Barolo

Its rich bouquet exudes the sweet scent of red cherries and an elegant blend of flowers, mint, spices and liquorice. The taste is velvety and inviting, with a perfect balance of powerful fruit, integrated tannins and beautifully balanced acidity. Radiance and complexity are overwhelming. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby with a fine garnet shimmer. Clearly marked nose with notes of raspberry and fresh plums, some cloves and coriander seeds. Gripping, savoury tannin, shows good fullness, lots of pressure." Falstaff

"The grapes for Gaja's Conteisa all come from Cerequio. The nose reveals cherries, dried cherries and earthy tones with subtle mint and peony. The palate is dominated by cherry and strawberry with a hint of coffee. The wine is full, with ripe tannins of great quality and moderate acidity." Decanter

"The 2018 Barolo Conteisa from Gaja is elegant, graceful and noble through and through. Silky tannins and floral aromas give this medium-bodied Barolo plenty of charm. This is classic Cerequio. The notes of sweet red berries, pomegranate, cherry, blood orange and mint that are so typical of the La Morra site are beautifully brought out. All the elements are so beautifully balanced. I'm looking forward to seeing how the 2018 ages. The Gajas were particularly picky in 2018. Bottle production for Conteisa is down 50%." Vinous

"The fresh and ripe strawberry flavours come through very well here, along with some liquorice and floral notes. Medium to full body with fine, concentrated tannins that are vertical and bring the palate down through the wine. A solid and beautiful wine. Try it after 2025." James Suckling

"The Gaja 2018 Barolo Conteisa shows very nicely, with ripe aromas of plum, strawberry, grilled herb and chamomile flower. Give the wine time and it shows more herbal sensations and even a blast of mint that is characteristic of Cerequio, where the grapes are harvested." Wine Advocate

Ceretto's Barolo Bussia comes from one of the most famous cru sites bordering the municipalities of Monforte d'Alba and Barolo, sourcing its Nebbiolo fruit from a 7,000 square metre plot in Bussia Soprana in Monforte d'Alba. Just 3,500 1/1 bottles and 200 magnums are bottled.

Sparkling, bright garnet red colour. On the nose, it seduces with delicate notes of wild berries, white cherry, liquorice and truffle. The palate is explosive, lively and full of energy. Its rich and lively flavours of cranberry and pomegranate are very finely elaborated, its sweetness in the middle of the palate and the fine creaminess and fine-meshed tannin, which is characteristic of the best Bussia-Barolos, are impressive. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant medium ruby red colour. More concentration and depth with a clear, mineral core and concentrated but embryonic fruit. On the palate, a fantastic tannic centre with raspberry fruit wrapped in fine, firm tannins. Long and sensationally balanced." Jancis Robinson

"A fine and open Bussia with a smoky, grilled meat and spice character in the plum fruit. Medium to full body. Soft, velvety and juicy. This wine will develop into something very serious. Needs three or four years to open up. Best after 2025." James Suckling

"The Barolo Bussia 2019 is rich, deep and explosive, with all the profound, spicy and balsamic notes that are so typical of Bussia. Bussia is a broad, lush Barolo that is impressive from start to finish. All the elements are very well balanced. There is plenty of tannin, but it is well integrated into the wine. After some time in the glass, the wine reveals its inner perfume and explosive energy. This aromatically beguiling, multi-layered Barolo is magnificent." Vinous

"The Ceretto 2019 Barolo Bussia is an organic wine and a wine of beautiful depth and streamlined intensity. This Barolo offers aromas of dark fruit, but also of crushed stone, rust, a hint of exotic spices or grilled herbs and fresh liquorice root. The ensemble is beautiful, and what stands out most is the polished persistence and silky texture of the mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"Bright ruby red colour with a delicately brightening rim. Expressive and clear nose of raspberries, cedar wood and some cold smoke, with a candied citrus fruit finish. Compact and tightly woven on the palate, with great tension and rich pressure, lots of salt, great length!" Falstaff

"The elegant nose opens with pristine cherry aromas supported by subtle notes of clove, anise, rosewood and tea. The focused palate continues to highlight ripe cherries and evolves into savory elements. Well-crafted tannins and crunchy acidity give the wine vigor and lift. The wine is generous, rich and superbly balanced." Wine Enthusiast

Shiny, rich ruby with light garnet glints. Great and memorable nose, incredibly dense, smells of hazelnuts, leather and ripe wild raspberries. Great on the palate, lots of compact, tightly meshed tannin, coated with sweet melting, multilayered and dense, builds up for a long time, reverberates with plums and liquorice. SUPERIORE.DE

"Juicy and fleshy, with aromas of cherry, raspberry, flowers and liquorice. Harmonious and open, this wine is approachable now and should improve over the next five years. The firm, long finish picks up a mineral element." Wine Spectator

"Shiny, brightening ruby garnet. Dense and compact in the nose, ripe fruit notes, of plum, rose petals and truffle, discreet smoky notes. Impressive on the palate, shows lots of grippy, tightly meshed tannin, pithy, has the firm character of Serralunga wines, earthy notes on the final." Falstaff

"Many aromas of rose petals, stems and sandalwood, but also plums and berries. Medium-bodied with a firm palate and very fine tannins that extend throughout the length of the wine. Straightforward and concentrated. Hints of nutmeg and pie crust accentuate the palate. It's approachable now, but needs another three or four years to open up. Try it after 2026." James Suckling

"The Barolo Sperss 2018 is a great, great wine. The aromas alone are seductive. But then, that's one of the things that makes Barolo such a seductive wine. Sweet black cherry, lavender, spice and leather add an impressive array of dimensions to this unusually translucent Barolo. The powerful Serralunga tannins are there, but they are beautifully woven into the fabric of the wine." Vinous

