Piedmont Wine

Expert Review — Vintage 2024

Jeb Dunnuck — 90 Points
"A bright ruby/magenta color, the 2024 Barbera d’Alba is spicy and lifted on the nose with notes of pepper, fresh herbs, and bright red fruit. The palate is zesty and lively, with electric energy, refreshing focused acidity, and a compact linear feel. This is not a Barbera for volume of richness — it’s about the crunchy, bright fruit, and it will be best enjoyed while it retains its lively nerve. Drink over the next several years."

Winemaker Notes

G.D. Vajra’s Barbera d’Alba comes from a wonderful range of estate vineyards in Piedmont. Fermented for an average of 20 days and aged no less than twelve months in respect of the rhythm of nature, it is a fine blend — charming, rich yet forward.

The 2024 vintage exhibits a brilliant purple hue. On the nose, a celebration of freshness: red berry juice, roses, and fresh plums. The palate is crisp and juicy, layering sweet red and black cherries, spices, and fresh dark berries into a vibrant, aromatic finish that defines the vintage.

Food Pairings

A natural companion for pasta with tomato-based sauces, wood-fired pizza, grilled sausages, roasted chicken, mushroom risotto, and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano. Serve slightly chilled (60–65°F) to enhance its refreshing character.

Product Details

• Producer: G.D. Vajra
• Region: Barbera d’Alba DOC, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: Barbera
• Vintage: 2024
• Style: Bright, zesty, fruit-forward Piedmont red
• Format: 750ml

La Raia · Gavi DOCG · Piedmont, Italy · 2025

At 400 metres above sea level in the hills of Gavi, where the calcareous clay soils of Piedmont meet the cool breezes of the Ligurian Apennines, La Raia farms its Cortese vines with an unwavering commitment to biodynamic principles — no chemicals, no shortcuts, just a sincere and dynamic balance between land and people. The result is a Gavi of rare purity and precision, one that speaks clearly of its place.

The nose is delicate and mineral, with notes of white peach, pear, citrus blossom, and white flowers underpinned by a fine, stony minerality. On the palate it is lively and beautifully balanced — fresh acidity giving the wine both energy and length, with a characteristic hint of almond on the finish that is the hallmark of great Cortese.

• Producer: La Raia
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Gavi DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
• Varietal: Cortese
• Farming: Biodynamic, chemical-free
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White peach, pear, citrus blossom, white flowers, stony minerality, almond finish
• Pairings: Oysters, seafood, fish ragù, vegetable first courses, fresh young cheese, aperitif

One of Piedmont’s most committed biodynamic estates — elegant, mineral, and effortlessly food-friendly.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2022

94 pts — James Suckling
Bright and overtly fruity, this is full of intoxicating violets, cinnamon, blood oranges and black cherries, expressing mint and balsamic depth. Full-bodied with a soft, smooth attack, dusty yet velvety tannins and brilliant acidity. The chocolaty finish shows licorice and a mouth-coating texture. Delicious and balanced. Drink or hold.

93 pts — Vinous
The 2022 Barbaresco is a pretty rich, heady wine. Dark cherry/plum fruit, cloves, licorice and mocha build as the 2022 shows off its considerable depth. One of the few 2022s that is quite resonant texturally. The inclusion of some juice from Riserva lots is a great help. All things considered, this is a stellar showing.

92 pts — Jeb Dunnuck
Jeweled red color with aromas of ripe raspberry liqueur, fresh cherries, sweet herbs, and pressed flowers. Medium-bodied with ripe tannins and a clean, even finish. Juicy and approachable. Drink 2025–2040.

Winemaker Notes

Classic Barbaresco color with scents of spices, pepper, and black cherries. Powerful, firm, elegant, and ethereal.

About Produttori del Barbaresco

Founded in 1958, Produttori del Barbaresco is one of Italy's most revered wine cooperatives — and the benchmark producer for Barbaresco DOCG. The cooperative unites growers from the finest crus in the Barbaresco commune: Asili, Rabajà, Montefico, Montestefano, Ovello, Pora, and Rio Sordo. Under winemaker Aldo Vacca, Produttori remains committed to traditional Nebbiolo winemaking — long macerations, large Slavonian oak casks, and minimal intervention — producing wines of extraordinary purity, terroir expression, and age-worthiness at prices that consistently over-deliver.

Food Pairings

Fresh pasta with truffles or ragù, braised lamb, roasted game birds, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Barolo-braised short ribs. Cellar through 2040 or decant 2–3 hours before serving now.

