Barolo brings the townsman to the tomb — great wine, if consumed without restraint, has consequences. A humorous warning that the greatest pleasures carry the greatest risks.
This proverb from the Langhe hills makes its point with characteristic Piedmontese bluntness and dark humour. Barolo, the king of Italian red wines, is made from Nebbiolo grapes grown on the steep hillsides around La Morra, Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, and Serralunga d'Alba. At its best it is one of the most complex and long-lived wines in the world — also one of the most alcoholic, regularly reaching 14-15% by volume. The toma is both the tombstone and the cheese (Toma Piemontese), and the proverb plays on the double meaning: Barolo takes the bourgeois to his grave, or it takes him to the cheese course at least. The warning is genuine but delivered with a wink: the Piedmontese do not want you to stop drinking Barolo, only to drink it with appropriate respect.
Langhe and Cuneese proverb about the king of Piedmontese wines. Reflects both genuine warning about alcohol and the Piedmontese tradition of deadpan humour about life's pleasures.
A Langhe winemaker pouring for a tourist
— Un altro bicchiere? — Beva piano, signore. Al Barolo al porta 'l borgh-eis a la toma. È vino da rispettare.
— Another glass? — Drink slowly, sir. Barolo brings the townsman to the tomb. It is a wine to be respected.
At a Piedmontese wine dinner in Turin
Siamo al terzo Barolo. Al Barolo al porta 'l borgh-eis a la toma — ma che bella strada per arrivarci.
We are on the third Barolo. Barolo brings the townsman to the tomb — but what a beautiful road to get there.
A Cuneo doctor advising a patient with high blood pressure
— Il mio medico di paese dice: al Barolo al porta 'l borgh-eis a la toma. — Sarà esagerato, ma mezzo bicchiere a pasto e basta.
— My village doctor says: Barolo brings the townsman to the tomb. — He may be exaggerating, but half a glass with meals and no more.
Two Torinesi at a wine shop
— Prende il Barolo Riserva? — Al Barolo al porta 'l borgh-eis a la toma — lo prendo lo stesso. Almeno vado contento.
— Are you taking the Barolo Riserva? — Barolo brings the townsman to the tomb — I am taking it anyway. At least I will go happily.