"With fruit from Serralunga d'Alba, the Gaja 2018 Barolo Sperss is impossible to confuse with any other Barolo. The bouquet has a firm, etched quality with dark fruit, pencil shavings, iron and red brick. But there is also a fragrant interlude of wild cherry, forest fruit and orange peel. The Sperss is all about muscle, power and structure. It promises a longer aging potential and bottle evolution." Wine Advocate

Barolo Brunate from luxuriant, fertile location in La Morra, shines with concentration and wealth. Elegant bouquet of dark cherries, plums and a hint of citrus fruit. The taste is full-bodied, but never powerful. Wonderfully structured, granular tannin, good acidity. Brunate 2013 requires some patience, which is however rewarded with a wonderful drop. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny ruby garnet. Intense nose, ripe raspberries, strawberries, dark cherries, cloves. Juicy and supple in the attack and course, present fruit, opens with fine-meshed tannin, catchy in the finish." Falstaff

"Pure cherry, strawberry and floral flavors, plus flashes of eucalyptus and wild herb, mark this supple, bright red. Firms up toward the finish yet remains balanced, refined and long, with a lingering aftertaste of cherry, tobacco and mineral." Wine Spectator

"Very focused young Barolo with lots of aromas of crushed strawberries and raspberries. Hints of lilacs, too. Full to medium body, very fine tannins and a persistent and beautiful finish." James Suckling

"Like the other important Nebbiolo-based wines made by Vietti, the 2013 Barolo Brunate follows the house style that sees longer maceration times and submerged cap fermentation. This results in exceptional fullness and plushness in terms of texture that transcends the mouthfeel. The wine's expressive bouquet shows open and frank aromas of dark fruit, tar, road paving, crushed stone and black truffle. This vintage also shows a savory or foxy touch of old leather or spice. I'd suggest a medium-term drinking window. Luca Currado presents his wines in ascending order of power." Wine Advocate

"Vietti's 2013 Barolo Brunate is one of the most reticent, powerful and explosive wines in the range. Huge beams of tannin give the wine its energy and overall shape. Readers will have to be especially patient with the 2013, as it is built for the long haul. As...in the very long haul. The gravitas and overall muscularity of Brunate is quite evident, but the wine remains raw, powerful and in need of significant bottle age. Today, the tannins are searing, which adds to the wine's brooding personality. This is the first vintage that includes old-vine fruit that used to go to Oberto and Marengo from a parcel Vietti acquired a few years ago." Antonio Galloni

Four years ago, Pio Boffa bought himself a "small" present for his 60th birthday. Not a new set of golf clubs, a picture hanging in the hall, a holiday for him and the family. No. Just a vineyard called Mosconi in Monforte d'Alba, a region of Piedmont where four generations of the Pio Cesare dynasty never gained a foothold. Originally, the grapes from the 10-hectare vineyard were to enhance the quality of his classic Barolo, but after the first barrel samples, it was unmistakably clear to Pio Boffa that this would be at least an equal - if stylistically different - counterpart to the hitherto undisputed flagship Ornato.

Mosconi is more light-footed than Ornato, with red rather than black fruits dominating the nose, along with irresistible liquorice and a juiciness that will immediately earn it a top place in the entire appellation. On the palate, it has a precision that is unparalleled, less punchy than Ornato, but more elegant and subtle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Another transparent ruby red with garnet reflections. Exciting bouquet with distinct notes of blood oranges and candied orange peel, plus finest Dominican tobacco and leather, dazzling and individual. Elegant palate with fresh, cherry-influenced fruit, grippy, punchy, finely chiselled style with silky firm tannin, plus salty mineral nuances in the long finish." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby garnet with brightening rim. Very inviting and clear nose of sweet wild raspberries, cherry and rose petals, some cardamom in the background. Gripping, gripping tannin, shows discreet earthy notes, after truffle and tobacco, very grippy on the final, salty, needs a few more years." Falstaff

"Medium ruby red with orange reflections. Almost explosive minerality on the nose with a hint of sour cherry and a hint of spicy oak. Complex but still restrained on the nose. Wonderfully supple fruit with polished, finely honed but firm tannins almost a little reminiscent of Serralunga. Plenty of stuff to chew on and spectacular, layered flavours on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Rich, with plum and cherry aromas, this Barolo also shows a spicy side of eucalyptus, liquorice and clove. Shows viscosity in texture as well as excellent balance. It finishes with dense, refined tannins and lingering notes of macerated fruit and savory." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Barolo Mosconi is magnificent. It offers a complex blend of rose petals, dried herbs, iron, graphite, smoke, incense, scorched earth and blood orange, capturing all the complexity that makes the best Barolos from this site so compelling. Powerful and profound, but also very elegant, the 2018 is another fine Barolo from a winery that has made a pretty significant stylistic shift in recent years." Vinous

"Very compact on the nose and palate, with notes of dried red berries, truffle, sous-bois and dried flowers. Full-bodied with a fine tannin structure and a very long finish. Compact and solid. This wine still needs a lot of time to open up, but already shows real class. Try it from 2025." James Suckling

"Compared to the Ornato, the 2018 Barolo Mosconi (with fruit from Monforte d'Alba) shows a tighter and more compact quality with a direct, linear and powerful approach. The bouquet builds vertical intensity, starting with tart fruit aromas and culminating in tar, rusty nails and camphor ash. This aromatic ascent is swift and the wine finishes with a very broad, all-encompassing performance." Wine Advocate

"From soils with a combination of silt, clay and, to a small extent, sandstone, a perfect photo of the terroir of Monforte. Cornel on the nose, with notes of pink grapefruit and clove, mouth with iodine-spicy tannins, crispness and tension, nice persistence." Luca Gardini

