When the wine list offers Barolo by the glass, how excited do most people get? Few are astounded at its price tag of sixteen dollars and up for a mere four-ounce pour and simply move down the list to select a more moderately-priced vintage. But those who recognize Northern Italy’s prestigious Nebbiolo grape as the Wine of Kings have a different reaction altogether! Their pulse quickens as their attention is now focused not on what wine to pair with the food but on what food to choose to pay tribute to the wine. At this point, an automatic reaction may be a quick glance at what you’re wearing to insure you are properly clad for a rare wine occasion such as this. Wine enthusiasts on an already extended expense account are already contemplating forfeiting the entrée altogether to savor this ruby red with an appetizing aged-cheese plate. But knowing it is one of the most classic wines to pair with roasted meats, particularly red meat specialties and game, forgoing the main course may prove difficult.
It is without doubt that Barolo has enjoyed the most fame and prestige among wine producers in Italy – wine to which all other wine can only hope to be compared. Barolo calls for the largest of wine glasses – wine goblets of a sort – often brought to the table ceremoniously by the wait staff or host. The large glass facilitates the aeration process of the wine and allows one to immerse his nose and chin beyond the rim to detect the wine’s delicate violet perfume. The Nebbiolo grape, with its subcategories of Lampia and Michet, is not blended with other varietals. The wine is aged inside chestnut or oak barrels for at least three years and is said to become perfect after eight years. On the palate, you’ll find a dry, meaty and velvety finish, which is typical of grand wines. Its deep ruby color will take on the orange hue of a pomegranate when aged. Its minimum alcohol level is 13% and bottles should be uncorked or decanted for at least an hour before drinking.
Of course the best place to taste Barolo by the glass is Piedmonte, Italy. A few hours drive outside of Turin, Italy’s most aristocratic city, rests a distinguished wine community known as Le Langhe and Il Monferrato. Panoramic small hill towns dot the region with Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Arneis, and Grignolino grapevines. This community is representative of special esteemed winemakers whose natural talent produces other great bold reds worthy of searching out such as Barbaresco, Arneis, Barbera D’Alba, and Gattinara.