Barolo Rocche di Castiglione 2017

Designation: Barolo D.O.C.G.

Grapes: 100% Nebbiolo

Winemaking: The grapes are grown in one of the historic vineyards of the Barolo area, Rocche in Castiglione Falletto, with roughly 4,600 units per hectare. The vines were planted in three different moments (1940, 1950 and 1968) and are trained with the Guyot method. The vineyard has a south-eastern exposure and a clay-limestone soil. The grapes are gently crushed and fermented for approximately 4 weeks in stainless steel tanks with skin contact. This includes the pre- and post- fermentative maceration with the traditional submerged cap method. Malolactic fermentation takes place in oak.

Aging: Approximately 30 months in large oak casks.

Description: Ruby-red colour. Complex and elegant nose. Notes of mandarin and ripe red fruit, rose petals with hints of chamomile. On the palate it is fresh, well- balanced, silky, mouth-filling and rounded. Big well-integrated tannins. Long and persistent finish. Best decanted a few hours before serving.

“The 2017 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione shows all the signatures of this site, all turned up to the maximum. I am not sure I have ever tasted a Vietti Castiglione with this much heft. Super-ripe dark red fruit, rose petal, mocha, dried herbs and menthol all build in an ample, resonant Barolo. Readers should be prepared to cellar the 2017 for the next handful of years, perhaps longer. A whole range of floral and savory notes punctuates the explosive finish.”

(A. Galloni, Febbraio 2021)

Food pairings: Meat dishes such as game, red meats and seasoned cheeses.