Vietti Rocche Di Castiglione Barolo DOCG 2020

Vietti Winery was founded in 1800 when Carlo Vietti created the site on the highest point of the medieval village of Castiglione Falleto. The winery is still in the same location today, burrowed into a hillside beneath the village. In 1961, one of the first Barolo Cru was produced: Rocche di Castiglione. Recognized around the world, Vietti is one of today's most celebrated Piedmont wine producers. They currently produce 6 Barolo MGA and we found the Rocchi di Castiglione to be one of the best expressions. These Nebbiolo grapes come from one of the oldest vineyards in the entire Barolo region planted in the 1940s. 

Hand harvested, 100% Nebbiolo aged in oak barrels for around 30 months.

96 Points James Suckling
Charming and enticing with aromas of sweet cherries, strawberries, cedar, dried herbs and some baking spices. Sensational concentration with a vivid center-palate on the full to medium body. The fine and firm tannins are harmoniously balanced by the succulent red currants and crisp acidity.

96 Points Vinous
The 2020 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is a magical wine from a magical site. It marries finesse and volume to a degree that is not found in most of the other wines in this range. Castiglione Falletto is the center of the Barolo production zone, literally and figuratively, the place where many different soil types meet. As a result, the wines often possess mind-blowing balance, which is very much the case here.

96 Points Wine Advocate
The Vietti 2020 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is a very delineated wine with sharp ferrous notes, cherry cola, redcurrant and chalky mineral. It is extremely precise in terms of its aromas. The effect is direct and layered, showing different sides and increasing complexity as it opens in the glass. Dried floral notes, purple flower and iris also appear delicately. The chalky tannins feel abrupt at this young stage, but this wine is built to last nonetheless.

The grapes come from one of the oldest vineyards in the entire Barolo region: Rocche di Castiglione Falletto. The vines, planted in 1950 and 1968, have a southern exposure, steep sloping terraces and a mixed soil with a high percentage of sand. Guyot training system and a density of around 4,600 plants per hectare. Altitude around 330 m asl.

Winemaking
Grapes harvested by hand on October 1, 2020. After gentle pressing, the juice ferments for around 1 month in a steel tank, in contact with the skins and with regular pumping-overs. This period includes pre- and post-fermentation maceration, involving the traditional submerged-cap method. Malolactic fermentation takes place in wood.

Wine Notes
The nose is complex and elegant. Notes of dry flowers, hay and rose petal, accompanied by a hint of chamomile. It is fresh, balanced, silky, enveloping and full-bodied on the palate. The tannins are prominent yet well-integrated. The finish is long and persistent. We recommend decanting a few hours before serving.