What is a good vintage year for Barolo?
Barolo, known as the “king of wines and the wine of kings”, is one of the world’s greatest and noble wines, hailing from Piedmont, Italy. Made exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes, it is famous for its unmistakable aroma and great aging potential. However, like any other wine, the quality of Barolo can vary significantly from one year to another, depending on the weather conditions during the growing season. If you’re in search of a good vintage for Barolo, the years 2010, 2013, 2015, and 2016 are considered the best.
What is a good vintage year for Barolo?
Determining a good vintage year for Barolo involves considering several factors, including weather conditions, grape quality, and overall consistency. However, the general consensus among wine experts is that some of the best vintages for Barolo in recent times have been 2010, 2013, and notably, 2016. The 2010 vintage is celebrated for its perfect growing conditions, yielding balanced wines with excellent aging potential. The wines from this year are noted for their intense aromas, pronounced tannins, and lively acidity.
The 2013 vintage also stands out due to its cooler growing season, which allowed for a longer ripening period. This resulted in wines with impressive structure, rich flavors, and remarkable aging potential. The 2016 vintage, however, has been acclaimed as one of the finest in recent decades. Favorable weather conditions throughout the growing season led to the production of exceptionally balanced wines, characterized by their depth of flavor, complexity, and longevity. Both the Barolo and Barbaresco wines from 2016 have been praised for their exceptional quality and potential for long-term aging.
Nonetheless, the art of vintage selection also involves personal taste. Different vintages bring out different qualities in the wine, and part of the enjoyment is discovering which ones align best with your personal preferences. Finally, it’s worth mentioning that while vintage charts are helpful, they shouldn’t be the only determining factor when choosing a wine. Producer reputation and individual wine ratings also play a crucial role in ensuring you pick a bottle you’ll enjoy.
Was 2017 or 2018 better for Barolo?
Overall, the 2017 vintage seems to have more flesh, weight, and roundness in the middle than the 2018 vintage, with aromas and flavors of ripe black, rather than red, fruit. The colors are deeper and bluer in tone than the 2018s, and often, when tasting the wines side-by-side, the 2017s look younger than the 2018s.
Barolo Wine
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Barolo is a wine of great character and complexity, which can vary greatly depending on the vintage. While the vintages 2010, 2013, 2015, and 2016 have been hailed for their exceptional quality, the choice of the ideal vintage for you will ultimately depend on your personal taste and preferences.
