Vietti Barolo Rocche di Castiglione 2019
Non-Member Price:
₩471,376 KRWMember Price: ₩447,807
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99 points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, August 2023
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.
I tasted these wines with Luca Currado and Elena Penna at the Vietti winery just a short time before I would learn that they were leaving for good. The couple sold Vietti to American entrepreneur Kyle Krause in 2016. That historic sale would mark a milestone for the Barolo appellation that has appreciated in value almost exponentially since then, driving wine, grape and land prices through the roof. Luca and Elena stayed on these past years to ensure continuity in winemaking, but that handover phase finally came to an end this past winter. The couple was nice enough to call me and assure me that they were ready to leave and feel that Vietti is in very good hands. In fact, they leave an outstanding portfolio of wines, counting eight Barolos, including one new Barolo Riserva reviewed here. Elena Penna is now focused on making a popular Vermouth di Torino, and Luca Currado plants to continue in wine as a consultant. The couple still lives in their house above the winery. On a personal note, I will miss them dearly. Luca and Elena are some of my favorite people in Italian wine, and I look forward to their next moves. I send them my warmest regards.
Monica Larner
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From cellar-to-cellar, or cellar to shelf, we maintain the highest standards, thanks to close relationships with the finest producers of wine across the globe, ensuring authenticity.
We maintain strict, direct, temperature- controlled delivery from the cellar to the customer, guaranteeing the integrity of each vintage’s character and flavor profile.
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