Product Details

• Producer: Produttori del Barbaresco
• Appellation: Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: 100% Nebbiolo
• Vintage: 2022
• Aging: Large Slavonian oak casks
• Style: Full-bodied, structured, age-worthy
• Drink: Now–2040 (decant 2–3 hours)
• Format: 750ml

La Spinetta Barbera d’Asti Superiore Ca’ di Pian Organic — Piedmont 2023

La Spinetta is one of Piedmont’s most celebrated estates, founded by Giorgio Rivetti in Castagnole delle Lanze. Rivetti is widely credited with modernizing Barbera d’Asti — bringing precision viticulture, organic farming, and meticulous cellar work to a variety long underestimated in the region. Ca’ di Pian, sourced from Castagnole delle Lanze and Costigliole d’Asti, is La Spinetta’s entry-level Barbera — yet it consistently punches well above its price, earning critical acclaim vintage after vintage. The estate farms entirely without synthetic pesticides or herbicides, expressing the purest possible fruit from its Piedmontese terroir.

The 2023 is soft, supple, and immediately captivating. A burst of blueberry, black cherry, morello cherry, spice, lavender, menthol, and chocolate gives the wine tremendous appeal and versatility. Fresh, fruit-forward, and beautifully balanced — an especially fine edition of this beloved cuvée.

“A terrific value… tons of immediacy and sheer appeal.” — Vinous, 90 Points

• Producer: La Spinetta, Castagnole delle Lanze, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Barbera d’Asti Superiore DOC
• Vineyard: Ca’ di Pian (Castagnole delle Lanze & Costigliole d’Asti)
• Varietal: 100% Barbera
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blueberry, black cherry, morello cherry, spice, lavender, menthol, chocolate
• Best Paired With: Cured meats, soft cheeses, Piedmontese agnolotti, roast veal, grilled meats, mushroom dishes

Giorgio Rivetti’s benchmark Barbera — organic, expressive, and one of Piedmont’s great values under $30.

Coppo · Barbera d'Asti DOCG · Camp du Rouss · 2023 · 750ml

The Producer

Founded in 1892 in Canelli, in the heart of Piedmont's Asti hills, Coppo is one of the region's historic family houses, famous for aging its wines in underground cellars carved into the hillside. Camp du Rouss is its signature take on Barbera: generous, polished and built for the table.

The Wine

Ripe, dark-skinned fruit, culinary spice and new leather lead the way, with a lift of menthol. The palate is firmly structured and chewy, offering dried Morello cherry, raspberry jam, licorice and espresso over fine-grained tannins, with Barbera's trademark fresh acidity keeping it lively.

Expert Review (2023 Vintage)

"Round and supple in texture, this fluid red boasts cherry, blackberry and plum flavors, with flashes of floral and chocolate notes. Warm spice accents inform the finish. Drink now through 2030."
Wine Spectator, 90 points

Pairings & Serving

Pasta and beans, risotto with porcini mushrooms, or chicken chasseur. Serve slightly cool, around 60–62°F.

Specs

• Producer: Coppo
• Wine: Camp du Rouss
• Appellation: Barbera d'Asti DOCG
• Region: Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Varietal: 100% Barbera
• Size: 750ml

An easy weeknight hero with enough depth for the dinner party. Drink now through 2030.

Winemaker Description

A wonderfully food-friendly Barbera from one of our favorite producers in Piedmont. Ruby red and medium-bodied with light cherry fruit and great acidity. Lovingly made from organically grown grapes.

Tabaren (from the French “tabarin”) was a venue used for theatre plays, art, and dancing. We are all better dancers after a couple of glasses of wine.

About Icardi

Icardi is a family-run estate based in Castagnole Monferrato in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, farming organically across their vineyards in the Barbera d’Asti and Monferrato appellations. The Icardi family has long been committed to sustainable, organic viticulture — allowing the Barbera grape to express its natural vibrancy, bright acidity, and cherry-driven fruit without synthetic intervention. Their Tabaren bottling is a perennial favorite among sommeliers and wine lovers for its effortless drinkability, food versatility, and honest expression of Piedmontese Barbera at an accessible price.

Food Pairings

Pizza, pasta with tomato or meat sauce, grilled chicken, antipasto, salumi, mild cheeses, and vegetable dishes. One of the most versatile food wines in the cellar — equally at home with a weeknight dinner or a long Italian lunch.

