foodwineclick

Barolo, Barolo, or Barolo which one do you mean?

• Barolo DOCG – Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (controlled designation of origin guaranteed) the official Italian government sanctioned area which can produce wines with the “Barolo” designation.
• Barolo – the name of one of the communes (or towns) within the area prescribed as the Barolo DOCG.
• Barolo – the wine, from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, grown in the Barolo DOCG and officially tasted by a panel to approve its designation.

Today, we’ll walk from La Morra, another commune within the Barolo DOCG, to the commune of Barolo.  Along the way, we’ll be walking through vineyards of Nebbiolo grapes used to produce famous Barolo wines. Don’t worry!  Its only 3 miles or so between the two communities.

Barolo DOCG showing all 11 communes, only 5 miles across at its widest point.

(Click on any photo to start the slideshow)

Before you can hike, you need to have a little lunch.

I chose the gnocchi, and we shared a nice local white blend.

Poppies with a lovely view.

We’re on our way, leaving the town of La Morra behind.

The ciabot is a little shed in the vineyard, for sheltering the valuable animals in sudden bad weather.

This ciabot has seen better days, not much shelter here!

Looking through the vines.

The vineyards are broken into many little sections, independently owned. This row is managed by a winery that uses chemicals.

Only a few rows away, no chemicals here.

Some of these vines are old!

A good example of the soil in Barolo. It breaks to a fine dust in your hand.

The very end of May, the buds haven’t flowered yet.

The village of Barolo off in the distance, coming up on the Barolo Chapel

Ceretto’s Capella di Sol LeWitt e David Tremlett

Flowers at every turn.

Nebbiolo grapevines as far as you can see!

The soil makes the grapevines struggle.

So nice, the signs include hiking time estimates

Watch for the trail blazes.

Hazelnut trees are grown in all the places where Nebbiolo vines won’t produce Barolo-worthy grapes.

Vineyard and sky.

Of course, a proper hike ends with a rest.

And some refreshments!

Walking the vineyards in this region is a rare treat.  If you ever visit the Langhe, make sure you get out for a hike?  Julie and I will be spending a full week in the Langhe this fall.  If you’ve visited before and have any recommendations, please pass them on to us!