"Vigna Rionda Riserva is for us every year the Barolo from Serralunga at the peak of its potential. It is the wine we are most proud of. Vigna Rionda, protagonist of the history of our winery, is one of the most sought-after and prestigious cru sites in the entire Barolo area. We are not just talking about microclimate and soil here: Something very special happens on this hill in Serralunga d'Alba, and this something gives the Vigna Rionda Riserva its life and makes it a truly unique wine." Franco Massolino

Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is absolutely breathtaking. Deep and monumental in attitude, it captivates all the senses - from start to finish. A whole range of Rionda aromas flow from the glass. Silky yet powerful, graceful yet full of seriousness, the wine captures all the contrasts that make an exceptional Barolo. Rose petals, lavender, red and violet fruits, spices and new leather give this hypnotic Barolo from Massolino its very typical and unmistakable nuances. A great wine! SUPERIORE.DE

"Just medium ruby red. Powerful, concentrated, complex nose that immediately draws you in. Notes of black pepper and a hint of gingerbread, reflecting the warm vintage, but with real verve. Full-bodied on the palate, sweet and tart cherry. Lots of generous but not sweet fruit, contrasted by finely chiselled, polished tannins. It's ripe now but will hold up. Will seduce many." Jancis Robinson

"Notes of wild strawberries and sour cherries with dried flowers and orange chocolate in the background. Medium to full-bodied, very polished and fine-grained, with subtle red fruit notes and a mineral backbone. Even and balanced with a structured finish." James Suckling

"The nose is impressively fresh and lively, with a mix of white pepper, watermelon, wild strawberry and mint leaf. Less restrained than usual on the palate, it is firm, still young and chewy, with brilliant, long acidity and a cherry pit finish. It deserves time to develop more complexity." Decanter

"This is a great wine and although it could do with more years of ageing, there is nothing wrong with enjoying it in the near or medium future. The 2017 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is packed with dark fruit, but it also shows delicate spice with black liquorice and rusty metal. The intensity of the wine and its mouthfeel are great." Wine Advocate

"The 2017 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is simply stunning. The purest essence of Rionda comes through in a captivating Barolo that astounds. Sweet red cherry fruit, kirsch, rose petals, liquorice and blood orange are just some of the many aromas and flavours that rise from the glass. Exotic and racy, the 2017 is a real head-turner." Vinous

"Bright ruby red with a shiny core. Elegant nose, also of red-cheeked apple, minimal hint of peach, then raspberries, cranberries, in the reverberation a hint of precious wood and sealing wax. Tense on the palate, builds slowly, with compact tannin and clear fruit, seems very deep, finishes with salt and great juiciness, very long." Falstaff

The single vineyard Serradenari is currently the highest vineyard in the Barolo area and at the same time the historic site of the appellation (MGA - Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva). The cool and mountainous climate with its clay and marl soils gives rise to a Nebbiolo here that is short on words - it is precise, clear and unambiguous.

All the more exciting when the result opens up with some aeration and maturity and reveals its entire palette of sensuality and loveliness. An impressive drop that leaves hardly anything to be desired in terms of finesse and clarity, were it not for the fact that one or two secrets still lie dormant here, which will only reveal themselves when one fully surrenders to this aristocratic growth. SUPERIORE.DE

"Extremely floral with violets and roses. Orange peel. Forest strawberries. Medium to full body. Very fine tannins and a long and bright finish. Racy and focused. Energetic. Like a Cannubi." James Suckling

Vietti's Ravera is one of the very big stars of Piedmont in its precision and structure. Rose petals, chalk, pepper and a hint of pomegranate make this Barolo one of the most sought-after in the appellation every year. With a little ageing, the strong tannins give way to an elegant impression that does not deviate one millimetre from the coveted style of this great vineyard. A monument of Barolo, which only a few other winemakers in Piedmont besides Vietti and also Giacosa bottle with such consistency! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, brightening ruby with light rim. The nose presents itself with notes of raspberries and blackberries, then some cardamom, dark rose petal. Dense and full-bodied in the attack and course, shows lots of grippy tannin that builds up for a long time, entwined with fine sweet melting, long finish." Falstaff

"With fruit from Novello, the Vietti 2017 Barolo Ravera is immediately expressive and articulate. The message it communicates is one of elegance and finesse, and the mouthfeel is especially important to this bottle. A silky, almost glossy sheen sets up aromas of cassis, blueberry, wild cherry and crushed stone. These various elements literally glide or skate together in seamless harmony. This was a release of 7,560 bottles." Wine Advocate

"Broad and saturated with cherry, black currant and plum flavors, this red is expansive and yet well defined. The ripe fruit is offset by nervous tannins, leaving a resonant, energetic feel on the lengthy finish. Eucalyptus, iron and tobacco notes add detail." Wine Spectator

"The 2017 Barolo Ravera is a powerhouse. My impression is that the 2017 is going to develop into something truly special. It has all the energy that makes this site so distinctive, but with an extra kick of fruit density and a whole range of exotic aromatics that make for a truly drop dead gorgeous wine. Bright red/purplish fruit, rose petal, chalk and white pepper build into a finish laced with searing intensity. This is such and impressive wine." Vinous

"Dried strawberry and citrus rind, as well as subtle undertones of smoke and dried flowers. Full-bodied, yet so tight and composed with freshness and lightness, yet power, too. Long finish. This really needs time to open. Classic style." James Suckling

Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is probably the richest wine in Viettis vintage range. It is a monument based on performance, intensity and power. At the same time, Rocche is incredibly precise and multi-layered every year. It is precisely this interplay of fullness and finesse that makes the Rocche so tempting. Rose petals, mint and sweet red berries form a crescendo of aromas and textures that appeals to all the senses. In the almost endless reverberation, everything comes into harmony again as if by magic and leaves behind a Nebbiolo experience of the third kind. SUPERIORE.DE

