davide Voerzio, son of Roberto, who continues with passion the family’s work in producing top-quality Barolo.
Vineyard Area: La Morra (Brunate)
Ravera 2021 – Marziano Abbona
On the nose, floral notes of violet and small red berries emerge, accompanied by a hint of juniper, all enriched by balsamic touches of licorice root, resin, and a subtle, well-integrated oak nuance.
On the palate, the wine is enveloping, with compact and well-defined tannins supported by fresh acidity, ensuring a long, savory finish that leaves the mouth refreshed and satisfied.
Vinification involves spontaneous fermentation, followed by a maceration of approximately 20 days and aging for 24-30 months in oak barrels, which contribute to the seamless integration of aromas and the wine’s overall finesse.
An extraordinary Barolo, showcasing how the phenolic structure of Nebbiolo can harmoniously merge with its acidity, delivering a unique and captivating sip. Undoubtedly one of the finest examples of Barolo in terms of balance, sourced from the renowned vineyards of Novello (Ravera).
Vineyard Area: Novello (Ravera)
Barolo Perno 2022 – Sordo
The Barolo DOCG Perno by Sordo comes from the renowned Perno cru, located in the municipality of Monforte d’Alba, an area particularly suited for Barolo production. The clay- and limestone-rich soil imparts great structure and remarkable aging potential to the wines.
The aromatic profile is complex and layered, ranging from wild strawberries and raspberries to herbal notes, orange zest, and subtle hints of resin and smoky nuances. On the palate, the wine is smooth and well-balanced, with well-defined tannins and vibrant acidity that enhance its freshness and lead to a savory finish.
Vinification includes a long maceration in stainless steel tanks, followed by 24 months of aging in Slavonian oak barrels, with additional refinement in stainless steel and bottle before release.
Founded in 1912, the Sordo winery is now led by Paola Sordo, who carries forward the estate’s rich tradition with precision and passion, maintaining its esteemed position in the Barolo landscape.
Vineyard Area: Monforte d’Alba (Perno)
Barolo Bussia 2022 – Marrone
Description:
The Barolo DOCG Bussia by Marrone presents an intense garnet red color. On the nose, it offers a complex bouquet with notes of ripe wild berries, plum, well-integrated wood, cocoa, and hints of camphor.
On the palate, the wine is well-balanced, with compact, mature tannins supported by good acidity that enhances its freshness and structure. The persistence is long, and its gastronomic character makes it suitable for pairing with a variety of dishes while maintaining remarkable drinkability.
The winemaking process includes a long maceration of the skins, followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks and aging for at least 24 months in Slavonian oak barrels, with further refinement in the bottle.
The Marrone winery, led by Denise, Serena, and Valentina Marrone, represents the fourth generation and stands out for its approach that combines tradition and quality, offering wines of great character and versatility.
Vineyard Area: Monforte d’Alba (Bussia)
Barolo 2021 – Bricco Ambrogio – Paolo Scavino
Description:
The Barolo DOCG Bricco Sant’Ambrogio by Paolo Scavino initially presents an aromatic profile dominated by floral notes of violet and sour cherry, enriched by more enigmatic hints of wild calamint, resin, and delicate toasted undertones. On the palate, the wine is characterized by well-defined, compact tannins, supported by a pleasant savory vein that enhances smoothness and depth.
The winemaking process involves fermentation in stainless steel, followed by 10 months of aging in barrique and an additional 12 months in large oak casks, before resting for 9 months in the bottle prior to release.
An interpretation of Barolo of extraordinary finesse, demonstrating how Nebbiolo’s phenolic structure can harmonize with acidity, delivering a unique and captivating sip.
Vineyard Area: Roddi (Bricco Ambrogio)
Monvigliero 2020 – Burlotto
Description:
The Monvigliero 2020 by Burlotto presents a rich and captivating aromatic profile, where notes of ripe red fruits such as cherry and raspberry emerge, followed by delicate floral hints of dried rose and a subtle nuance of sweet spices. Mineral tones intertwine with hints of aromatic herbs, creating an elegant and complex bouquet.
On the palate, the wine opens softly but gradually reveals a solid structure and a well-integrated tannic texture. The lively acidity provides freshness and balance, while the long and persistent finish invites another sip. The exceptional quality of the Monvigliero terroir is evident, with remarkable aging potential.
The winemaking process follows a traditional approach, with spontaneous fermentation in wooden vats and an extended maceration period. Aging takes place for 18-24 months in Slavonian oak casks, followed by additional bottle aging to enhance balance and refinement.
Burlotto, one of the most prestigious Barolo producers, is currently led by Fabio Alessandria, who continues to craft wines that reflect the authenticity and tradition of the region.
