Barolo and Barbaresco

[JohnG]

I'm a big fan of Italian reds, but because I rarely spend over $15 for a bottle of wine, I've never tried some of the more expensive Italians. Now having won my fantasy football league championship, I can justify (to my better half) buying some nicer bottles. I'd like to try barolo or barbaresco because they seem to represent the best that Italy offers (true?).

Most of the barolos that I've seen around here are $50 and up, whereas the barbarescos are in the $30's. How similar/different are these two wines? Are there particular producers or years that folks would recommend?

Thanks very much!