# Rafinelli Barolo

- **Producer:** Rafinelli
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nebbiolo
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Modern
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €36
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** redcurrant, raspberry, strawberry, rose, violet, liquorice, black pepper, dried fig, prune, leather

## About this wine

Rafinelli is a producer dedicated to crafting modern-style wines from Piedmont, Italy. Their philosophy centers on making traditionally age-worthy wines, like this Barolo DOCG, more accessible and enjoyable in their youth. By focusing on approachability and affordability, Rafinelli aims to broaden the appeal of Barolo to a wider range of consumers, while still showcasing the distinctive character of the Nebbiolo grape and the renowned terroir of the Langhe sub-region. This particular Barolo stands out for its contemporary style, offering a more immediate drinking experience compared to its more traditional counterparts that typically demand extensive cellaring.

## Interesting facts

- Barolo is often called the 'King of Wines and Wine of Kings' due to its noble character.
- Rafinelli aims to make Barolo more accessible and affordable for a broader audience.
- This Barolo is crafted in a modern style, designed for earlier enjoyment than traditional Barolos.
- Barolo DOCG wines are exclusively made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes.

## Food pairing

This Barolo, with its medium-plus acidity, pronounced tannins, and medium body, is a superb match for rich, savory dishes. The firm structure and concentrated flavors of red berries and dried fruits stand up beautifully to robust proteins like red meats, game, and lamb. The tannins are effectively softened by the fat and protein in these dishes, while the acidity cuts through richness, cleansing the palate. It also harmonizes wonderfully with earthy flavors often found in pasta dishes with rich sauces or aged cheeses, especially those from Piedmont like truffles.

## Wine making process

This Rafinelli Barolo is produced in a modern style, a deliberate choice aimed at creating a wine that is approachable and ready to be enjoyed earlier than many traditional Barolos. While specific technical details of the winemaking process are not provided, the focus is on crafting a wine that maintains the inherent quality and character of the Nebbiolo grape from the Barolo DOCG, but with a softer, more immediate appeal, making it less demanding of long-term aging.