Barolo, often referred to as the “King of Wines,” is a wine that commands attention and respect. Its complexity, depth, and elegance make it one of the most sought-after wines in the world. But how do sommeliers truly experience the essence of Barolo? What makes a tasting experience truly memorable when it comes to this iconic Italian red? In this feature, we’ll explore the art of tasting Barolo like a sommelier, with a special focus on one standout bottle: Legacy & Worth’s 2017 Barolo. This wine exemplifies the finesse, balance, and age-worthy potential that make Barolo so revered.

The Right Glass Matters
When it comes to tasting Barolo, using the right glass is essential to unlocking the wine's full potential. The large, tulip-shaped bowl of a Burgundy glass allows Barolo’s complex aromas to fully develop, offering a better tasting experience. For a wine as structured and intense as Barolo, this extra space allows it to breathe and opens up its nuances.
When you pour Legacy & Worth’s 2017 Barolo into the glass, you’ll immediately notice its deep garnet-red color, which will hint at the wine’s ageability and structure. Young Barolos like this 2017 vintage still possess a vibrant, youthful hue, with just a touch of brick-orange at the rim — a sign of things to come as it continues to mature.
Visually Assess the Wine
Before diving into the aromas and flavors, start by visually inspecting the wine. Hold your glass by the stem and tilt it slightly against a white background. You’ll be looking for clarity, color, and intensity.
With Legacy & Worth’s 2017 Barolo, you’ll see a bright, clear garnet red that gives a clue to the wine’s excellent health and vibrancy. The color is deep yet transparent, signaling a wine that’s both youthful and well-made. The clarity of the wine is impeccable, reflecting the meticulous care that went into its production.

Engage the Nose: Unveil the Aromas
The next step in tasting Barolo like a sommelier is to dive into the aromas. Swirl the wine gently to allow it to aerate and release its bouquet. Take a deep sniff, inhaling slowly and letting your nose absorb the many layers of scent.
Barolo’s aroma profile is notoriously complex, and Legacy & Worth’s 2017 Barolo is no exception. Expect a powerful nose that starts with classic Nebbiolo aromas:
Fruity notes: You'll immediately detect ripe red fruits such as cherry and raspberry, followed by subtle hints of dried fruit — think fig or even prunes.
Floral essence: There’s an unmistakable floral perfume of rose petals and violets, which is characteristic of Nebbiolo.
Spices and Earthiness: As you delve deeper, the earthy notes start to emerge — hints of truffle, dried herbs, and a touch of tobacco. This is the “tar” characteristic that Barolo lovers cherish.
Oak Influence: Subtle layers of oak might reveal themselves, adding complexity with notes of vanilla or toasted almond. However, Legacy & Worth’s 2017 Barolo showcases balanced oak aging, allowing the Nebbiolo to shine rather than overshadowing its natural aromas.
This multi-layered bouquet is what sets a great Barolo apart from the rest, and Legacy & Worth’s 2017 is an excellent example of how aromatic complexity can captivate your senses.

Sip and Savor: Assess the Palate
Now, it’s time for the most rewarding step — tasting the wine. Take a small sip and allow the wine to coat your palate, paying attention to its structure and flavor profile. A sommelier would assess the following key elements:
Acidity: Barolo has a signature high acidity that gives it freshness and structure. In Legacy & Worth’s 2017 Barolo, the acidity is bright but well-integrated, balancing the wine’s bold flavors and tannins. This gives the wine a vibrant, almost zesty character that enhances its drinkability, even in its youth.
Tannins: One of Barolo’s defining traits is its firm tannic structure. Legacy & Worth’s 2017 Barolo displays fine, grippy tannins that provide texture and depth, though they are refined enough to not overwhelm the palate. The tannins give the wine a sense of gravity without being overly harsh, a sign of the meticulous vineyard practices and careful aging process.
Body and Mouthfeel: The body of this Barolo is medium to full, with a rich, velvety mouthfeel. It’s not heavy, but it’s certainly not light either. The wine has weight and presence without feeling too tannic or overwhelming. The balance here is a testament to the wine’s exceptional craftsmanship.
Flavors: On the palate, Legacy & Worth’s 2017 Barolo offers a delightful mix of red fruit (cherry and raspberry), earthy undertones (tar, dried herbs), and a delicate floral edge. Subtle notes of leather, tobacco, and a hint of minerality add layers of complexity. The wine is full of potential, with a youthful fruitiness that promises deeper, more integrated flavors as it ages.
Finish: A hallmark of any great Barolo is its long, lingering finish, and Legacy & Worth’s 2017 Barolo is no exception. The wine’s finish is persistent and clean, with the acidity lifting the flavors and leaving you with a refreshing aftertaste.
Evaluate the Structure and Balance
For a wine like Barolo, one of the most critical factors to assess is balance. Does the wine feel harmonious? Are the acidity, tannins, alcohol, and fruit in equilibrium? Legacy & Worth’s 2017 Barolo achieves that perfect balance — the structure is formidable yet graceful, and the elements work together seamlessly. It has the depth and concentration of a great Barolo, but it remains elegant and approachable, even at this relatively young stage.
This wine is an excellent representation of the power and finesse that Barolo can deliver when made with care and precision.
Consider Aging Potential
Barolo is often best when given time to age, and the 2017 vintage from Legacy & Worth is no exception. While this wine is already quite expressive and enjoyable, it has the bones to evolve beautifully over the next decade or more. The tannins are still firm, and the wine's acidity will help it age gracefully. As it matures, expect it to develop more complex tertiary flavors — dried fruit, leather, earthy nuances — while the tannins continue to soften, allowing the wine’s full bouquet to shine.
As a sommelier would, you might consider how this wine will evolve in the bottle and whether you want to drink it now or wait a few years for it to reach its peak.

Food Pairings: A Perfect Match
Barolo is known for its ability to pair with rich, flavorful foods, and Legacy & Worth’s 2017 Barolo is no exception. If you’re tasting this wine at home or in a restaurant setting, here are some excellent food pairings to try:
Braised meats: A traditional Piedmontese dish like brasato al Barolo (beef braised in Barolo wine) would be an ideal match, as the wine’s tannins and acidity complement the rich flavors of slow-cooked beef.
Truffle dishes: Given Barolo’s earthy notes, it pairs beautifully with truffle-based dishes. Try it with truffle risotto or truffle pasta for an indulgent experience.
Aged cheeses: Hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino, or Castelmagno are fantastic with Barolo. The salty, nutty flavors of these cheeses balance the wine’s acidity and tannins.
Take Notes and Enjoy the Experience
Finally, whether you’re tasting a bottle of Legacy & Worth’s 2017 Barolo for the first time or revisiting it, be sure to take notes. Great wines, especially those as structured and complex as Barolo, offer something new with each sip. By paying attention to how the wine changes as it opens up in the glass, you’ll develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the craftsmanship behind the bottle.

Tasting Barolo like a sommelier is about more than just drinking wine — it’s about engaging with the wine on a deeper level, understanding its complexity, and appreciating its nuances. Legacy & Worth’s 2017 Barolo is a stunning example of what makes Barolo such an exceptional wine. With its balance of fruit, acidity, tannins, and complexity, this wine offers a perfect introduction to the world of Barolo, while also being capable of maturing gracefully over time.
Whether you’re a seasoned Barolo drinker or new to this legendary wine, tasting it with an attentive, sommelier-like approach will deepen your appreciation for one of the finest wines in the world.
Cheers!
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