Wines Barolo La Reale - 2020

Viniou Reviews

La Reale Barolo DOC 2020 is a striking expression of Nebbiolo, the noble grape of Piedmont’s Langhe hills. This vintage shows radiant garnet hues in the glass, typical of young Barolo, with a bouquet that elegantly weaves together notes of ripe cherry, dried rose petals, hints of tar, and subtle balsamic undertones. On the palate, the 2020 vintage is generously structured, with firm yet refined tannins providing backbone for flavours of red fruit, liquorice, truffle and a lingering mineral finish. Traditional vinification in Barolo often entails long maceration and ageing in large Slavonian oak casks, which helps tame Nebbiolo’s robust tannins while preserving the integrity and purity of the grape.

The Barolo region, nestled among the rolling hills of the Langhe in Piemonte, benefits from a continental climate with hot summers and cold, misty winters. The combination of clay and limestone-rich soils, elevation, and the influence of morning fog produces grapes of great complexity and longevity. Barolo’s winemaking heritage dates back to at least the 19th century, earning its nickname “the king of wines and the wine of kings.” Strict appellation rules enforce tradition and quality, ensuring each bottle conveys a sense of place and time.

La Reale’s Barolo is particularly well suited to hearty, flavourful dishes that stand up to Nebbiolo’s structure. Classic local pairings include braised beef short ribs (Brasato al Barolo), truffle risotto, or slow-cooked veal with porcini mushrooms. The wine also complements rich pasta dishes like tajarin with butter and sage, or lamb chops roasted with rosemary. For cheese lovers, aged Parmigiano Reggiano or Piedmont’s own Castelmagno would be excellent companions.

To best appreciate this Barolo’s complexity and allow the bouquet to unfold, decant the wine for at least one hour before serving. Ideal serving temperature lies between 16 and 18°C, ensuring both the structure and aromatics are beautifully expressed in the glass.