"Plum and black cherry flavors are augmented by leather, underbrush and tobacco notes. Offers hints of chocolate and sweet spices, while the muscular structure keeps this under wraps. Delivers ample fruit and bright acidity, not to mention a lingering aftertaste. Turns silky and elegant with air." Wine Spectator

"Really shows what was possible in this difficult vintage! What a complex nose with hazelnuts, chocolate, flowers and herbs in profusion. Hints of licorice and candied citrus peel, too. Quite a major structure with bold, dry tannins, which are already very well-integrated. A really long finish." James Suckling

"This is a beautiful wine from a challenging vintage—Luca Currado tells me it reminds him of his father and his childhood. Indeed, the 2014 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is a nostalgic wine with old-school Barolo aromas of wild berry, orange peel, hazelnuts and earthy truffle. The wine opens to a very attractive ruby color and dark garnet highlights. The mouthfeel is silky and smooth but extremely well structured at the same time. Some 150 magnums were made in this vintage because there is an expectation that this wine will age with grace and attitude." Wine Advocate

"Vietti's 2014 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is shaping up to be a modern-day classic. Piercing, intense and austere in the best sense of the word, the Rocche is a wine of laser-like focus that will leave Barolo lovers weak in the knees. Candied cherry, pomegranate, kirsch, rose petal and violet overtones give the 2014 its inner sweetness and captivating perfume. In a word: stunning. Don't miss it." Antonio Galloni

Deep, full red with a fine sheen. The La Morra edition from Vietti's famous Barolo family convinces with an impressive aroma of red berries, cherries, wild herbs, mint, minerals and rose petals, rounded off with a hint of blood orange. The palate is opulent, full, with fine sweetness and structure, and the multi-layered, long final is accompanied by downright aristocratic tannin. A typical Vietti cru with a lot of class. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby with a fine garnet shimmer. Exciting and complex in the nose, shows notes of cardamom, some leather, then lots of plum and raspberry. Taut and gripping tannin on the palate dominates the course, fine raspberry fruit, unfortunately a bit brittle on the final." Falstaff

"The 2017 Barolo Brunate is a powerful, brooding wine. Huge dark fruit, leather, spice, menthol and dried herbs all build in a potent Barolo that is enshrouded by tannins. The 2017 is going to need quite a bit of time in the cellar. Today, it is very much a brooding powerhouse. Dark wild cherry, licorice, tar, menthol and spice take shape in the glass, but the 2017 is clearly an infant, and an unruly one at that." Vinous

"A release of 4,981 bottles, the Vietti 2017 Barolo Brunate is beautifully rich and fleshed out, with balanced fruit weight and inner structure. The bouquet reveals tart cherry and cassis, but the Brunate also shows a more delicate side, with crushed flowers, dried violet and polished stone. The power of this cru creeps up on the palate, where you feel the tightness of its fiber and tannins. Following that delicate aromatic preface, this Barolo ultimately delivers a strong, cellar-worthy performance." Wine Advocate

"A ripe, fleshy style, offering plum, cherry, leather, menthol and iron aromas and flavors. Hints of rose and strawberry peek through as this builds to the long finish. There are formidable tannins too, yet they remain civilized and should allow this to develop nicely over time." Wine Spectator

"Beautiful, sweet fruit and perfumes on the nose with fresh flowers, such as roses. Full-bodied with fine, dusty tannins and a long, persistent finish. Very caressing. Builds on the palate at the end." James Suckling

Barolo Lazzarito impresses every year with its precision and class - two qualities not often found in the Nebbiolo of the Serralunga area. Iron, smoke and white pepper flow into the nose, in the glass these impressions are prolonged by a hint of pomegranate, red cherry jam, wild flowers and blood orange. Vietti's Lazzarito always stands for power and finesse and has been in no way inferior to its "colleagues" from Ravera and Rocche for quite some time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, bright ruby garnet. Opens in the nose with distinct earthy notes of leather, some tar and truffle, behind it fine blackberry, discreet hazelnut note. Gripping, very intense tannin, a lot of pressure on the palate, but also a very high proportion of harsh, drying components, put it away and forget it for the next ten years." Falstaff

"A release of 8,760 bottles, the Vietti 2017 Barolo Lazzarito draws its fruit from Serralunga d'Alba and reveals a luminous garnet color. Compared to some of the others in this portfolio, the wine takes a little longer to open and express itself. It does, however, unfold to dark cherry, redcurrant, grilled herb, iron ore and candied orange peel. You need to give your glass a few extra vigorous swirls. Those rusty mineral notes build in intensity and drive the wine's medium-long finish." Wine Advocate

"A taut, structured Barolo, offering aromas and flavors of plum and cherry fruit shaded by accents of tobacco, iron, green tea and leafy underbrush. This is firm and gains power on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"Vietti owns two hectares in Lazzarito, a stunning amphitheatre facing southwest on clay-limestone soil. Planted to about 4,500 plants per hectare, the vines here have an average age of 38 years. Sweet, filigreed notes of cinnamon, strawberry candy and violet unfold in the glass. The attack is polished, with ripe, crunchy tannins. The austerity of Serralunga here becomes density and volume, kept lively by lifted acidity and finishing with liquorice root and cinnamon. Perfect balance and great elegance. This will develop more complexity with ageing." Decanter

