The 2019 Vietti Barbaresco Roncaglie Masseria is a refined and concentrated expression of Nebbiolo from one of Barbaresco’s most esteemed crus. It shows dark fruit and cherry complemented by pretty spice, tar, and floral notes. On the palate, it is fresh and balanced, with ripe, silky tannins, hints of raspberry and blackberry, and a subtle almond finish. This vintage is naturally concentrated, structured, and built to age gracefully.

The Wine Advocate | RP 95
Published: Aug 24, 2023
Drink: 2024-2040

The Vietti 2019 Barbaresco Roncaglie Masseria helps to fill out this wide portfolio of wines representing the best of Piedmont. This winery was able to recently acquire new land in this cru site, now totaling two hectares of vines, thus giving considerably more fruit to this program. This Barbaresco is released one year after its peers to show additional depth and fullness, especially in this naturally concentrated vintage. Dark fruit and cherry cedes to pretty spice and tar.

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.

Wine Spectator | WS 93
Published: Feb 29, 2024

This red is infused with kirsch, strawberry, floral, mineral and wild herb flavors backed by a spine of beefy tannins, which leave a compact finish today. The 2019s have shut down for the moment, but have patience, for there is a kernel of sweet, ripe fruit buried within. Best from 2026 through 2043. 419 cases made, 52 cases imported.

Vietti.com

Designation: Barbaresco D.O.C.G.

Grape Variety: Nebbiolo 100%

The grapes for this wine come from the “Roncaglie” MGA vineyard in the municipality of Barbaresco, which has always been recognised as one of the most qualified in the homonymous winegrowing area. Limestone and clay-rich soil with south/south-west exposure; approximately 280 m asl. The average age of the Guyot-cultivated vines is 34 years, with a density of around 4.600 plants per hectare.

Winemaking: alcoholic fermentation lasts for around 3 weeks in a stainless-steel tank, in contact with the skins and with regular pumping-overs. This period includes a pre-fermentation cold maceration and a post-fermentation maceration, with the use of the traditional submerged-cap method. Malolactic fermentation takes place in wood. Aging:around 30 months in large barrels.

Description: ruby-red color, with light garnet hues. The nose is rich, potent and concentrated. Hints of ripe fruit. On the palate it is fresh. Notes of raspberry and blackberry. The tannins are mature, soft, silky and well-integrated. The hint of almond on the finish is particularly striking. Overall, this is a beautifully balanced and refined wine.