Vineyard Area: Verduno (Monvigliero)
Barolo ‘Serradenari’ 2020 – Giulia Negri
Description:
On the nose, it opens broad and complex, ranging from intense notes of red fruits and blood orange to medicinal herbs and camphor.
On the palate, it shows moderate phenolic concentration, with a pronounced acidity that enhances freshness and drinkability. The wine undergoes spontaneous fermentation in conical wooden vats, followed by approximately 40 days of maceration. It then ages for 30 months in 25-hectoliter Slavonian oak casks.
Giulia Negri, cultivating the highest-altitude vineyard in La Morra, crafts a Barolo with a distinctly vertical character, highlighting the eloquence of Nebbiolo’s varietal aromas. Undoubtedly among the finest for its unique style and aromatic finesse.
Vineyard Area: La Morra (Serradenari)
Barolo Rocche dell’Annunziata 2021 – Andrea Oberto
Description:
On the nose, it reveals finesse and complexity, unfolding intense aromas of spirit-soaked wild berries, hints of plum and dates, sweet spices, tobacco, and ethereal notes.
On the palate, it is enveloping, with a dense yet extraordinarily silky tannic structure, synergistically balanced by a vibrant acidity that enhances freshness.
A voluminous and harmonious wine with a sensational balsamic persistence. Deservedly among the finest Barolo.
Vineyard Area: La Morra (Rocche dell’Annunziata)
Barolo Monvigliero Riserva 2019 – Castello di Verduno
Description:
The nose is elegant, with well-defined fruit complemented by hints of potpourri of rose and violet, along with nuances of wild mint and licorice.
On the palate, it is juicy and rich, with a warm and smooth finish marked by long balsamic echoes.
An interpretation with a fragrant and multifaceted bouquet, a prelude to a vibrant sip where phenolic, alcoholic, and acidic components are masterfully balanced.
Vineyard Area: Verduno (Monvigliero)
Barolo 2020 – Cascina Fontana
Description:
The nose unfolds with intense notes of red flowers and forest fruits, followed by layers of sweet spices, medicinal herbs, and orange peel.
On the palate, it is fresh and enveloping, with compact tannins that evolve into a finish of good persistence with spicy echoes.
A wine of great balance that highlights the varietal and floral character of Nebbiolo.
Among the best Barolo for olfactory finesse and drinkability.
Vineyard Area: Castiglione Falletto, Monforte d’Alba, and La Morra
Cannubi 2021 – Reva
Description:
The nose is characterized by penetrating notes of wild raspberry and red plums, followed by layers of coffee powder, dark cocoa, and candied orange peel.
The palate is expansive and enveloping, with a compact tannic texture that progresses excellently, evolving into a finish of good persistence enriched with balsamic echoes.
Produced through low-intervention vinification, the Barolo di Reva stands out as one of the most interesting interpretations of Cannubi, capable of blending complexity and elegance.
Vineyard Area: Barolo (Cannubi)
Barolo Le Coste di Monforte 2020 – Lalù
Description:
It opens on the nose with a very direct fruit profile—raspberries, juicy cherries—followed by hints of sweet spices, wild mint, and toasted notes.
On the palate, it is enveloping, with a pronounced acidity that offers drinkability and sweet, compact tannins that evolve progressively into a finish with excellent structure and persistence.
Intoxicating and elongated, the emerging Lalù winery produces one of the best Barolos for its original character, freshness, and drinkability.
Vineyard Area: Monforte d’Alba (Le Coste di Monforte)
Barolo Boiolo 2021 – Carlo Revello e Figli
Description:
The Barolo Boiolo by Carlo Revello e Figli presents a complex bouquet, dominated by notes of small red fruits in jam, enriched with delicate earthy nuances and tertiary aromas of graphite, licorice, and autumn spices.
On the palate, the wine is full and enveloping, with well-defined tannins, supported by an acidic backbone that provides marked freshness. The finish is long and pleasantly persistent, giving the wine a profile that promises excellent aging potential.
The vinification process includes a 15-20 day maceration of the skins and fermentation with indigenous yeasts. The aging takes place in Slavonian oak barrels for 24-30 months, followed by a resting period in bottles.
The estate, led by Carlo Revello along with his wife Paola and their children Erik and Niklas, stands out for the balance between tradition and innovation, offering wines of great character and freshness, with excellent aging potential.
Vineyard Area: La Morra (Boiolo)
Rocche dell’Annunziata 2020 – Trediberri
Description:
On the nose, the wine presents a very fresh and intense fruitiness, giving way to more austere tones of goudron and spicy, toasted notes. On the palate, it is vibrant and has excellent persistence, masterfully balanced between the soft and hard components.