"Vietti's 2017 Barolo Lazzarito is absolutely gorgeous. Whatever the challenges of the growing season, they appear to have been no problem here. More than anything else, the Lazzarito impresses with its magnificent depth and stature. Super-ripe red fruit, white pepper, mint, tobacco, cured meat, spice and rose petal open gradually with time in the glass. I would not be in a rush to open bottles anytime soon. The Lazzarito has been one of the most improved wines at Vietti for a number of years. The 2017 is so captivating." Vinous

"This is very chewy and powerful with lots of velvety tannins that are firm and intense. It’s full and flavorful with strawberries and tar. Bark undertones. Flavorful finish. Needs time to soften." James Suckling

"The Barolo DOCG Parafada is perfect for long ageing and surprising development. Elegant, refined, austere. Vinified in vats, matured in large barrels. Made with Nebbiolo grapes from our vineyard in the MGA Parafada in Serralunga d'Alba." Franco Massolino

Barolo Parafada is fabulous. The natural richness of this site blends with the transparency and class of the 2019 vintage to produce a weightless yet powerful, highly nuanced Barolo that hits all the right notes. On the nose, dark cherry, lavender, spices, mint, rose petals and liquorice. And on the palate, it is the interplay of richness and lightness that elevates the Parafada to the realm of the truly sublime. SUPERIORE.DE

"Almost medium ruby red in colour. Initially, the noble oak is evident on the nose, but with aeration it disappears and becomes a small pinch. Fleshy raspberry nose that is still compact and youthful, but with plenty of depth. Lots of fine, enveloping tannins overlaying the fresh, deep red fruit. Sensational balance between fruit and tannins." Jancis Robinson

"Bright, shiny ruby with garnet colour. Fine notes of blood oranges, candied cranberries and raspberries on the nose, then noble earthy tones and cedar wood. Very grippy and profound on the palate, with rich tannins, somewhat wide-meshed, shows great juiciness, still wants to rest a little." Falstaff

"A rich, juicy Barolo with flavours of fresh cherries, strawberries, roses, iron, tobacco and black pepper. It firms up with fine tannins that leave a chalky sensation on the savoury, mineral finish, showing excellent balance and length." Wine Spectator

"Discreet and youthful, waiting to express all of its earthy charms. Subtly perfumed, with slight florals and expected brisk acidity. Firmly structured, but has ample fruit concentration. Classic style with sour cherry flesh, mineral cherry stone and oak presence. Young, with time on its hands." Decanter

"Wonderful aromas of violets, red roses, raspberries and orange peel follow through to a medium to full body, with chewy tannins and a fresh and lively finish. Needs time to mellow." James Suckling

"The Barolo Parafada 2019 is a wine of enormous inner strength, as if all its energy is directed inwards. Dark cherry, smoke, leather, gravel, scorched earth and liquorice slowly come to life in the glass. The 2019 is dense, powerful and muscular, offering tremendous textural intensity and a brooding, virile vigour. This is one of the best editions I can remember tasting. " Vinous

"One of the most typical crus of Serralunga d'Alba, old vineyards, with medium-textured soils and a strong presence of limestone. The nose has notes of pomegranate, menthol, star anise and a floral finish, with notes of carnation. The taste has spicy-sapid tannins, with a mentholated-spicy return." Luca Gardini

"The Massolino 2019 Barolo Parafada, whose fruit comes from 60 to 65-year-old vines in Serralunga d'Alba, is lively and bright with very beautiful aromas of wild cherries, blue flowers, iron ore and rusty nails. The wine shows a very nice intensity, but always remains balanced. This well-structured Nebbiolo is characterised by its precision and definition. Be patient with this wine." Wine Advocate

"Transparent ruby red. The nose is reminiscent of a morning stroll in an oriental bazaar. The ethereal opening combines noble woods such as cedar and sandalwood until one enters the spice zone and juniper mixes with black pepper and cardamom as well as dark tobacco. The fruit vendors cheerfully offer cherries, raspberry jelly and preserved hibiscus blossoms, the florists have small violets on display. One of the market criers refreshes his bicycle chain with a quench of graphite and chews on a piece of liquorice with a smile. The ripe, leafy tannins of the Barolo Pira Vecchie Viti are tightly interwoven with extract-sweet fruit notes and the all-defining acid arc.

No component stands alone, but always functions in conglomeration with the other players. The wine is a strongly structural experience, powerful with a slender stature, comparable to Bruce Lee. Extract, tannin and vertical acidity show up punchy on the palate with a multi-layered, epic final. Big glasses and big cuisine are strongly advised here." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"The 2017 Barolo Pira Vecchie Viti amazes from the first sip. It offers a wild, heady bouquet combined with remarkable depth, with firm but polished tannins holding everything together. Sweet red fruits, blood orange, rose petals, cinnamon, dried herbs and star anise unfold as this rich yet classically austere Barolo shows what it's made of. It's a super-classic Roagna wine." Vinous

"The Roagna 2017 Barolo Pira Vecchie Viti also comes from the Castiglione Falletto vineyard, which is located directly below Rocche di Castiglione. The vines were planted in 1937 on this south-east facing slope. This wine shows a similar character with a strong sense of focus and linearity running through from the beginning to the end of the wine. Light mineral tones frame a core of fragrant fruit with crushed rose and limestone. This is a production of only 2,730 bottles." Wine Advocate

"Radiant, medium-dense ruby with garnet glints. Opens with notes of tobacco and liquorice, some truffle, then subtle raspberry notes. Gripping, tightly meshed tannin on the palate, builds up in many layers, then goes wonderfully into the depth, lots of ripe fruit but also discreet spices, long finish." Falstaff

"For the Barolo DOCG Parussi, we left the confines of Serralunga and opted for a vineyard in Castiglione Falletto. Thanks to the characteristics of Nebbiolo, which is perfectly capable of capturing the differences in microclimate and soil composition and translating them into sensations, the result amazed us. Structured, important, austere. Made with Nebbiolo grapes from our vineyard in the MGA Parussi in Castiglione Falletto." Franco Massolino

