Celebrity match: Think Daniel Craig. Smouldering, structured character who balances masculinity with sophistication.

If Châteauneuf du Pape is your Hollywood blockbuster then Barolo is the art house film of the year. It is subtle, powerful and memorable and with no less heritage than its French counterpart.

The grapes are grown high in the misty hills of northern Italy in steep vineyards and harvested late in the year to make sure they have soaked up every last ray of autumn sunshine. The vineyards have 360 degree vistas and are dotted with medieval hamlets and castles, some of the most evocative in the world.

We love the intensely exotic bouquet of plum, Middle Eastern spices and violets, but despite its lighter colour, don't be fooled into thinking this is a light wine. Barolo was born to be paired with food.

In 2011 Radcliffe’s Barolo won its first award as ‘Best match to Roast Lamb’ in the UK’s ‘What Food, What Wine’ Awards. Barolo works very well with more fatty meats such as pork belly, duck or lamb shanks which work with it to soften the tannins in the wine and produce a delicious pairing. Heavy, meaty pasta dishes or rich, hearty risottos are a favourite of the Piedmont region of Italy – but don’t think they have to include meat. Try a rich mushroom risotto using porcini, shitake and chestnut mushrooms – heaven!

Barolo origins and winery

Piedmont, Italy

Our chosen partners, Terre da Vino are based in the beautiful Langhe district of Piedmont and have a unique set up where they make fantastic wines. The area of Barolo is a relatively small area being just 5 miles wide at its widest point. To be labelled DOCG which is the ‘quality assurance’ label, a Barolo wine must adhere to strict yield levels and be aged for at least two years in oak and at least one year in bottle prior to being released from the winery.

All DOCG wines will have been checked prior to bottling and sealed with a numbered seal across the neck of the bottle.