Renato Ratti Barolo 'Marcenasco' Nebbiolo 2018 ~ Piedmont, Italy
$119
$158
Bronze - Decanter
96/100 Stephen Blandford (2017 vintage)
96/100 James Suckling (2017 vintage)
94/100 Wine Enthusiast (2017 vintage)
92/100 Decanter (2017 vintage)
92/100 Robert Parker (2017 vintage)
90/100 Wine Spectator (2017 vintage)
16/20 Jancis Robinson (2017 vintage)
97/100 Wine Enthusiast (2016 vintage)
93/100 Raffaele Vecchione (2016 vintage)
95/100 Wine Spectator (2015 vintage)
92/100 Wine Enthusiast (2014 vintage)
90/100 - Wine Spectator (2014 vintage)
91/100 - Guida Veronelli (2014 vintage)
93/100 - Wine Spectator (2012 vintage)
95/100 - Wine Enthusiast (2013 vintage)
90/100 - Falstaff Magazin (2012 vintage)
90/100 - Falstaff Magazin (2010 vintage)
Wine Spectator Top 100 (2015 vintage)
Silver - International Wine Challenge (2007 vintage)
Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards (2006 vintage)
Silver - International Wine Challenge (2006 vintage)
Gold - Indy International Wine Competition (2007 vintage)
Commended - Decanter World Wine Awards (2007 vintage)
Decanter "Marcenasco is the classic Barolo of Ratti, a blend of several vineyards in Annunziata and La Morra; while it does display the typical round tannins of this commune, it is lighter on the palate and leaner in its finish than the winery’s two single vineyard Barolo. The aromas are highlighted by notes of morello cherry, wild strawberry, redcurrant and cumin, while brown spice notes dominate the finish."
Stephen Blandford "Bright garnet, a touch of orange. The layered bouquet offers aromas of ripe plum, sweet spice, purple flowers, chalky crushed rock and delicate pie crust oak. Lovely. Medium-bodied in the mouth, the wine is already well-rounded and integrated, juicy plum with spice, smoothing barrel notes, a layer of velvety tannin and a long, supple finish. Traditional charm with the ability to age" (2017 vintage)
James Suckling "This is so perfumed and beautiful with cherries, strawberries and dried flowers that follow through to a medium to full body with firm, fine tannins and a long, energetic finish. All about length and finesse." (2017 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Camphor, pressed rose and oak-driven spice aromas come to the forefront. The smooth, full-bodied palate features spiced cranberry, dried cherry, licorice and coffee bean framed in tightly wound, fine-grained tannins that clench the close. Drink 2025–2032. Kerin O’Keefe" (2017 vintage)
Decanter "Marcenasco is a historic selection of three of Renato Ratti's vineyards. The winery extends today over 35 hectares. In the warm 2017 vintage this classic Barolo shows enticing leafy lightness, with strawberry fruit and rosewater notes. Extremely pale in colour, it is supple, almost silky, full bodied, and crunchy on the finish. It's a bit empty on the mid-palate, but remains an enjoyable Barolo." (2017 vintage)
Wine Spectator "Plum, leather, spice and tar flavors highlight this lively red, with dusty tannins coating the finish. Not that expressive today, yet long." (2017 vintage)
Robert Parker "Although it is not an official MGA vineyard designation, the Marcenasco vineyard is located directly under the Ratti family winery and is the site most historically linked to the legacy of this estate. The Renato Ratti 2017 Barolo Marcenasco is balanced and fine with a long and polished sensation. Like the other wines in this estate portfolio, the hot vintage is played forward in terms of dried fruit aromas and dusty tannins and not overt jamminess or ripeness. This 70,000-bottle production makes for a thinner mouthfeel and ultimately a shorter drinking window." (2017 vintage)
Raffaele Vecchione "Expressive and exuberant on the nose thanks to the matrix, completely unbalanced on the & quot; red & quot; profile shows acid hints with raspberries, currants and rose hips. Medium body, slightly rigid tannins and a crunchy and vibrant finish. " (2016 vintage)
Wine Spectator "A deep well of macerated cherry, plum, freshly cut grass, white pepper and tar flavors highlights this dense, muscular red. Quickly goes from enticing to closed down as the beefy tannins ply the finish. All the components are there." (2015 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Elegantly structured, the youthfully austere, precise palate delivers cherry, cranberry, star anise and crushed mint while bright acidity and tightly wound tannins provide the taut framework. Give it time to fully unwind and develop...Aromas of wild berry, pressed rose, ground clove and a balsamic note of menthol lead the way." (2014 vintage)
