Vietti is one of the best-known producers in Piedmont, with a wide range of wines — from modest Barberas and Moscatos all the way to highly acclaimed and very expensive single-vineyard Barolos. The estate first started producing wine in 1919 and remained family-owned until 2016, when it was sold to a Americans. Unlike with many sales to foreigners, however, the commitment to quality seems to have remained — the original family (the Currados) still managed the estate until 2023, when they announced their retirement. The estate is now managed by their former assistant, and most of the pre-sale winemaking team remains in-place.
The ‘Castiglione’ cuvee has traditionally been Vietti’s “entry-level” Barolo, though I believe it is now labeled as simply ‘Barolo’ (someone please correct me if I’m wrong). It’s a blend of sites and communes throughout the Vietti Barolo holdings, and it spent about 2.5 years in oak of various sizes (well above the 1.5-year Barolo requirement). It’s around $50-60 USD retail on release but is known for far outperforming its price point, especially with a bit of age.
2015 is considered an excellent warm vintage, though it’s a bit overshadowed by the generationally great 2016 vintage. This bottling comes in at 14.5% ABV.
**Tasting Notes:** First drunk after a 1-hour decant and then tasted multiple times over a 2-day period. Bright, pale ruby color. Pronounced, Classic Barolo nose of rose petals, red berries, and a bit of tar. Palate highly acidic and well-balanced despite the relatively high ABV, with grippy tannins. Better (a bit more spice and mellowed tannins) after a day, but fruit starting to fade by day 2. Medium+ length, earthy, floral finish. Good now but IMHO will be more rewarding in 3-5 years or so.
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Vietti is one of the best-known producers in Piedmont, with a wide range of wines — from modest Barberas and Moscatos all the way to highly acclaimed and very expensive single-vineyard Barolos. The estate first started producing wine in 1919 and remained family-owned until 2016, when it was sold to a Americans. Unlike with many sales to foreigners, however, the commitment to quality seems to have remained — the original family (the Currados) still managed the estate until 2023, when they announced their retirement. The estate is now managed by their former assistant, and most of the pre-sale winemaking team remains in-place.
The ‘Castiglione’ cuvee has traditionally been Vietti’s “entry-level” Barolo, though I believe it is now labeled as simply ‘Barolo’ (someone please correct me if I’m wrong). It’s a blend of sites and communes throughout the Vietti Barolo holdings, and it spent about 2.5 years in oak of various sizes (well above the 1.5-year Barolo requirement). It’s around $50-60 USD retail on release but is known for far outperforming its price point, especially with a bit of age.
2015 is considered an excellent warm vintage, though it’s a bit overshadowed by the generationally great 2016 vintage. This bottling comes in at 14.5% ABV.
**Tasting Notes:** First drunk after a 1-hour decant and then tasted multiple times over a 2-day period. Bright, pale ruby color. Pronounced, Classic Barolo nose of rose petals, red berries, and a bit of tar. Palate highly acidic and well-balanced despite the relatively high ABV, with grippy tannins. Better (a bit more spice and mellowed tannins) after a day, but fruit starting to fade by day 2. Medium+ length, earthy, floral finish. Good now but IMHO will be more rewarding in 3-5 years or so.