Alcoholic fermentation occurs in cement for 12-14 days. The wine is then aged for about 20 months in barrels of 25 HL and 52 HL.
A triumph of fruit and balsamic notes, it rightly ranks among the best Barolo for its ability to combine complexity and drinkability.
Vineyard Area: La Morra (Rocche dell’Annunziata)
Barolo Perno 2022 – Ca’ di Press
Description:
The bouquet unfolds with delicate hints of violets, pine resin, progressing to balsamic notes, incense, and cocoa, with echoes of aromatic herbs.
On the palate, it is full and dry, with sculptural tannins that gently envelop the mouth, perfectly balanced by a nervy acidity. The finish is long-lasting with subtle spicy echoes.
The Barolo from Ca di Press, sourced from the vineyards of Monforte d’Alba, skillfully combines floral and fragrant notes with length and complexity on the palate. Rightly considered one of the best for value for money.
Vineyard Area: Monforte d’Alba
History of Barolo
The history of Barolo wine begins in prehistoric times, with the earliest rudimentary vineyards of the Ligurian Statielli. Piedmont began to attract the attention of the Gauls, and later the Romans, for the quality of the wine produced in the Alba region.
They produced a wine called Barol, made from Nebbiolo grapes. Thomas Jefferson described it as a wine “almost as amiable as Bordeaux and as lively as Champagne“, hence sparkling and sweet (very different from how we know it today).
The history of Barolo took a turn with the French oenologist Louis Ouart, who, with the impetus of Juliette Colbert and Camillo Benso di Cavour, bottled a dry and firm red wine, modern and elegant. Cavour wanted a wine that could delight the demanding European courts and compete with the great French wines of the time: it was 1844 and the Barolo phenomenon was about to begin.
The Barolo Boys, led by Elio Altare
Subsequently, between the two World Wars, the popularity of Barolo exploded, new vineyards were planted, and Barolo wine established itself as one of the greatest wines in the world. In 1927, the production zones of Barolo wine were defined in the Official Gazette, and in 1980, Barolo became a DOCG wine.
The history of Barolo continues from the 1980s: the Langhe region is in full swing, and oenological techniques adapt to the times.
The traditional vinification of Barolo began to be contrasted with the modernist school (including the famous revolutionary Barolo Boys). The latter started adopting shorter fermentations and aging in barriques, giving rise to more colorful, less tannic wines with aromas of sweet spices.
Bartolo Mascarello and his cult label
As a result, these internationally-oriented interpretations sparked criticism from traditionalists, as famously expressed in Bartolo Mascarello’s 1996 Barolo with the slogan: “No Barriques, No Berlusconi“.
In summary, today the sharp oppositions seem to have diminished, while the only winner remains Barolo. It has become one of the most beloved wines internationally thanks to its unique and inimitable charm.
Terroir and crus of Barolo
The Barolo area is characterized by great geological variability. In fact, the soil stratification has marine origins: the hills of the Langhe emerge from an ancient marine gulf, where sandstones and clays have been sedimented over the centuries.
Today, three macro-types of soil can be identified: the oldest is that of Serralunga d’Alba and a part of Monforte, characterized by Lequio formations. In the vicinity of Monforte d’Alba and Castiglione Falletto, the soil is mainly composed of Diano Sandstones, originated from very ancient submarine landslides. Between Barolo and La Morra, instead, we find the characteristic marls of Sant’Agata.
The latter is the most widespread soil type in the Langhe and presents a significant variability between the components of sand, silt, and clay.
Among the Barolo crus, some of the most renowned ones can be mentioned, such as Cannubi, Bussia, Brunate, Francia, Monprivato, Ravera, Villero, Monvigliero, il Prapò, Rocche di Annunziata, Bricco delle Viole, Vigna Rionda, Serradenari, and Ornato.
What are the best Barolo Wines?
What are the best Barolos? Choosing is a daunting task, one that inevitably falls prey to the limits of subjective opinion, which, by definition, is deficient and arbitrary.
We have simply compiled a list of our favorite interpretations based on our evaluations. However, it is essential to emphasize that wine does not exist as a status symbol to be flaunted or displayed before others.
Rather, it exists to evoke emotions and be genuinely shared with the people we love, connecting to contingent situations and the unique and intimate moments of our lives.
Therefore, we invite you to visit wineries and get to know the producers who craft wines with their uniqueness, so that you can discover and choose autonomously the wine that may be counted among your personal favorites. If you’ve had the patience to read this far, thank you for your attention, but now it’s time to fill the glasses and cut the distant hopes, and so:
Cheers, Salute, Santé
Jean Marco Palmieri
