The 5 Best Substitutes For Barolo Wine

What can I use instead of Barolo wine? The best alternatives for Barolo wines are red wines from the same grape variety – Nebbiolo. Therefore, substitute Barolo wine with Barbaresco or Langhe Nebbiolo. Other red wine replacements from different grape

cultivars include Pinot Noir, Barbera, and Amarone.

Barolo is the cream of the crop of Italian red wines. It is produced in Piedmont, Italy, and made from Nebbiolo grapes. These rich and full-bodied wines have an assertive acidic and tannin presence and lend aromas associated with tar and rose water. If you can’t find this prestigious wine, consider one of its close luscious red alternatives.

The Best Barolo Wine Substitutes

Barbaresco

Barbaresco is a close neighbor to Barolo. Both varieties are produced in Piedmont and serve as the best expressions of the Nebbiolo grape.

Barbaresco wines are less tannic and more fruit-forward than robust, aged Baralo wines.

Barbaresco wine’s high acidity and tannin content are delicious when paired with rich, meaty dishes like braised veal, pork, duck, mushroom risotto, prime rib chips, and venison stew.

Barbaresco also works well with old cheeses like Blue Cheese, Aged Cheddar, Gorgonzola, and Castelmagno.

Barolo and Barbaresco wine has similar alcohol content, allowing you to use them interchangeably and in equal amounts.

The top Barbaresco wines include Gaja, Bruno Giacosa, and Produttori del Barbaresco.

Langhe Nebbiolo

Like Barolo, Langhe Nebbiolo is a dry red wine produced in the Piedmont region. However, it is more affordable and approachable than prestigious Barolo wines.

Langhe Nebbiolo consists of at least 85% Nebbiolo grapes and around 15% other native grapes.

Langhe Nebbiolo pairs beautifully with braised or grilled meats, pasta, mushroom risotto, and spicy dishes. You can also pair the wine with medium-aged cheeses like Cheddar, Havarti, and Gouda.

Barolo and Langhe Nebbiolo wines have similar alcohol content. Therefore, you can use them interchangeably and in equal amounts.

The top Langhe Nebbiolo wines include Bartolo Mascarello, Giuseppe Rinaldi, and Giovanni Canonica.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is one of the most famous light-bodied red wines. You can use it to replace Barolo wine for a smoother wine with less tannin flavor.

Pinot Noir is a versatile wine, given its high acidity and low tannins. You can pair it with duck, chicken, steak, venison, pork, and mushrooms.

The wine also complements creamy and fatty cheese like goat’s cheese, burrata, and parmigiana Reggiano.

Barolo and Pinot Noir wines have similar alcohol content, allowing you to use them interchangeably and in equal amounts. The top Pinot Noir wines include Domaine Girlan, Andriano, and Franz Haas.

Barbera

Barbera is a lesser wine than Barolo and Barbaresco, made from Nebbiolo grapes. However, it is a cheaper and quintessential wine you can enjoy as a substitute for Barolo.

Barbera is a rich, light-bodied wine with light tannin and high acidity. It reveals juicy notes of sour cherry, strawberry, and herbs.

Pair Barbera wine with rich dark meats, guinea fowl, steak, root vegetables, mushrooms, truffles, and blue cheese.

Barolo and Barbera wines have similar alcohol content. So, you can use them interchangeably and in equal amounts.

The top Barbera wines include Vinicola Arno Lorella, Scagliola Sansi, and Braida Ai Suma Barbera.

Amarone

Amarone doesn’t taste like Barolo, but it is a rich and bold Italian wine you can use as a substitute.

Amarone is made from partially dried grapes that undergo a long fermentation and aging process, giving it a powerful, spine-tingling flavor and high alcohol content.

Amarone’s vibrant, complex flavors are decadent and can be enjoyed by itself or paired with lean red meat, pasta, ripe cheese, and earthy veggies.

Amarone has a higher alcohol content than Barolo, placing it in “after-dinner” territory.

The top Amarone wines include Amarone Della Valpolicella, Zymé, Santa Sofia, and Allegrini.