Italy’s Piedmont region is home to two of the world’s greatest red wines — Barolo and Barbaresco. Both are made entirely from Nebbiolo, yet their personalities could not be more distinct. Think of them as siblings: raised in the same family but expressing themselves in very different ways.
One Grape, Two Personalities
Both Barolo and Barbaresco hail from the Langhe hills, but subtle shifts in soil, altitude and microclimate shape their style.
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Barolo sits on higher slopes with heavier clay-limestone soils. Its wines are full-bodied, powerful, and built to age.
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Barbaresco, just a few miles north, enjoys warmer breezes and lighter marl soils. Its wines are more graceful, aromatic, and ready to drink earlier.
The Rules & The Wait
| Barolo DOCG | Barbaresco DOCG | |
|---|---|---|
| Grape | 100% Nebbiolo | 100% Nebbiolo |
| Minimum Ageing | 38 months (18 in oak) | 26 months (9 in oak) |
| Style | Intense, structured, powerful | Elegant, perfumed, silky |
| Peak Drinking Window | 8–25 years | 4–15 years |
That extra year of ageing gives Barolo more grip and depth, while Barbaresco keeps its floral charm and freshness.
Flavour & Style
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Barolo: Tar, roses, black cherry, truffle, tobacco — a wine of muscle and majesty.
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Barbaresco: Violet, strawberry, spice, dried flowers — pure finesse and fragrance.
Both wines share Nebbiolo’s signature tannins, which soften beautifully with time or the right food pairing.
Friarwood’s Barolo Selection
Réva Barolo, 2020
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Founded in 1867 in Monforte d’Alba, Réva blends innovation and tradition. Under winemaker Gianluca Colombo, the team champions sustainability and small-batch precision. This 100% organic Nebbiolo spends 24 months in oak after a long spontaneous fermentation.
Tasting profile: Garnet hue, black cherry, vanilla, rose, tobacco, and clove. Full-bodied yet refined, with soft, embracing tannins.
Perfect with: Osso buco, truffle risotto, or duck confit.
Friarwood says: Réva is more than a winery — it’s a destination, with sweeping vineyards, terraces and pools overlooking Piemonte’s rolling hills.
Vinchio Vaglio Barolo, 2019
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Born from the rugged hills of Monferrato, Vinchio Vaglio has been crafting expressive Nebbiolo since 1959. This Barolo shows the classic depth and intensity the region is famed for.
Tasting profile: Bright ruby colour; floral aromas with spice and liquorice; evolving notes of dried flowers and tobacco. A warm, fragrant palate with a long, velvety finish.
Perfect with: Game, braised meats, mature cheeses, or rich lasagne al forno.
Friarwood’s Barbaresco Selection
Vinchio Vaglio Barbaresco, 2020
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From the same Monferrato slopes, this Barbaresco offers an earlier-drinking, more floral take on Nebbiolo.
Tasting profile: Youthful and fruit-forward with notes of violet, dried flowers, spice and soft tannins. Elegant and complex, with a long, graceful finish.
Perfect with: Pasta with meat sauce, braised guinea fowl, or mature cheeses.
When to Choose Each
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Choose Barolo when you want intensity, structure, and a wine to cellar.
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Choose Barbaresco when you prefer finesse, fragrance, and earlier drinkability.
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Choose both to experience Nebbiolo’s full spectrum — from the power of Barolo to the poise of Barbaresco.
FAQs
Are Barolo and Barbaresco made from the same grape?
Yes — both are 100% Nebbiolo.
Which is more powerful?
Barolo tends to be fuller and more tannic; Barbaresco is typically silkier and more aromatic.
Can Barbaresco age as well as Barolo?
Top Barbarescos can age beautifully for 10–15 years, though Barolo often goes longer.
Explore the Collection
Discover the magic of Nebbiolo in our Piedmont wine collection or visit our shops in Parsons Green and Wimbledon Village to taste the difference side by side.
