The 11 Barolo villages

The Barolo area consists of 11 official municipalities, each with its own soil, location and microclimate. These differences create a surprising variation in style: from powerful and structured wines with great ageing potential to elegant, refined Barolos with floral aromas and silky tannins.

The differences between the 11 Barolo villages originate from a geological history dating back millions of years. Once, the Langhe lay beneath a warm, shallow sea. When it retreated and the hills of the Langhe were formed, various layers of lime-rich seabeds, clay, sand and fossil deposits were brought to the surface. Fossils of shells and other marine animals are still found in the vineyards today.

This geological diversity forms the basis of the varied terroirs within Barolo. Combined with altitude, exposure and the local microclimate, it produces wines with very different characteristics.

In general, the younger Tortonian soils produce more refined, aromatic and accessible Barolos, while the older Serravallian soils often result in more powerful, tightly structured wines with great ageing potential. This is a useful rule of thumb, but also a pitfall, as every hectare of Barolo vineyard has its own character.

For wine lovers like us, it is fascinating that within such a small area (Barolo is about the size of the Dutch island of Schiermonnikoog) you find such a huge variety of wines.

Below you will find information about all 11 Barolo villages:

Barolo
Castiglione Falletto
Serralunga d’Alba
Monforte d’Alba
La Morra
Novello
Verduno
Roddi
Grinzane Cavour
Diano d’Alba
Cherasco