Want Barolo that drinks like the real thing without paying for a trophy label? Look to a small grower rather than a famous name. Ours comes from Cagliero, whose holdings include vines in the celebrated Ravera cru, one of the best vineyards in the whole region, just south of the Barolo village.
What makes a great Barolo?
Barolo is made entirely from Nebbiolo, a grape that gives pale garnet wine with a giveaway scent of roses, firm tannins, and the ability to age for decades. The best examples come from named vineyards, or crus, and are aged slowly in wood so the structure and perfume knit together. It is a wine to think about, not to rush.
Our Barolo: Cagliero's Ravera (and Terlo)
Cagliero's Ravera is a bit of a rarity. It is one of very few single-vineyard Barolo that can claim two communes, with the vines crossing from Novello into Barolo itself. The juice spends a year in French tonneaux and then two years in large Slavonian oak, which we would call a two-thirds traditional style: approachable in warmer years, with a lovely bouquet of roses and dusty red-brick tannins, but built to last. They also farm a second cru, Terlo, so there is more than one expression to explore.
Something a bit more special: the Ravera Riserva
Cagliero only release a Riserva when the vintage allows for a truly timeless wine. It sees a total of around five years of ageing before release, and comes out more delicate than the regular Ravera, a wine to drink mindfully and to cellar for a decade or more. If you want the peak of what this grower does, this is it.
Why buy Barolo from a small grower?
Because you get the real article, from a family who farm the vines themselves, without the markup that comes with a household name. For anyone who already loves Barolo, being handed one they have not tried, from a top cru, is far more exciting than another famous label. If you are still exploring Piedmont, our Barbaresco from Cecilia Monte is worth a look for a slightly softer take on Nebbiolo.
How to buy
We sell wine in sixes (you can mix the bottles), with free delivery anywhere Australia Post reaches. These are wines that reward a little patience, so tuck a few away. In hot weather we deliberately hold off shipping to protect the wine.
FAQ
What is the best Barolo to buy in Australia? For quality without a trophy price, buy from a small grower. We import Cagliero's Barolo from the sought-after Ravera cru, including a Riserva released only in the best vintages.
What grape is Barolo? Barolo is made entirely from Nebbiolo, known for its scent of roses, firm tannins and long ageing.
How long can you cellar Barolo? Good Barolo ages for decades. Cagliero's Ravera is built to last, and the Riserva is made to cellar for ten years or more.
Barolo or Barbaresco? Both are 100% Nebbiolo from Piedmont. Barbaresco is often a touch more approachable in its youth. We carry both.