Parussi is the most open-hearted and fruity Barolo in Massolino's 2019 collection. It has a striking immediacy and sweetness in the mid-palate. Juicy red and purple berries, spices and mint combine in the glass. On the palate, Parussi is silky, floral and medium-bodied, displaying all the sensuality typical of Castiglione Falletto's Barolos. Best of all, Parussi can be drunk much earlier than the wines from Serralunga. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pure ruby red colour. Great depth of fruit on the nose, with salty and mineral notes. Not quite open, but captivating, fragrant and lifted and with quite a lot of substance. Juicy acidity and still shy fruit. Mineral and with fine, super-long tannins, while the fresh acidity emphasises the ripe raspberry fruit. Wonderful length and juiciness. Fine but powerful." Jancis Robinson

"This 2019 is fully focused on restrained root flavours like rhubarb and liquorice, wrapped in sweet violet, rose, redcurrant and pomegranate. It's quite austere, with a good concentration of blood orange on the finish, but thick, dusty and austere tannins." Decanter

"This pure red exudes rose, strawberry, cherry, iron and eucalyptus flavors. Linear, with a firm spine of tannins and lively acidity for support, this shows excellent balance and length." Wine Spectator

"Very pretty with pure and fresh fruit and concentrated tannins. Medium to full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and a bright and lively finish. Shows tension and brightness. Flowers and sliced strawberries on the finish." James Suckling

"The Massolino 2019 Barolo Parussi has dark fruits and savoury spices that make for a very firm and compact wine. This is a forward and quite muscular expression with fruit from one of the northernmost sites in Castiglione Falletto. The tannins show a certain firmness that will require a longer ageing period." Wine Advocate

"The Barolo Parussi 2019 is the only Barolo by Massolino from Castiglione Falletto. A wine of absolute grace and refinement, the 2019 is pure seduction. Fresh cut flowers, mint, sweet red berries, orange peel and rose petals rise from the glass. harvestwill discover an elegant, sublime Barolo that hits all the right notes. Don't miss it." Vinous

"The first Barolo from Massolino to be born outside the "borders" of Serralunga, in Castiglione Falletto, with a vinification of great finesse. On the nose, dogwood, a hint of peony and a final touch of fresh rosemary. The palate is crisp, with savoury tannins. Finishes with a fruity aftertaste." Luca Gardini

Intense ruby red with garnet reflections. On the nose, red berries, spices and a cornucopia of other aromas that only reveal themselves with further oxygenation. Fleshy, juicy, powerful and extremely precise and structured on the palate. At today's still very young age, one can only guess what it will become in further years of bottle ageing. A monument of wine - already today - the tannins soft, multilayered and captivating. This is the archetype of a Nebbiolo, which impressively demonstrates to every friend of the grape variety that it is not necessarily always the location, but also the quality of the grape and the subsequent wise vinification that makes it a real red and unforgettable royal wine of Italy. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby with garnet rim. Very compact nose of blackberry, blueberry and some truffle. Gripping and dense on the palate, concentrated tannin, rich fruit, lots of plum and cherry, deep and earthy on the final." Falstaff

"The 2014 Barolo Vite Talin is robust, with broad shoulders and beautiful aromas of spice and herbs. There is a fullness and generosity to its meaty notes, while it shows a more rustic side when put side by side with the 2015: The tannins here make their presence well known, and the wine has a wild side overall. The Vite Talin is a wine that has a way of responding to difficult harvests like this one. The grapes survived for a reason, and what you get here is not your classic approach to Barolo at all. This expression explores new boundaries, and it will be a hard wine to forget. This Barolo was born following 25 years of experimentation, and only 2,200 precious bottles were made." Wine Advocate

"The 2014 Barolo Vite Talin is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage. A powerful, unctuous wine, it possesses off-the-charts intensity married with striking nuance. Dark red cherry jam, plum, lavender, spice, rose petal and mint are some of the many nuances that flesh out. In 2014, the Vite Talin is a wine of extraordinary finesse, nuance and classicism. It will spend two years in 500-liter barrels and a third year in cask. Tasting the 2014, I can only wonder why the other Barolos don't get the same élevage. I won't be surprised if the 2014 one day surpasses the 2013 - it is every bit that thrilling. Wow!" Vinous

"The Barolo DOCG Margheria comes from the calcareous soil with a slightly higher proportion of sand than in our other sub-areas, which has a strong influence on its character. It was produced for the first time in 1985 and has great ageing potential. The grapes come from our vineyard in the MGA Margheria in Serralunga d'Alba." Franco Massolino

Barolo Margheria is very refined and elegant, but also classically austere, like so many top wines of the 2019 vintage. Bright red berry fruits, wild flowers, mint, blood orange, rose petals and cinnamon adorn this very beautiful, nuanced Barolo. Margheria is medium-bodied, and despite its austerity, it is very pretty, not to mention incredibly inviting. It will be even better in a few years when the tannins soften. SUPERIORE.DE

"A shade deeper than its classic Barolo of the same vintage. Serious and strikingly deep, peppery nose with spicy, mineral notes, but still somewhat closed in the fruit. With air, it becomes more aromatic and fruity, with notes of raspberries. Characteristic of a cool climate. Juicy and energetic on the palate, with a firm, muscular structure that requires more time." Jancis Robinson

"The delicate aromas and flavors of rose, strawberry and cherry are backed by a layer of dense tannins, with iron, tobacco and eucalyptus notes adding depth as this cruises to a long, expansive finish. Impressive now, this should only improve with age." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barolo Margheria is a classic Serralunga Barolo. Deep, savoury and wonderfully complex, the Margheria offers a compelling blend of red/purple fruits, sage, menthol, liquorice, dried flowers, graphite and melted road tar. Muscular tannins round off the whole. The 2019 is really impressive." Vinous

