Quick answer Barolo is a red wine from Piedmont made only from Nebbiolo. It must age at least 38 months, including 18 in wood; Barolo Riserva must age at least 62 months.
Barolo is often called the “king of wines”. Its reputation rests on a strict set of rules that define the grape, the area and the ageing before a bottle can reach the market.
Key takeaways
- 100% Nebbiolo, from a defined zone in the province of Cuneo, Piedmont.
- Minimum ageing: 38 months (18 in wood); Riserva: 62 months.
- DOC status came in 1966; DOCG was granted in 1980.
What grape is Barolo made from?
Barolo must be made from 100% Nebbiolo, and vineyards must be planted exclusively with it.
How long must Barolo be aged?
According to the DOCG rules summarised by Wine with Seth, Barolo needs at least 38 months of ageing in total, with at least 18 months in wood, counted from 1 November of the harvest year; it is released from 1 January of the fourth year after harvest. Barolo Riserva needs at least 62 months, again with at least 18 in wood, and is released from 1 January of the sixth year after harvest. The Langhe Vini tourism consortium describes the same rule as at least three years beyond the two months after harvest.
Where is Barolo made?
The zone covers the whole territory of Barolo, Castiglione Falletto and Serralunga d’Alba, plus parts of Monforte d’Alba, Novello, La Morra, Verduno, Grinzane Cavour, Diano d’Alba, Cherasco and Roddi — all in the province of Cuneo.
When did Barolo become a DOCG?
Barolo received DOC status in 1966 and DOCG status by presidential decree of 1 July 1980. You can explore Barolo in our selection or browse all Piedmont wines.
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Frequently asked questions
What grape is used to make Barolo?
Barolo is made from 100% Nebbiolo.
How long does Barolo have to age?
At least 38 months in total, including at least 18 months in wood. Barolo Riserva requires at least 62 months.
When is Barolo released?
Barolo is released from 1 January of the fourth year after harvest; Riserva from 1 January of the sixth year.
Where does Barolo come from?
A defined zone in the province of Cuneo, Piedmont, including Barolo, Castiglione Falletto and Serralunga d’Alba and parts of other communes.
When did Barolo become DOCG?
Barolo became a DOCG in 1980, after receiving DOC status in 1966.
Sources
- Wine with Seth — Barolo DOCG — Rules on grape, ageing, release dates, zone and DOC/DOCG dates (secondary reference summarising the disciplinare).
- Langhe Vini — Barolo DOCG — Producers’ consortium summary of the ageing rules; links to the official disciplinare PDF.
Last reviewed: October 2026. For exact legal wording, consult the official Barolo disciplinare.
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