Was 1998 a good year for Barolo?

While 1998 is not a truly iconic, legendary vintage, these Barolos are great choices for medium-term drinking as a number of wines are entering their early maturity, making them great choices for readers who are cellaring wines from Piedmont’s sturdier vintages such as 1996, 1999 and 2001.

What does old Barolo taste like?

This was especially true of the five oldest wines. Still a dark orange-purple. Early on, the taste was stronger than the aroma, the latter being of sweetish plum, with an alcohol lift. Later on, an aroma of vegemite (or marmite, for some of you) appeared.

Are Barolo wines good?

Despite its grandiose title as the King of Wine, Barolo doesn’t have be set aside for special occasions – though it is one of the most age-worthy wines available. It’s one of the only wines around that given its price is both collectible and drinkable daily.

What year Barolo drink now?

Our Italian specialist Walter Speller suggests 2001 and 2004 are ideal vintages of Barolo to drink now, plus perhaps the 2015s, which are unlikely to make old bones. In neighbouring Barbaresco go for 2004 and 2011, and such 2014s as you can find.

How long should you age a Barolo?

According to DOCG rules, Barolo must be aged for at least 38 months, and Barolo Riserva for at least 62 months. This is because Nebbiolo grapes are very high in tannins. A long ageing process is required to soften and mellow the tannins, and give Barolo more time to develop its fine aromas.

What is the most expensive Italian wine?

The Most Expensive Italian Wines

	Wine Name	Maximum Price (USD)
1	Tenuta dell’Ornellaia ‘Ornellaia’ Vendemia d’Artista Special Edition Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy	6,863
2	Bruno Giacosa Collina Rionda, Barolo DOCG, Italy	2,433
3	Giuseppe Quintarelli Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva DOCG, Veneto, Italy	1,999

Does Barolo need to breathe?

As the years have gone by, I have come to the view that a well-cellared bottle of old, traditionally made Barolo should breathe for at least an hour or two before drinking. This applies especially to Barolos in their 30s, 40s and 50s.

Do I need to decant Barolo?

Decantation: Before a bottle of Barolo can be drunk it is best to be decanted using a decanter. A decanter is a glass jug that is wider at the bottom than at the top. The wide bottom ensures that a large part of the wine is in direct contact with the air.