"From vineyards in Serralunga d'Alba and sandy limestone soils. The nose is multi-faceted, red cherry, a hint of undergrowth, notes of dog rose and clementine peel. The palate is taut and vertical, with a nice mentholated note, salty and fine tannins, persistence, flavour density and a fruity finish." Luca Gardini

"Intense, sparkling ruby garnet colour. Inviting nose with notes of rose petals, ripe dark cherries, raspberry and some cardamom. Lots of present, dense tannins, very well integrated in fine, sweet melting, long-lasting, savoury." Falstaff

Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is probably the richest wine in Viettis vintage range. It is a monument based on performance, intensity and power. At the same time, Rocche is incredibly precise and multi-layered every year. It is precisely this interplay of fullness and finesse that makes the Rocche so tempting. Rose petals, mint and sweet red berries form a crescendo of aromas and textures that appeals to all the senses. In the almost endless reverberation, everything comes into harmony again as if by magic and leaves behind a Nebbiolo experience of the third kind. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2015 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is incredibly inviting from the very first taste. Silky and aromatic, the Rocche shows plenty of the classiness that is such a signature of this Castiglione Falletto site. As with all of these 2015s, readers will have to be patient. The 2015 gains striking volume and resonance with time in the glass, but a few years in bottle are an absolute must for the wine to show at its very best." Vinous

"A rich, almost opulent style, this Barolo delivers cherry, raspberry, plum and eucalyptus flavors on a base of stiff tannins. Turns vibrant and chewy, with a solid, minerally finish." Wine Spectator

"Along with the Ravera, the 2015 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione has a very fresh feeling (they are both grown with less direct sunlight). Indeed, there are many similarities between these two prestigious Barolos from Vietti, but the differences start with the vinification methods. While the Ravera sees malolactic fermentation in stainless steel, the Rocche di Castiglione completes that phase in botte. To continue the comparison, these two wines are certainly more closed than the other Barolo crus from this producer, the Lazzarito and the Brunate, which blossom and open more quickly. Even though it is a bit shy, the defining characteristics of herbaceous rosemary and balsamic notes show up well in this vintage of the Rocche di Castiglione, a vineyard site that prizes elegance above all else." Wine Advocate

"A hauntingly complex and finely detailed nose that touches so many different characters. Roses, dried wood, cedar, fine brown spices, light earthy notes, warm stones, mountain herbs and leaves. All here – very complex. The density and weight is exceptional, as is the fine, firm weave of tannins. The length is staggering and the tautness and balance are captivating. One of the stars of the vintage!" James Suckling

Barolo Lazzarito impresses every year by its precision and class - two characteristics that are not often found in the Nebbiolo of the Serralunga region. Iron, smoke and white pepper flow into the nose, in the glass these impressions are extended by a touch of pomegranate, red cherry jam, wild flowers and blood orange. Viettis Lazzarito always stands for strength and finesse and has been in no way inferior to his "colleagues" from Ravera and Rocche for quite some time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby. Dark and brooding nose of great depth. Generous and mouth-filling fruit and plenty of acidity adding freshness. A big layer of finely stitched tannins adds structure to the ripe fruit. Concentrated and deep." Jancis Robinson

"This powerful expression of an important Serralunga vineyard is aged both in barriques and large casks. It's deep in colour and shows lush, meaty aromas that at present lack finesse. It's very opulent and savoury on the palate, assertive without being astringent, and has imposing balance and length." Decanter

"The 2015 Barolo Lazzarito is one of the highlights in this range from Vietti. The power and gravitas of Serralunga come through loud and clear in a deep, beautifully resonant Barolo loaded with character. Iron, smoke, sage, menthol, licorice and rose petal give the Lazzarito its beguiling aromatic complexity. The massive tannins need time to soften, but there is a lot to look forward to once that happens." Vinous

"Rich and multifaceted, sporting cherry, raspberry, green tea, iron and tobacco flavors. The sweet fruit is matched to firm, dense tannins and the finish turns austere for now. Everything is in the right proportions, but patience is required." Wine Spectator

"This is a very youthful Barolo that has attractive, fragrant perfume with freshly picked roasting herbs and a strong, central thread of ripe cherries and red plums. The pure and concentrated palate frames intense plum and cherry flavors in long, unwavering tannins that deliver rich, strong and seamless into the finish. Exceptional quality and built for aging." James Suckling

"Opening to a beautifully floral bouquet, the 2015 Barolo Lazzarito delivers fragrant tones of violets, wild rose and a touch of orange blossom. As is the norm at Vietti, I tasted this wine and then wrote this review based on impressions gained from two samples—one opened several hours before my tasting and one opened at the moment of my review. Those floral notes came forth with increased intensity and clarity in the bottle that had been opened longer. The bouquet continues to surprise with touches of black fruit and freshly milled white pepper. However, like many wines from Serralunga d’Alba, this expression from Lazzarito reveals a pretty inner paradox. Those ethereal and balsamic aromas cede to a dense and rich mouthfeel, characterized by structure and power. Those two sides of the wine reach beautiful parity and lasting harmony." Wine Advocate

Viettis Ravera is one of the great stars of Piedmont in its precision and structure. Rose petals, chalk, pepper and a hint of pomegranate make this Barolo one of the most sought-after appellations every year. With a little storage maturity, the strong tannins give way to an elegant appearance that does not deviate one millimetre from the coveted style of this large site. A monument to Barolo, which apart from Vietti and Giacosa, only a few other Piedmontese winegrowers bring into the bottle with such consistency! SUPERIORE.DE