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate ".... the wine also reveals the depth and the sophistication of aged Nebbiolo...Marcenasco is a trademarked name that belongs to the Renato Ratti estate, but it also refers to a vineyard in the La Morra township. The 2014 Barolo Marcenasco offers dark and rich aromas of pressed rose with dark fruit, smoke and tar. " (2014 vintage)
James Suckling "Sweet-smelling dried red cherries, potpourri and herbal accents, all leading to a medium-weight palate. Has approachable, easy, red-berry flavors. A lighter style." (2014 vintage)
Wine Spectator "Mint, fresh-cut hay and juniper aromas give way to cherry and underbrush flavors. Rich in the middle, conceding to assertive tannins on the finish. (2014 vintage)
The Winemaker "An absolute master of the table, this Barolo conquers the palate with the strength and harmony at the same time. Barolo Marcenasco is smooth, balanced and elegant with a long finish.Pair with grilled red meat, game and aged cheeses. Aromas of wild berry, pressed rose, ground clove and a balsamic note of menthol lead the way. Elegantly structured, the youthfully austere, precise palate delivers cherry, cranberry, star anise and crushed mint while bright acidity and tightly wound tannins provide the taut framework." (2014 Vintage)
Renato Ratti was one of the most influential and important figures in the modern history of Barolo. He created his own acclaimed estate in the frazione of Annunziata (La Morra). He was also a strong advocate for a modern style winemaking, and set the wheels in motion to convert the Barolo castle into a museum honouring the production of its most famous export. These days his son Pietro and long-time winemaker Massimo Martinelli continue to turn out exemplary wines all hung off more modern styling. The most significant of the wines is his top Barolo Marcenasco but the wines across the range are superb. In style they all share a plushness and suppleness that plays well with the La Morra terroir.
Renato Ratti makes three single-vineyard Barolos, from the Marcenasco, Conca and Rocche dell'Annuziata cru vineyards. These are the top offerings from the estate, and can be cellared for up to 20 years. Along with the range of classic Piedmont wines from Alba and Asti, Ratti also makes a varietal Sauvignon Blanc wine called I Cedri and a blend of Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot called Villa Pattono, both of which are labeled under the Monferrato DOC.
Barolo is a traditional hillside village in the rolling hills of Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The vineyards and wineries there have long been famous for producing some of Italy's very finest red wines – predominantly from the region's signature grape variety, Nebbiolo.
Nebbiolo is the grape variety behind the top-quality red wines of Piedmont, northwestern Italy, the most notable of which are Barolo and Barbaresco. Nebbiolo wines are distinguished by their strong tannins, high acidity and distinctive scent – often described as "tar and roses". They also tend to lose color. Within just a few years of vintage, most Nebbiolo wines begin fading from deep, violet-tinged ruby to a beautiful brick orange.
96/100 Stephen Blandford (2017 vintage)
96/100 James Suckling (2017 vintage)
94/100 Wine Enthusiast (2017 vintage)
92/100 Decanter (2017 vintage)
92/100 Robert Parker (2017 vintage)
90/100 Wine Spectator (2017 vintage)
16/20 Jancis Robinson (2017 vintage)
97/100 Wine Enthusiast (2016 vintage)
93/100 Raffaele Vecchione (2016 vintage)
95/100 Wine Spectator (2015 vintage)
92/100 Wine Enthusiast (2014 vintage)
90/100 - Wine Spectator (2014 vintage)
91/100 - Guida Veronelli (2014 vintage)
93/100 - Wine Spectator (2012 vintage)
95/100 - Wine Enthusiast (2013 vintage)
90/100 - Falstaff Magazin (2012 vintage)
90/100 - Falstaff Magazin (2010 vintage)
Wine Spectator Top 100 (2015 vintage)
Silver - International Wine Challenge (2007 vintage)
Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards (2006 vintage)
Silver - International Wine Challenge (2006 vintage)
Gold - Indy International Wine Competition (2007 vintage)
Commended - Decanter World Wine Awards (2007 vintage)
Decanter "Marcenasco is the classic Barolo of Ratti, a blend of several vineyards in Annunziata and La Morra; while it does display the typical round tannins of this commune, it is lighter on the palate and leaner in its finish than the winery’s two single vineyard Barolo. The aromas are highlighted by notes of morello cherry, wild strawberry, redcurrant and cumin, while brown spice notes dominate the finish."
