A definitive long-form guide to Italy’s essential red wines: regions, grapes, terroir, structure, aging, service and professional food pairing, with direct links to Zafferano & Co. Wine Pairing guides.

Barolo DOCG is Piedmont’s most authoritative expression of Nebbiolo, a wine in which perfume, acidity and tannin matter more than simple weight. It comes from eleven municipalities in the Langhe around the village of Barolo, where calcareous marl, varied exposures and long autumn ripening give Nebbiolo the structure to evolve for decades.

Piedmont-style veal cheeks slowly braised in Barolo with aromatic vegetables, silky potato purée and a glossy reduced Nebbiolo jus.