The 2019 Vietti Barolo Lazzarito is seriously impressive—classic Serralunga power, but with more polish than usual. It’s got layers of iron, tobacco leaf, dried rose petals, and a savory, tea-like edge that adds depth. The tannins are firm but more finessed than the 2018, and while it's still young and tightly wound, it already shows great balance and elegance. Definitely one to lay down until at least 2029, but it's shaping up to be one of those “special occasion” wines you'll be glad you waited for.

The Wine Advocate | RP 98
Published: Aug 24, 2023
Drink: 2025-2055

With fruit from Serralunga d'Alba, the Vietti 2019 Barolo Lazzarito is a historic cornerstone wine of this mighty portfolio. It is also one of the Vietti Barolos that consistently delivers extreme quality and pleasure with each new release. Like the other wines presented here, winemaking is straightforward, with submerged cap fermentations lasting 30 to 35 days (although those times were reduced in 2019 because this vintage was not suited to long maceration times). Serralunga d'Alba always delivers power and richness. There are aromas of dried tobacco leaf, perfumed tea, crushed rose and iron ore. The bouquet is extremely expressive.

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.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 94
Published: Jun 21, 2023

Orange peel with raspberry, crab apple and violet aromas follow through to a medium body, with sage, lavender and raspberry flavors. Firm and racy tannins. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink after 2029 and onwards.

Vietti.com

Grapes: 100% Nebbiolo

Winemaking: The grapes are selected from small vineyards spread in the Barolo region. The vines are between 8 and 41 years old, planted in a clay-limestone soil. Plants are trained with guyot method, with an average density of roughly 4500 units per hectare. All the different crus are vinified and aged separately with slightly different processes to underline the singular characteristics of each parcel and terroir. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel with daily cap submersion for extraction of flavor and color.

Aging: The wine is aged for roughly 30 months in oak and barriques; all parcels are then carefully blended before bottling.

Beautiful glowing ruby. Fine earthy nose, but right now quite backward. Succulent palate with a powerful tannic structure. Really long and a little vibrant. Firm, long red-fruit finish? (WS).

Food Pairings: Hearty stew, wild game, roasted red meats and cheeses