Stephen Blandford "Bright garnet, a touch of orange. The layered bouquet offers aromas of ripe plum, sweet spice, purple flowers, chalky crushed rock and delicate pie crust oak. Lovely. Medium-bodied in the mouth, the wine is already well-rounded and integrated, juicy plum with spice, smoothing barrel notes, a layer of velvety tannin and a long, supple finish. Traditional charm with the ability to age" (2017 vintage)
James Suckling "This is so perfumed and beautiful with cherries, strawberries and dried flowers that follow through to a medium to full body with firm, fine tannins and a long, energetic finish. All about length and finesse." (2017 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Camphor, pressed rose and oak-driven spice aromas come to the forefront. The smooth, full-bodied palate features spiced cranberry, dried cherry, licorice and coffee bean framed in tightly wound, fine-grained tannins that clench the close. Drink 2025–2032. Kerin O’Keefe" (2017 vintage)
Decanter "Marcenasco is a historic selection of three of Renato Ratti's vineyards. The winery extends today over 35 hectares. In the warm 2017 vintage this classic Barolo shows enticing leafy lightness, with strawberry fruit and rosewater notes. Extremely pale in colour, it is supple, almost silky, full bodied, and crunchy on the finish. It's a bit empty on the mid-palate, but remains an enjoyable Barolo." (2017 vintage)
Wine Spectator "Plum, leather, spice and tar flavors highlight this lively red, with dusty tannins coating the finish. Not that expressive today, yet long." (2017 vintage)
Robert Parker "Although it is not an official MGA vineyard designation, the Marcenasco vineyard is located directly under the Ratti family winery and is the site most historically linked to the legacy of this estate. The Renato Ratti 2017 Barolo Marcenasco is balanced and fine with a long and polished sensation. Like the other wines in this estate portfolio, the hot vintage is played forward in terms of dried fruit aromas and dusty tannins and not overt jamminess or ripeness. This 70,000-bottle production makes for a thinner mouthfeel and ultimately a shorter drinking window." (2017 vintage)
Raffaele Vecchione "Expressive and exuberant on the nose thanks to the matrix, completely unbalanced on the & quot; red & quot; profile shows acid hints with raspberries, currants and rose hips. Medium body, slightly rigid tannins and a crunchy and vibrant finish. " (2016 vintage)
Wine Spectator "A deep well of macerated cherry, plum, freshly cut grass, white pepper and tar flavors highlights this dense, muscular red. Quickly goes from enticing to closed down as the beefy tannins ply the finish. All the components are there." (2015 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Elegantly structured, the youthfully austere, precise palate delivers cherry, cranberry, star anise and crushed mint while bright acidity and tightly wound tannins provide the taut framework. Give it time to fully unwind and develop...Aromas of wild berry, pressed rose, ground clove and a balsamic note of menthol lead the way." (2014 vintage)
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate ".... the wine also reveals the depth and the sophistication of aged Nebbiolo...Marcenasco is a trademarked name that belongs to the Renato Ratti estate, but it also refers to a vineyard in the La Morra township. The 2014 Barolo Marcenasco offers dark and rich aromas of pressed rose with dark fruit, smoke and tar. " (2014 vintage)
James Suckling "Sweet-smelling dried red cherries, potpourri and herbal accents, all leading to a medium-weight palate. Has approachable, easy, red-berry flavors. A lighter style." (2014 vintage)
Wine Spectator "Mint, fresh-cut hay and juniper aromas give way to cherry and underbrush flavors. Rich in the middle, conceding to assertive tannins on the finish. (2014 vintage)
The Winemaker "An absolute master of the table, this Barolo conquers the palate with the strength and harmony at the same time. Barolo Marcenasco is smooth, balanced and elegant with a long finish.Pair with grilled red meat, game and aged cheeses. Aromas of wild berry, pressed rose, ground clove and a balsamic note of menthol lead the way. Elegantly structured, the youthfully austere, precise palate delivers cherry, cranberry, star anise and crushed mint while bright acidity and tightly wound tannins provide the taut framework." (2014 Vintage)
Renato Ratti was one of the most influential and important figures in the modern history of Barolo. He created his own acclaimed estate in the frazione of Annunziata (La Morra). He was also a strong advocate for a modern style winemaking, and set the wheels in motion to convert the Barolo castle into a museum honouring the production of its most famous export. These days his son Pietro and long-time winemaker Massimo Martinelli continue to turn out exemplary wines all hung off more modern styling. The most significant of the wines is his top Barolo Marcenasco but the wines across the range are superb. In style they all share a plushness and suppleness that plays well with the La Morra terroir.
