| Barolo | | | | as being D.O.C's. Not only did this decision give all |
| About Barolo | | | | the wine producers more freedom of expression, |
| Italy, like France, is renowned for its wines and | | | | it has also served to protect the international |
| wine history. However, one of the most significant | | | | reputation of these wines. |
| aspects of wine production in Italy is the advent | | | | Purchasing Barolo |
| of the Barolo. Over the past few decades, these | | | | Long considered to be the rebels of the wine |
| wines have revolutionized the world's wine | | | | industry in Italy, Barolo are produced in a |
| industry and built their own successful industry | | | | non-conformist manner which usually does not |
| niche. These are classified as IGT wines or | | | | follow the more traditional D.O.C. guidelines and |
| Indicazione Geographic Tipica wines which | | | | rules. Aging methods and blends conducted in an |
| translates as the "typical regional wine." Being | | | | unorthodox fashion is the route these vintners |
| labeled as an IGT wine also means that a | | | | have chosen to take in order to produce these |
| minimum of 85% of the grapes used in the | | | | amazing wines. So if you've grown tired of the |
| production of the wine are indigenous to the | | | | traditional Cabernet or Merlot, we recommend |
| region it came from. | | | | that you try any of the Super Tuscans. |
| An Overview of the Super Tuscans | | | | Here are some points to consider when |
| During the 1960's, the Denominazione di Origine | | | | purchasing these wines: |
| Controllata or D.O.C. Laws were born out of the | | | | First and foremost, it's important to understand |
| effort to eliminate sharecropping as well as | | | | that some Barolo oftentimes result from the |
| controlling the wine appellate system currently in | | | | blending of two or even three different wines. |
| effect. These laws were introduced in the hopes | | | | However, there are some Super Tuscans that |
| of restricting the widespread abuse of the big | | | | are 100% varietal as well. The most common |
| names in the Italian wine industry and the damage | | | | variety of these combination wines is the |
| that was causing. It has also witnessed a rise in | | | | Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon blend. |
| the quality of D.O.C. wines to the extent that | | | | The most common flavor characteristics of |
| they meet higher standards than some of the | | | | Barolo are the berry flavors, a softer tannic |
| IGT wines. | | | | structure, and well-balanced levels of acidity. In |
| Since the Barolo were introduced, there have | | | | addition to knowing these characteristics, it is also |
| been numerous changes to the D.O.C. rules. This | | | | important to know the specific type of the red |
| has helped to ensure the quality and protect the | | | | wine which you prefer. Remember that most of |
| reputation of these wines. Additionally, with these | | | | the Super Tuscans are blends although some |
| rule changes, certain Barolo would now qualify as | | | | varietals exist. If a Cabernet is your preference, |
| being D.O.C's. However, the decision to keep the | | | | then be careful to choose one of these wine |
| IGT designation was made by many producers of | | | | blends where the Cabernet Sauvignon is the most |
| these wines even though they now could qualify | | | | dominant grape. |