Product Details

• Producer: Icardi
• Appellation: Barbera d’Asti DOC, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: Barbera 100%
• Certification: Organic
• Vintage: 2024
• Style: Medium-bodied, bright, food-friendly Piedmont red
• Format: 750ml

G.D. Vajra | Barolo Albe 2022 | Piedmont, Italy

Founded in 1972 by Aldo Vajra in the village of Vergne, G.D. Vajra is one of Barolo's most beloved and principled estates — a family winery that has never chased trends, instead letting the Nebbiolo grape and the land speak for themselves. The Barolo Albe marks its 50th consecutive vintage with the 2022 release, a milestone that speaks to the wine's enduring place in the estate's identity. Fruit is sourced from three distinct cru sites — Coste di Vergne, Fossati, and La Volta — blended to create a Barolo of remarkable versatility, accessibility, and value.

The 2022 vintage in Piedmont was warm and generous, producing wines of exceptional ripeness and early approachability without sacrificing the structure that defines great Barolo. This bottling delivers dark berry, pressed flower, and crushed stone on the nose, with a medium-plus palate, silky tannins, and a finish that rewards patience. Drink now or cellar through the decade ahead.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

Jeb Dunnuck — 93 Points:  A medium ruby color, the 2022 Barolo Albe marks the 50th vintage of this cuvée. Aromas of fresh cherries, spice, and ripe orange peel lead into a medium-bodied palate with purity and polish. Already quite appealing, this is a wine I would happily order by the glass, and it should drink beautifully over the coming decade. Drink 2026-2036.26

Kerin O'Keefe — 93 Points: The G.D. Vajra 2022 Barolo Albe has aromas of crushed red berry, lavender and eucalyptus. On the smooth, full-bodied palate, notes of star anise and blood orange accent a core of cherry marinated in spirits. Taut, fine-grained tannins provide polished support.

Technical Details

Variety: Nebbiolo  |  Vineyards: Coste di Vergne, Fossati, La Volta  |  Appellation: Barolo DOCG  |  Region: Piedmont, Italy  |  Vintage: 2022  |  Size: 750ml

Vietti · Langhe Nebbiolo DOC, Piedmont · 2023

Vietti is one of Piedmont's most revered estates, based in Castiglione Falletto at the heart of the Barolo zone. Perbacco — meaning "by Bacchus!" in Italian — is their benchmark Langhe Nebbiolo, sourced in part from the estate's prestigious Barolo vineyards including Roncaglie, Ravera, and Novello. The result is a wine that technically sits below Barolo and Barbaresco in classification but carries unmistakably the DNA of both. Aged approximately 18 months in a mix of barrique and large cask, Perbacco delivers structure, complexity, and refinement that routinely rivals wines at two or three times its price.

The 2023 vintage in Piedmont brought warm, dry conditions with excellent diurnal temperature variation, producing Nebbiolo of vibrant aromatic precision and savory depth. Perbacco 2023 pours a transparent red and opens with delicate aromas of spiced cherries, cranberries, dried herbs, dusty earth, and a gentle mineral richness. Medium-bodied and approachable now, it shows savory complexity through the finish with soft structure built for near-term drinking. Best enjoyed 2026–2032. Decant 30–60 minutes before serving. 85,000 bottles produced.

"The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo Perbacco pours a transparent red hue and offers delicate aromas of spiced cherries, cranberries, dried herbs, and dusty earth. Medium-bodied, it is approachable now but still shows savory depth and a gentle mineral richness through the finish."
— Jeb Dunnuck, 90 Points (2023 vintage)

• Producer: Vietti, Castiglione Falletto, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Langhe Nebbiolo DOC
• Sub-Region: Langhe, Piedmont
• Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
• Aging: ~18 months, barrique and large cask
• Production: 85,000 bottles
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Spiced cherry, cranberry, dried herbs, dusty earth, mineral finish
• Drink: 2026–2032
• Food Pairings: Braised short rib, roast lamb, aged Parmigiano, truffle risotto, wild boar ragù

Barolo DNA at a Langhe price — Vietti Perbacco is the savviest buy in Piedmont.

Vietti · Roero Arneis · 2025

Vietti has a special place in the story of Arneis: the winery first bottled Roero Arneis on its own in 1967. From Piedmont’s Roero appellation, this 2025 white balances fresh fruit and floral character with the brisk acidity that makes it easy to bring to the table.

Winemaker Description

Pale straw yellow color with fresh floral, citrus and melon aromas with almond hints. An unoaked, dry, medium bodied white wine with crisp acidity, the Arneis is a well-balanced, elegant wine with good complexity and a lingering finish.

