Barolo DOCG

Italy's most important red: 100% Nebbiolo from steep marl and sandstone hills, pale garnet in the glass but built on high acid and dense, drying tannin. Aromas run from tar, dried rose and sour cherry to leather, truffle and camphor with age. La Morra and Barolo commune give softer, more perfumed wines; Serralunga and Monforte give harder, longer-lived ones. Give it a decade, or decant a young one for hours and pair with braised meat.