Ep 248 – Barolo vs Barbaresco: Nebbiolo, Terroir & Biotypes Explained with Ian D’Agata

In this wonderfully geeky and genuinely fascinating episode, Janina is joined by Ian D’Agata, one of the world’s leading authorities on Italian wine, to unpack the real differences between Barolo and Barbaresco — far beyond the usual shortcuts. From Nebbiolo’s biotypes and soil types to climate, communes, MGAs and practical tasting tips, this is a deep yet accessible guide for anyone who wants to better understand why Nebbiolo remains one of the most compelling and misunderstood grapes in the world. Stay until the end for a special giveaway courtesy of Ian himself. Shownotes 02:32 What first drew Ian to Barolo and Barbaresco. 04:52 What is Nebbiolo? Aromas, structure and what makes it so unique. 07:15 How geography, soils and place shape Nebbiolo wines. 08:16 Finding new angles after decades of writing about Italian wine. 09:48 Ian’s favourite lesser-known native grape from Northern Italy. 11:14 A favourite lesser-known native grape from Southern Italy. 13:21 The most beautiful wine region in Italy — purely for its landscape. 14:32 Traditional vs modern Barolo — does the distinction still make sense? 17:36 Barbaresco explained — not a “softer Barolo”, but a different wine entirely. 23:05 Climate and soil differences — how the same grape creates very different wines. 24:14 Nebbiolo biotypes — what they are and why they matter. 30:23 Why so few people talk about biotypes in famous grape varieties. 34:44 What surprised Ian most while researching Barbaresco Terroir, following his earlier work on Barolo Terroir. 36:31 Is there a different attitude to Nebbiolo in Barbaresco compared to Barolo? 37:58 Practical tasting exercises to help students understand Nebbiolo. 41:47 The 181 MGAs — communes, crus and how to approach them without fear. 45:49 Real-world examples of communes and MGA differences. 46:52 Which recent vintages are best to buy and store. 48:02 Older vintages to grab and open today. 49:40 Where to find great-value Nebbiolo without buying a 20-year-old Barolo. 54:36 Two tickets giveaway — how to enter and what’s included. 📩 Questions or feedback? [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Cheers to you! 🥂 THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot. RECOGNITION: – Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025) – Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025) – Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list