Renato Ratti makes three single-vineyard Barolos, from the Marcenasco, Conca and Rocche dell'Annuziata cru vineyards. These are the top offerings from the estate, and can be cellared for up to 20 years. Along with the range of classic Piedmont wines from Alba and Asti, Ratti also makes a varietal Sauvignon Blanc wine called I Cedri and a blend of Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot called Villa Pattono, both of which are labeled under the Monferrato DOC.
Barolo is a traditional hillside village in the rolling hills of Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The vineyards and wineries there have long been famous for producing some of Italy's very finest red wines – predominantly from the region's signature grape variety, Nebbiolo.
Nebbiolo is the grape variety behind the top-quality red wines of Piedmont, northwestern Italy, the most notable of which are Barolo and Barbaresco. Nebbiolo wines are distinguished by their strong tannins, high acidity and distinctive scent – often described as "tar and roses". They also tend to lose color. Within just a few years of vintage, most Nebbiolo wines begin fading from deep, violet-tinged ruby to a beautiful brick orange.
Bronze - Decanter
96/100 Stephen Blandford (2017 vintage)
96/100 James Suckling (2017 vintage)
94/100 Wine Enthusiast (2017 vintage)
92/100 Decanter (2017 vintage)
92/100 Robert Parker (2017 vintage)
90/100 Wine Spectator (2017 vintage)
16/20 Jancis Robinson (2017 vintage)
97/100 Wine Enthusiast (2016 vintage)
93/100 Raffaele Vecchione (2016 vintage)
95/100 Wine Spectator (2015 vintage)
92/100 Wine Enthusiast (2014 vintage)
90/100 - Wine Spectator (2014 vintage)
91/100 - Guida Veronelli (2014 vintage)
93/100 - Wine Spectator (2012 vintage)
95/100 - Wine Enthusiast (2013 vintage)
90/100 - Falstaff Magazin (2012 vintage)
90/100 - Falstaff Magazin (2010 vintage)
Wine Spectator Top 100 (2015 vintage)
Silver - International Wine Challenge (2007 vintage)
Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards (2006 vintage)
Silver - International Wine Challenge (2006 vintage)
Gold - Indy International Wine Competition (2007 vintage)
Commended - Decanter World Wine Awards (2007 vintage)
Decanter "Marcenasco is the classic Barolo of Ratti, a blend of several vineyards in Annunziata and La Morra; while it does display the typical round tannins of this commune, it is lighter on the palate and leaner in its finish than the winery’s two single vineyard Barolo. The aromas are highlighted by notes of morello cherry, wild strawberry, redcurrant and cumin, while brown spice notes dominate the finish."
