When wine lovers dream of northern Italy, their thoughts often drift to the rolling hills of Piedmont. Nestled against the foothills of the Alps, this remarkable region is home to some of the world’s most celebrated wines. For our September Wilmington Wine Circle, we’ll be exploring three of Piedmont’s greatest treasures: Barolo, Barbaresco, and Barbera.
At first glance, these wines may seem closely related. After all, they all come from the same region. Yet each tells a very different story.
Barolo and Barbaresco are both made from Nebbiolo, one of Italy’s most noble grape varieties. Nebbiolo is famous for producing wines of extraordinary complexity and longevity. Young examples often display aromas of roses, cherries, violets, and red berries. With age, those youthful characteristics evolve into notes of dried flowers, leather, tar, truffles, and forest floor.
Barolo is often called the “King of Wines and the Wine of Kings.” Historically favored by Italian nobility, it is known for its powerful structure, firm tannins, and remarkable aging potential. A well made Barolo can continue to develop for decades.
Barbaresco, produced just a few miles away, is sometimes referred to as the “Queen” of Piedmont. While also made from Nebbiolo, Barbaresco often displays a slightly more graceful and approachable personality. Its tannins are typically softer, and its elegance has won admirers around the world.
Then there is Barbera.
Unlike Nebbiolo, Barbera is not celebrated for its tannins. Instead, it offers vibrant acidity, juicy fruit flavors, and immediate charm. For generations, Barbera has been the wine poured at family dinners throughout Piedmont. It may not enjoy the same prestige as Barolo or Barbaresco, but many locals reach for a bottle of Barbera far more often.
Together, these three wines capture the heart and soul of Piedmont. They represent tradition, history, family, and a deep connection to place.
As you prepare for our September Wine Circle, consider this question: If Barolo and Barbaresco are both made from Nebbiolo and grown only a short distance apart, why do they taste so different?
We’ll explore that mystery in our next post!
September Wine Circle
At our September Wine Circle focused on wines from Barolo, Barbaresco, and Barbera, we will have the opportunity to explore the King, Queen, and People’s Wine of the Piedmont. Join us on Thursday, September 17, from 6:00-7:30 pm at a Wilmington location TBD.
The first Thursday of each month (well, this month it’s the third), up to 8 people get together to enjoy each other’s company as we taste wine focused on a particular varietal, wine style or wine region. There’s no fee to participate in these gatherings. Each month is hosted by a different person who is only responsible for providing glasses and a festive tasting atmosphere. Each participant brings a bottle of wine and a paired snack to share that fits the month’s theme.