2020 Vietti Barolo Monvigliero

Vietti is absolutely a top estate. Mario Cordero’s robust Barolos and Barberas are world-class and very scarce! The quality is phenomenal and consistent across the entire range. Vietti is the only producer that owns vineyards in the eleven villages permitted to produce Barolo. They were the first to replant the forgotten local white grape “Arneis”. Moreover, they were pioneers in bottling “single vineyard” Baroli. This was the legendary 1961 Barolo Rocche. By being one of the first wine estates to export to the US, Vietti quickly became a major name in the Piedmont region, and now all single vineyard Barolos are released on allocation, meaning only a handful of bottles are available per country. The potential of their wines is unprecedented, and from the best years, this is 30 years+.

The Vietti 2020 Barolo Monvigliero is a relatively new addition to Vietti's impressive Barolo portfolio, with the first vintage released in 2018. Sourced from the prestigious Monvigliero vineyard in Verduno, a cru known as the 'Grand Cru' of Barolo, this wine distinguishes itself through its subtle and refined character. Where other Barolos often display power and structure, Monvigliero offers a softer, ethereal, and more Burgundy-like expression of Nebbiolo.

The nose is characterized by a delicate, almost fragile florality, with notes of dried iris, lavender, and rose petals. This floral elegance is complemented by subtle spices, powdery herbs, and a light touch of tar and wet road surface, reflecting the depth and mineral character of the terroir. What makes this 2020 Monvigliero so special is the vinification with 60% whole clusters, a technique that contributes to a lively freshness, aromatic intensity, and a subtle spicy touch. On the palate, one experiences a play between juicy acidity and razor-fine tannins, resulting in a wine that feels lighter and airier than other Barolos, yet possesses beautiful depth.

The taste opens with a refreshing, sharp note of cranberry jelly and pomegranate, which transitions into sweet grenadine and soft, ripe red berries. This playful combination of freshness and sweetness gives the wine a juicy and drinkable character, without sacrificing complexity or elegance.

Monvigliero, located in the northernmost part of the Barolo region, is a vineyard known for its soft, calcareous soils and unique microclimate. The wines from this cru are distinguished by their light-footed and almost silky structure, in contrast to the more powerful and tannic wines from Serralunga d'Alba or Castiglione Falletto. This makes the 2020 Barolo Monvigliero a very refined and expressive wine, with an almost Burgundian style that is becoming increasingly popular among Barolo enthusiasts. With its elegant tannins and lively acidity, this Barolo will continue to develop over the next 15 to 20 years. As the wine ages, tertiary aromas of dried herbs, leather, and truffle will develop, while the freshness is retained.

This refined style calls for subtle, gastronomic dishes, such as: Vitello Tonnato, a classic Piedmontese specialty; wild mushroom risotto, which enhances the earthy notes of the wine; duck breast with cherry compote, which pairs perfectly with the fruity accents; and aged cheeses such as Taleggio or a young Robiola, which complement the delicate structure of the wine.

With only 6,754 bottles produced , the Vietti 2020 Barolo Monvigliero is an exclusive wine that will appeal to both collectors and connoisseurs.