Stephen Blandford "Bright garnet, a touch of orange. The layered bouquet offers aromas of ripe plum, sweet spice, purple flowers, chalky crushed rock and delicate pie crust oak. Lovely. Medium-bodied in the mouth, the wine is already well-rounded and integrated, juicy plum with spice, smoothing barrel notes, a layer of velvety tannin and a long, supple finish. Traditional charm with the ability to age" (2017 vintage)
James Suckling "This is so perfumed and beautiful with cherries, strawberries and dried flowers that follow through to a medium to full body with firm, fine tannins and a long, energetic finish. All about length and finesse." (2017 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Camphor, pressed rose and oak-driven spice aromas come to the forefront. The smooth, full-bodied palate features spiced cranberry, dried cherry, licorice and coffee bean framed in tightly wound, fine-grained tannins that clench the close. Drink 2025–2032. Kerin O’Keefe" (2017 vintage)
Decanter "Marcenasco is a historic selection of three of Renato Ratti's vineyards. The winery extends today over 35 hectares. In the warm 2017 vintage this classic Barolo shows enticing leafy lightness, with strawberry fruit and rosewater notes. Extremely pale in colour, it is supple, almost silky, full bodied, and crunchy on the finish. It's a bit empty on the mid-palate, but remains an enjoyable Barolo." (2017 vintage)
Wine Spectator "Plum, leather, spice and tar flavors highlight this lively red, with dusty tannins coating the finish. Not that expressive today, yet long." (2017 vintage)
Robert Parker "Although it is not an official MGA vineyard designation, the Marcenasco vineyard is located directly under the Ratti family winery and is the site most historically linked to the legacy of this estate. The Renato Ratti 2017 Barolo Marcenasco is balanced and fine with a long and polished sensation. Like the other wines in this estate portfolio, the hot vintage is played forward in terms of dried fruit aromas and dusty tannins and not overt jamminess or ripeness. This 70,000-bottle production makes for a thinner mouthfeel and ultimately a shorter drinking window." (2017 vintage)
Raffaele Vecchione "Expressive and exuberant on the nose thanks to the matrix, completely unbalanced on the & quot; red & quot; profile shows acid hints with raspberries, currants and rose hips. Medium body, slightly rigid tannins and a crunchy and vibrant finish. " (2016 vintage)
Wine Spectator "A deep well of macerated cherry, plum, freshly cut grass, white pepper and tar flavors highlights this dense, muscular red. Quickly goes from enticing to closed down as the beefy tannins ply the finish. All the components are there." (2015 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Elegantly structured, the youthfully austere, precise palate delivers cherry, cranberry, star anise and crushed mint while bright acidity and tightly wound tannins provide the taut framework. Give it time to fully unwind and develop...Aromas of wild berry, pressed rose, ground clove and a balsamic note of menthol lead the way." (2014 vintage)
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate ".... the wine also reveals the depth and the sophistication of aged Nebbiolo...Marcenasco is a trademarked name that belongs to the Renato Ratti estate, but it also refers to a vineyard in the La Morra township. The 2014 Barolo Marcenasco offers dark and rich aromas of pressed rose with dark fruit, smoke and tar. " (2014 vintage)
James Suckling "Sweet-smelling dried red cherries, potpourri and herbal accents, all leading to a medium-weight palate. Has approachable, easy, red-berry flavors. A lighter style." (2014 vintage)
Wine Spectator "Mint, fresh-cut hay and juniper aromas give way to cherry and underbrush flavors. Rich in the middle, conceding to assertive tannins on the finish. (2014 vintage)
The Winemaker "An absolute master of the table, this Barolo conquers the palate with the strength and harmony at the same time. Barolo Marcenasco is smooth, balanced and elegant with a long finish.Pair with grilled red meat, game and aged cheeses. Aromas of wild berry, pressed rose, ground clove and a balsamic note of menthol lead the way. Elegantly structured, the youthfully austere, precise palate delivers cherry, cranberry, star anise and crushed mint while bright acidity and tightly wound tannins provide the taut framework." (2014 Vintage)
Renato Ratti was one of the most influential and important figures in the modern history of Barolo. He created his own acclaimed estate in the frazione of Annunziata (La Morra). He was also a strong advocate for a modern style winemaking, and set the wheels in motion to convert the Barolo castle into a museum honouring the production of its most famous export. These days his son Pietro and long-time winemaker Massimo Martinelli continue to turn out exemplary wines all hung off more modern styling. The most significant of the wines is his top Barolo Marcenasco but the wines across the range are superb. In style they all share a plushness and suppleness that plays well with the La Morra terroir.
