2019 Barolo Rocche
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Tasting notes
For lovers of timeless Nebbiolo, the Vietti 2019 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione hits all its marks. Yes, Vietti makes beautiful Barolo from some of the best cru sites from across the appellation, but I confess a preference for this outstanding wine. Rocche di Castiglione has the home team advantage with vines located not too far from the winery that is nestled into the outer stone wall and urban fabric of the Castiglione Falletto village. This site is characterized by freshness, extreme precision (that always stands out), linearity, structure and balanced freshness. This naturally concentrated vintage also shows a juicy or succulent quality that is outstanding. Pretty mineral notes add to the balance and elegance. The vineyard site measures about one hectare. Rocche di Castiglione is an oddly shaped and elongated MGA with singular southeast exposures along a steep ravine, with Bussia to the west and Perno to the east.
Critic scores
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Ravishing aromas of crushed raspberries and blueberries with rose petal and stem undertones. Full-bodied with integrated tannins that are very fine and long. It lasts for minutes on the palate. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Give it four or five years to open. Best after 2027.
Castiglione Falletto. Lustrous mid-to-deep ruby. Deep and concentrated on the nose, with bags of ripe raspberry fruit. Lots of acidity, which is integrated with the generous raspberry fruit. Bags of gorgeous, chewy tannins framing the long finish. (WS)
More lift is on display in the aromas of the 2019 Barolo Rocche Di Castiglione, with medicinal herbs, menthol, red raspberry, and a more cooling effect. The tannin structure is finer as well, with more drying sensation, fresh acidity, and more. From a southeast exposition that has more ventilation, I personally prefer this wine to the others from Vietti. It is not lacking in complexity. Drink 2025-2045 and beyond. Vietti was founded by Carlo Vietti in the late 1800s and is based in Castiglione Falletto. After marrying Luciana Vietti in the late 1950s, Alfredo Currado joined the operations of the winery and later was largely regarded as responsible for the resurrection of the Arneis grape. Until this year, the estate had been helmed by fifth generation winemaker Luca Currado Vietti and his wife Elena, who have been the longtime champions of their family’s winery. In 2016, the estate was purchased by Krause Holdings, which had enabled Luca and Elena to continue their roles while simultaneously supporting significant growth, gaining sought-after site acquisitions for production such as Monvigliero in Barolo. Though the winery is in solid control in terms of the winemaking, the recent departure of Luca and Elena is certain to leave a spiritual hole impossible to fill any time soon.