Sip and Savour Barolo Wine in Le Langhe Region

DISCOVER THE LANGHE AREA OF PIEDMONT AND ITS WORLD RENOWNED ROYAL BAROLO WINE

Located in the region of Piedmont is Le Langhe, a fertile area comprised of five wine districts, including Barolo. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 because of its stunning beauty and the discovery of vine pollen originating back to the 5th century BC. A humid climate consisting of warm summers and cool winters makes this the perfect place to grow grapes for winemaking. Spread across eleven small towns, Barolo wine is highly acclaimed. In fact, it's nicknamed the "king of wines" and the "wine of kings". This region offers a treasure of beauty to discover. From its rolling hills and vineyards to its small medieval villages, there is plenty of indulgences to be enjoyed here.

HOW TO GET TO LE LANGHE

Getting to the Barolo region is fairly simple from either Milan or Turin via a private transfer. From Milan it can be reached in less than two hours, while from Turin it can be reached in an hour. Northern Italy also has a convenient train service available, but private transfers offer the most scenic route.

WHY AND WHEN TO VISIT LE LANGHE
Italy is known for producing some of the finest wines in the world. Despite this, many abroad aren't familiar with Barolo. Many wonder what makes Barolo so special in comparison to other Italian wines. The answer is the Nebbiolo grape, which grows almost exclusively in this area. This grape variety struggles to grow outside of the eleven towns of the Barolo region. It's a grape that offers a bold and intense flavour due to its high content of tannins and acidity. It must age for a minimum of three years before it can be labelled a Barolo wine.

While it's true that a visit to Le Langhe is beautiful any time of the year, summer may be the best option. The months of June, July, and August are the warmest and driest, meaning that one can enjoy plenty of winery tours. Another popular time to visit is during the autumn months. Despite rainier and cooler weather, if dressed appropriately, one can still have a great time. In fact, wineries in the region are renowned for their comforting Piedmontese cuisine, which is characterized by complex flavours. One notable ingredient is the white truffle, which is celebrated annually at the Alba White Truffle Festival. If visiting in the autumn months, a visit here is highly recommended.

BAROLO WINE MUSEUM
Wine connoisseurs will not want to miss making a stop at WiMU (or the Museo del Vino a Barolo). Set in a medieval castle, this museum offers visitors an interactive experience. It delves into the history of wine as a cultural product and its significance throughout the ages. This exhibit provides an appreciation for this beverage and its connection with humanity. Even those who are not wine fans will want to explore this museum to learn more about history's most popular drink.

THREE RECOMMENDED WINERIES TO VISIT

Terre del Barolo Winery is located in the village of Castiglione Falletto. This is a unique winery that uses grapes from all eleven villages of the Barolo region to produce its wines. They produce organic wines, making it an environmentally-conscious brand. Aside from their renowned Barolo, they produce other wines, including white, rosé, sweet, and sparkling. Wine tastings are accompanied by a spread of local products such as cold cuts, salami, and cheese. Terre del Barolo winery also offers kids activities, meaning their is fun for everyone!

Emerging out of the ground, Cascina Adelaide winery is set in a modern glass and steel structure. Towering above it is the famous Barolo Castle. This winery is the perfect blend of modernity and antiquity. Beyond its stunning architectural impression, this winery and its wines are gaining international attention. It offers guided tours of its cellars, followed by a tasting of five of its wines. If you’re someone who appreciates the marriage between past and future, you may want to consider visiting this winery.

Most Barolo wineries have breathtaking views and Azienda Agricola Giovanni Rosso is no exception. Organic growing and manual methods are used to produce their red and white wines. This results in a high quality product. Visitors can enjoy a traditional wine tasting with insight into the winemaking process. But they also offer a Masterclass of Barolo and Chocolate Pairing. After a traditional wine tour and meeting with a Master Chocolatier, the tour concludes with a pairing of four wines and four chocolates. This may be a winery of interest for those who have a penchant for indulgent ingredients.