Wine 1942

Imagine celebrating a very special occasion with a wine from 1942, which has rested safely in the cellar and matured perfectly over the decades. These bottles carry a rich story of a time of great global challenges, but at the same time offer remarkable taste. As you explore the older vintages, you will experience how more than 80 years of patient aging have created wonderful depth, structure and character in every drop.

1 wine

Marchesi di Barolo Barolo 1942

3.800,00 DKK

Why give a wine from 1942 as a gift?

Giving a 1942 wine as a gift is a thoughtful and meaningful gesture that goes far beyond the ordinary. You are not just giving a drink, but a story of indomitability and decades of patient maturation under ideal conditions, making it an obvious choice to mark life's great and important moments.

The story behind the vintage

The year 1942 was deeply marked by the hardships of World War II, which led to a severe shortage of both labor and agricultural resources across Europe. Although the conditions were incredibly harsh, nature chose to show its gentle side in the Italian wine regions. It all started with a cool and rainy winter, which fortunately paved the way for an unusually warm and sunny summer.

This change in weather ensured the harvest, and when the autumn subsequently turned out to be dry and warm, the grapes were given peace and quiet to ripen at their own pace. This resulted in a fantastic, deep and concentrated harvest of a very high standard. Nowadays, these historic bottles remain as fascinating pockets of time, beautifully reflecting the great dedication that the winegrowers of that time put into their work.

Characteristics of Barolo from Piedmont

Barolo is created from the Nebbiolo grape, which grows under perfect conditions in Piedmont's unique terroir, which consists of a mixture of lime and clay, a continental climate and the famous and protective autumn fog. The grape naturally carries a very high level of acidity and tannins, which form the solid foundation for the wine to develop beautifully over many decades. It is precisely these innate conditions that make Piedmont one of the few regions in the world where wines achieve such a long lifespan.

When the wine is young, it will often taste tight and have pronounced tannins, but after more than 80 years of rest, the structure changes magically. Over the decades, the tannins come together and leave a soft and velvety feel in the mouth, while the color slowly changes to a beautiful, transparent brick red tone. As a completely natural part of this long maturation, sediment will often form in the bottle, which only confirms the wine's respectable age and true character.

Storage and maturation over decades

If a wine from 1942 is to retain its vitality and develop harmoniously for over half a century, it requires extremely precise storage conditions. The bottles must be kept in complete darkness to protect them from damaging UV rays, and a fixed temperature of around 13 degrees is necessary to prevent premature oxidation.

In addition, a constant humidity of between 60 and 70 percent plays a crucial role, as it prevents the cork from drying out and allowing oxygen to reach the drops. When the older bottles are allowed to lie horizontally and without shaking in these perfect environments, the health of the wine is preserved as best as possible. This makes it a pleasure to enjoy the historical taste experience completely undisturbed many decades after it was bottled.

Peace of mind when buying historic wine bottles from 1942

When you choose to buy older vintages at Bottles With History, for example wine from 1952 , we place great importance on ensuring that you experience complete peace of mind along the way. We also offer a selection of wine from 1932 for collectors, and we draw on in-depth expertise in the assessment and handling of historical wines, so you can always look forward to receiving a bottle in the most beautiful condition.

Optimal storage: All bottles rest in a temperate and completely dark environment until they are prepared for shipment.
Strict quality control: Each and every wine is carefully examined to confirm its correct condition and good character prior to sale.
Safe delivery: We ensure same-day delivery in special protective packaging that guarantees that the delicate bottles reach you intact.
Free shipping: If you shop for more than 500 DKK, you get free delivery, regardless of whether the package is going to a parcel shop or directly to your private address.
High customer satisfaction: Our passion for good experiences can be clearly seen in our high TrustScore and the many positive feedback from our customers.

FAQ

Start by deciding on the purpose: is it a gift or for your own enjoyment? Choose a 1942 Barolo with a “Condition grade A” if you want the best-preserved label and capsule. Bear in mind the style of mature Nebbiolo, with gentler, more rounded tannins. Read the notes on the product page about storage history and condition before making your choice.

In most cases, it is best enjoyed now, with care. 1942 in Piedmont produced concentrated wines built for long ageing, but individual bottles vary greatly depending on how they have been stored. Handle the bottle gently, taste as soon as it is opened, and decant only lightly. If you want peace of mind, plan a back-up bottle for the evening.

Stand the bottle upright for 2–3 days so the sediment can settle. Use a gentle corkscrew, ease the cork out slowly, and strain the wine. Decant briefly if needed. Serve at 16–18°C in generous glasses, and avoid vibrations and vigorous aeration.

1942 was a strong year despite the war: a wet start was followed by a warm, dry summer and a sunny autumn, allowing Nebbiolo to ripen beautifully. The result is rich, well-balanced Barolo with power, structure and remarkable longevity.

Keep it at a stable 12–14°C (ideally around 13°C), with 60–70% humidity, in complete darkness and lying on its side. Avoid temperature fluctuations and vibration. Before serving, you can stand the bottle upright for a couple of days to let the sediment settle.