
Barolo is called the “King of Wines". Barolo was first thought to be invented in the mid 1800’s with the help of Marquis Juliet Colbert, Camillo Benso (Count of Cavour) and fellow important figures like French oenologist, Alexandre-Pierre Oudart. It was a huge success with the Savoy Royal family who resided in Turin (Italy’s first capital) at the time. This longer history gave Barolo a certain prestige. Also grown in ancient soils, Barolos especially from the Eastern side of the appellation are known for being typically austere and structured. Legally Barolo must come from any of the 11 villages within the appellation and made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes coming from the best Southern exposures.
Barbaresco on the other hand, just 15-20 km from Barolo, is an even smaller region of just 3 villages and 1 hamlet. It is thought that Domizio Cavazza, founder and professor at the Oenology School in Alba believed in Barbaresco from the very beginning when he formed the Cantina Sociale in 1894 and called the wine “Barbaresco” for the first time. In fact, legend has it that Barolo would even use grapes coming from Barbaresco because the quality was so high. Barbaresco became a DOC in 1966 and reached DOCG status in 1980. The average altitude of the Barbaresco appellation is slightly lower than Barolo and is also closer to the Tanaro River. These characteristics along with the maritime micro-climate can cause grapes to ripen slightly earlier, softening the tannins a bit.