It is the major grape of Barolo and Barbaresco, in the Piemonte region of Italy. No other regions have planted this grape to significance levels.
Deep midnight-blue in colour, it offers complex and powerful aromas of tar, roses, black fruit and cedar wood. It has a fullness and develops powerful flavours that are present in the bouquet, the finish being somewhat drying to the mouth in the young wines. After some time, the wine becomes softer and more chocolate, nutmeg, cherries, tea, and prune characters emerge