Imagine a castle shrouded in the autumn mists of the Langhe. Not just any castle, but the Castle of Roddi, where time seems to stand still to make way for the undisputed protagonist of these lands: Barolo. This past Saturday and Sunday, "I, Barolo" took place—an event that goes far beyond a simple tasting and becomes a true celebration of this legendary wine.
It’s not just a chance to taste the latest vintages; it's an intimate journey, an exploration that leads you to discover the beating heart behind every bottle. It’s an encounter with the faces that cultivate the vines, the artisans who guard tradition, and the dreamers who innovate without betraying their roots.
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Voices of the Langhe
Strolling between the tasting stands, I had the privilege of hearing stories directly from the people who make this magic possible. One young producer, his hands still marked by the soil, told me about his grandfather. "He always used to say that the vine is like a child," he explained. "You have to talk to it, listen to it. If it’s thirsty, you have to give it water. If it’s tired, you have to let it rest." An anecdote that struck me, revealing an almost mystical bond between man and vine, a silent dialogue passed down through generations.
I also met an elderly woman, sitting in a corner with a glass in hand, who confided in me an old folk belief. "You know," she whispered, "they say that Barolo, before being bottled, absorbs the 'breath' of the earth. The stronger and deeper the breath, the greater the wine will be." It's a powerful metaphor that captures the essence of a terroir unique to the world.
Barolo, Not Just Wine but a Legend
Of course, there's no shortage of legends. One of the most fascinating concerns the "cursed barrel." It’s said that once upon a time, a winemaker had a barrel that he couldn't get the wine to ferment in. After a thousand attempts, in despair, he destroyed it. That year, his grapes were the best ever, and his wine, once bottled, was never so good again. The myth? The soul of the barrel had passed into the wine, making it forever unique.
But the anecdote that most warmed my heart was from a participant, a French oenologist visiting for the first time. He was tasting a particular vintage, and his eyes lit up. "This isn't wine," he said with a smile. "It's the history of an entire family in a glass. I can feel the sun, the rain, and even the tears. The tears of joy and hard work."
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The Essence of "I, Barolo"
This, then, is the essence of "I, Barolo": it’s not an event for experts, but for lovers. For those who want to discover that behind every label is a world of sacrifice, hope, and a deep love for their land. It's an experience that teaches you that Barolo is not a mere agricultural product, but a liquid work of art that tells stories a thousand years old.
If you missed this year's edition, mark your calendar for next year. Because this event doesn't just offer you a taste of wine, but a sip of the Langhe's soul.
The event is organized by the Strada del Barolo.