"This red is full of sweet ripe plum, cherry and tar flavors, accented by tobacco and underbrush notes. Thick, dusty tannins coat the gums and put a clamp on the finish for now, but this shows potential." Wine Spectator

"The beautifully fragrant roses are impossible to resist. This oozes charm. Also, there are red cherries, cocoa powder and an array of wild herbs in the mix. The palate has toned yet muscular tannins that build nicely to deliver a concentrated core of ripe red-cherry flavor that holds long, fresh and youthful. Great Barolo." James Suckling

"The 2015 Barolo Ravera is once again the head of the class at Vietti. Bright, sculpted and wonderfully nuanced, the Ravera is very pretty. Floral aromatics and the pointed, brilliant fruit that is such a Ravera signature are very much in evidence. Hints of blood orange, mint, crushed rocks and flowers add shades of complexity as the 2015 gradually opens up in the glass. This is one of the finer wines of the year. Don't miss it!" Vinous

"Starting off a bit shy and closed at first, the 2015 Barolo Ravera showed noticeably better in the sample that had been opened a few hours prior to my arrival at the winery for my annual visit. This makes perfect sense as Vietti’s wines are intentionally slow at first but are built to endure the long haul. From the Novello township, this vineyard site is recognized for it power, structure and the uniquely broad approach it shows to the palate. There is a larger span of black fruit at its core. The positioning of the Ravera cru means it is open to the elements and the cold air from the Alps, and the wines result in freshness and mineral character as well. Luca Currado describes a salty, anchovy-like aroma that does indeed appear. Otherwise, this wine shows tightly polished and glossy tannins." Wine Advocate

Barolo Pira Vecchie Viti comes from the estate's oldest vines, which were planted in 1937. As always, Pira Vecchie Viti is more about haunting, ethereal flavours than power. Sweet rose petals, mint, dried flowers, sweet red cherries and cedar give this beguiling, high-toned Barolo a captivating aromatic presence. A great wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Transparent ruby red colour. The nose is reminiscent of a morning stroll through an oriental bazaar. The ethereal opening combines noble woods such as cedar and sandalwood until you enter the spice area and juniper mingles with black pepper and cardamom as well as dark tobacco. The fruit vendors cheerfully offer cherries, raspberry jelly and preserved hibiscus flowers, while the florists have small violets on display. One of the market vendors refreshes his bicycle chain with a bit of graphite and chews on a piece of liquorice with a smile. The ripe, leafy tannins of the Barolo Pira Vecchie Viti are densely interwoven with extract-sweet fruit notes and the all-defining acidity.

No component stands alone, but always works in conglomeration with its fellow players. The wine is a strongly structured experience, powerful with a slender stature, comparable to Bruce Lee. Extract, tannins and vertical acidity are powerful on the palate with a multi-layered, epic final. Large glasses and great cuisine are highly recommended here." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"The Barolo Pira Vecchie Viti 2018 is of hauntingbeauty. Sweet dried red cherries, mint, sweet pipe tobacco, white pepper, orange peel, cinnamon, spice cake. This ethereal, light to medium-bodied Barolo is incredibly beguiling and unmistakable. It is a classic Roagna wine and a fabulous achievement in this very difficult year." Vinous

"Delivers depth and a complex texture, even if this feels a little reserved today. Taut and energetic, with vibrant acidity and dense, velvety tannins framing the cherry, rose hip, wild strawberry and dried herb flavors. Ends with a salty mineral element and chalky feel." Wine Spectator

The Barolo Cannubi with its interpretation of the Nebbiolo grape, probably the purest at Altare, has been the ambitious project of daughter Silvia since 2011 and represents an exciting rounding off of the already almost unique collection. Sparkling, brightening ruby garnet. A very clear and inviting nose, smelling of ripe raspberries and plums, a little rose petals, subtle hints of cloves in the background. Round and balanced on the palate, plump ripe fruit, then starts with bundled, dense tannin, fills the palate full, a firework of spices in the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, radiant ruby garnet. Exciting nose of ripe raspberries, ripe cranberries, in addition noble nuances of black tea, fine undergrowth in the reverberation. At first juicy and tightly woven on the palate, opens profoundly and long, with very great tension, firm pressure in the final, pure Nebbiolo elegance." Falstaff

"The 2018 Barolo Cannubi is silky and gracious, and yet there is a good deal of stuffing behind all of that Cannubi finesse. Crushed rose petal, mint, sweet dried cherry and licorice build with a bit of time. It's all class and pedigree here. Impressive." Vinous

"Fluid and elegant, boasting strawberry, cherry, rose, mineral, spice and wild herb aromas and flavors. Firm, harmonious and long, with finely wrought tannins and a graceful profile." Wine Spectator

"This is a collectors' wine that owes its high bottle price to the prestige of the Cannubi cru and availability. A mere 1,500 bottles were produced of the Elio Altare 2018 Barolo Cannubi. The Altare family was able to get a lease on this special vineyard, and the first vintage made was 2011. This wine shows classic elegance, a graceful bouquet and fine tannins that give structure to the wine's mid–weight texture." Wine Advocate

The single vineyard Serradenari is currently the highest in the Barolo area and is also the historic site of the appellation (MGA - Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva). The cool and mountainous climate with its clay and marl soils gives rise to a Nebbiolo that makes few words - it is precise, clear and unambiguous.

All the more exciting when the result opens up with some aeration and maturity and reveals its full range of sensuality and loveliness. An impressive wine that leaves little to be desired in terms of finesse and clarity, were it not for the one or two secrets that still lie dormant here, which only become apparent when you fully indulge in this aristocratic growth. SUPERIORE.DE