Renato Ratti makes three single-vineyard Barolos, from the Marcenasco, Conca and Rocche dell'Annuziata cru vineyards. These are the top offerings from the estate, and can be cellared for up to 20 years. Along with the range of classic Piedmont wines from Alba and Asti, Ratti also makes a varietal Sauvignon Blanc wine called I Cedri and a blend of Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot called Villa Pattono, both of which are labeled under the Monferrato DOC.
Barolo is a traditional hillside village in the rolling hills of Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The vineyards and wineries there have long been famous for producing some of Italy's very finest red wines – predominantly from the region's signature grape variety, Nebbiolo.
Nebbiolo is the grape variety behind the top-quality red wines of Piedmont, northwestern Italy, the most notable of which are Barolo and Barbaresco. Nebbiolo wines are distinguished by their strong tannins, high acidity and distinctive scent – often described as "tar and roses". They also tend to lose color. Within just a few years of vintage, most Nebbiolo wines begin fading from deep, violet-tinged ruby to a beautiful brick orange.
96/100 Stephen Blandford (2017 vintage)
96/100 James Suckling (2017 vintage)
94/100 Wine Enthusiast (2017 vintage)
92/100 Decanter (2017 vintage)
92/100 Robert Parker (2017 vintage)
90/100 Wine Spectator (2017 vintage)
16/20 Jancis Robinson (2017 vintage)
97/100 Wine Enthusiast (2016 vintage)
93/100 Raffaele Vecchione (2016 vintage)
95/100 Wine Spectator (2015 vintage)
92/100 Wine Enthusiast (2014 vintage)
90/100 - Wine Spectator (2014 vintage)
91/100 - Guida Veronelli (2014 vintage)
93/100 - Wine Spectator (2012 vintage)
95/100 - Wine Enthusiast (2013 vintage)
90/100 - Falstaff Magazin (2012 vintage)
90/100 - Falstaff Magazin (2010 vintage)
Wine Spectator Top 100 (2015 vintage)
Silver - International Wine Challenge (2007 vintage)
Silver - Decanter World Wine Awards (2006 vintage)
Silver - International Wine Challenge (2006 vintage)
Gold - Indy International Wine Competition (2007 vintage)
Commended - Decanter World Wine Awards (2007 vintage)
Decanter "Marcenasco is the classic Barolo of Ratti, a blend of several vineyards in Annunziata and La Morra; while it does display the typical round tannins of this commune, it is lighter on the palate and leaner in its finish than the winery’s two single vineyard Barolo. The aromas are highlighted by notes of morello cherry, wild strawberry, redcurrant and cumin, while brown spice notes dominate the finish."
Stephen Blandford "Bright garnet, a touch of orange. The layered bouquet offers aromas of ripe plum, sweet spice, purple flowers, chalky crushed rock and delicate pie crust oak. Lovely. Medium-bodied in the mouth, the wine is already well-rounded and integrated, juicy plum with spice, smoothing barrel notes, a layer of velvety tannin and a long, supple finish. Traditional charm with the ability to age" (2017 vintage)
James Suckling "This is so perfumed and beautiful with cherries, strawberries and dried flowers that follow through to a medium to full body with firm, fine tannins and a long, energetic finish. All about length and finesse." (2017 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Camphor, pressed rose and oak-driven spice aromas come to the forefront. The smooth, full-bodied palate features spiced cranberry, dried cherry, licorice and coffee bean framed in tightly wound, fine-grained tannins that clench the close. Drink 2025–2032. Kerin O’Keefe" (2017 vintage)
Decanter "Marcenasco is a historic selection of three of Renato Ratti's vineyards. The winery extends today over 35 hectares. In the warm 2017 vintage this classic Barolo shows enticing leafy lightness, with strawberry fruit and rosewater notes. Extremely pale in colour, it is supple, almost silky, full bodied, and crunchy on the finish. It's a bit empty on the mid-palate, but remains an enjoyable Barolo." (2017 vintage)
Wine Spectator "Plum, leather, spice and tar flavors highlight this lively red, with dusty tannins coating the finish. Not that expressive today, yet long." (2017 vintage)
Robert Parker "Although it is not an official MGA vineyard designation, the Marcenasco vineyard is located directly under the Ratti family winery and is the site most historically linked to the legacy of this estate. The Renato Ratti 2017 Barolo Marcenasco is balanced and fine with a long and polished sensation. Like the other wines in this estate portfolio, the hot vintage is played forward in terms of dried fruit aromas and dusty tannins and not overt jamminess or ripeness. This 70,000-bottle production makes for a thinner mouthfeel and ultimately a shorter drinking window." (2017 vintage)
Raffaele Vecchione "Expressive and exuberant on the nose thanks to the matrix, completely unbalanced on the & quot; red & quot; profile shows acid hints with raspberries, currants and rose hips. Medium body, slightly rigid tannins and a crunchy and vibrant finish. " (2016 vintage)
Wine Spectator "A deep well of macerated cherry, plum, freshly cut grass, white pepper and tar flavors highlights this dense, muscular red. Quickly goes from enticing to closed down as the beefy tannins ply the finish. All the components are there." (2015 vintage)
Wine Enthusiast "Elegantly structured, the youthfully austere, precise palate delivers cherry, cranberry, star anise and crushed mint while bright acidity and tightly wound tannins provide the taut framework. Give it time to fully unwind and develop...Aromas of wild berry, pressed rose, ground clove and a balsamic note of menthol lead the way." (2014 vintage)
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate ".... the wine also reveals the depth and the sophistication of aged Nebbiolo...Marcenasco is a trademarked name that belongs to the Renato Ratti estate, but it also refers to a vineyard in the La Morra township. The 2014 Barolo Marcenasco offers dark and rich aromas of pressed rose with dark fruit, smoke and tar. " (2014 vintage)
James Suckling "Sweet-smelling dried red cherries, potpourri and herbal accents, all leading to a medium-weight palate. Has approachable, easy, red-berry flavors. A lighter style." (2014 vintage)
Wine Spectator "Mint, fresh-cut hay and juniper aromas give way to cherry and underbrush flavors. Rich in the middle, conceding to assertive tannins on the finish. (2014 vintage)
The Winemaker "An absolute master of the table, this Barolo conquers the palate with the strength and harmony at the same time. Barolo Marcenasco is smooth, balanced and elegant with a long finish.Pair with grilled red meat, game and aged cheeses. Aromas of wild berry, pressed rose, ground clove and a balsamic note of menthol lead the way. Elegantly structured, the youthfully austere, precise palate delivers cherry, cranberry, star anise and crushed mint while bright acidity and tightly wound tannins provide the taut framework." (2014 Vintage)
Renato Ratti was one of the most influential and important figures in the modern history of Barolo. He created his own acclaimed estate in the frazione of Annunziata (La Morra). He was also a strong advocate for a modern style winemaking, and set the wheels in motion to convert the Barolo castle into a museum honouring the production of its most famous export. These days his son Pietro and long-time winemaker Massimo Martinelli continue to turn out exemplary wines all hung off more modern styling. The most significant of the wines is his top Barolo Marcenasco but the wines across the range are superb. In style they all share a plushness and suppleness that plays well with the La Morra terroir.
Renato Ratti makes three single-vineyard Barolos, from the Marcenasco, Conca and Rocche dell'Annuziata cru vineyards. These are the top offerings from the estate, and can be cellared for up to 20 years. Along with the range of classic Piedmont wines from Alba and Asti, Ratti also makes a varietal Sauvignon Blanc wine called I Cedri and a blend of Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot called Villa Pattono, both of which are labeled under the Monferrato DOC.
Barolo is a traditional hillside village in the rolling hills of Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The vineyards and wineries there have long been famous for producing some of Italy's very finest red wines – predominantly from the region's signature grape variety, Nebbiolo.
Nebbiolo is the grape variety behind the top-quality red wines of Piedmont, northwestern Italy, the most notable of which are Barolo and Barbaresco. Nebbiolo wines are distinguished by their strong tannins, high acidity and distinctive scent – often described as "tar and roses". They also tend to lose color. Within just a few years of vintage, most Nebbiolo wines begin fading from deep, violet-tinged ruby to a beautiful brick orange.