Great as an aperitif with light hors d’oeuvres, crudités, seafood, salads, light soups, simply prepared veal, pork, chicken and creamy cheese.

Vietti · Winemaker Description

Expert Review · 2025 Vintage

Just bottled, the 2025 Roero Arneis pours a pale straw/platinum hue and offers an early look at a beautifully balanced growing season. The nose is bright and focused, with flinty reduction and white pepper lifting from the glass alongside white peach, melon, lemon-lime rind, and chive. Medium-bodied, it shows excellent tension and energy, with brisk acidity and a vibrant, electric feel across the palate that keeps it refreshing and precise. It should be ready to drink on release. 70,000 bottles were produced. Drink 2026-2032.

Jeb Dunnuck · 90 points

About Vietti

Founded in Castiglione Falletto in the late 1800s, Vietti has carried generations of Piedmont winemaking forward. The family’s work with Roero Arneis and its artist-label tradition are part of the estate’s history; the Krause family purchased the winery in 2016.

At a Glance

• Producer: Vietti
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Roero, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: Arneis
• Style: Dry white wine
• Size: 750ml

Producer Notes

The Oddero estate is one of Piedmont’s most storied Barolo producers, with impressive vineyard holdings throughout the entirety of the denomination. The classic Barolo bottling incorporates younger vines from sites in La Morra as well as Bricco Fiasco in Castiglione Falletto, and draws from Bricco Chiesa, Capalot, and Galina. The 2021 vintage is a standout — aromatic, pliant, and wonderfully inviting, with crushed flowers, red and blue-toned fruit, spice, and perfumed notes. Fine, polished tannins and a long, savoury finish. Gorgeously approachable now but will keep evolving.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2021

• Decanter 93 pts | Evocatively scented with wild red berries, vanillin, and spice. Fine tannins increase steadily across the palate alongside richness of raspberry fruit. Hints of tea and citrus lead to a savoury, mouth-cleansing finish. Gorgeously approachable now but will keep evolving. — Michaela Morris
• Vinous 92 pts | Fabulous. Aromatic, pliant, and wonderfully inviting. Crushed flowers, red/blue-toned fruit, spice, and perfumed notes build nicely in the glass. Polished, silky tannins wrap it all together in style. — Antonio Galloni

Food Pairings

• Braised beef short ribs or osso buco
• Truffle pasta or mushroom risotto
• Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Castelmagno
• Roasted lamb or wild boar

Serious Piedmont Dolcetto from One of Barolo’s Most Respected Estates

G.D. Vajra is a family-owned estate founded in 1972 in the heart of the Barolo region, renowned for crafting wines that express the authentic character of Piedmont’s native varieties with precision and minimal intervention. Their Dolcetto d’Alba is a benchmark for the variety — vibrant, structured, and built for the table. The 2025 opens with explosive aromas of blueberry, violets, and damson plums, with a juicy palate of fresh blackberries, licorice, and subtle almond, underpinned by fine tannins and a mouthwatering finish.

Expert Reviews - Prior Vintage 2024

• Wine Enthusiast — 93 pts: Pop rocks meet purple plums in this electric Dolcetto that refuses to sit still. Violets and damson fruits burst from the glass with teenage energy, while the palate crackles with fresh blackberries and bright acidity. It’s the kind of wine that makes you wish all serious things could be this much fun.
• Jeb Dunnuck — 90 pts: Elegant and lifted with notes of grenadine, fresh flowers, bright spice, and wet stone. Medium-bodied, it moves lightly across the palate with refined tannins and a clean finish.

Winemaker Notes

GD Vajra Dolcetto d’Alba 2025 750ml

Hand-harvested from carefully tended vineyards in Alba, fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness and varietal character. Vibrant ruby-purple in color with youthful brilliance. Blueberry, violet, and damson plum on the nose; fresh blackberry, licorice, and bright acidity on the palate with a generous, mouthwatering finish. Best enjoyed in its youth.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Dolcetto
• Appellation: Dolcetto d’Alba DOC, Piedmont, Italy
• Producer: G.D. Vajra
• Vintage: 2025
• Farming: Sustainable, minimal intervention
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A versatile everyday Italian red — exceptional with antipasti, pizza, pasta with tomato-based sauces, grilled sausages, roasted chicken, and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Monte Degli Angeli Pinot Noir Monferrato Piedmont 2024

Expert Review — Vintage 2024

James Suckling 91 Points | Raspberries and raw mushrooms on the nose of this medium-bodied red. Earthy and fresh with a medium body and lightly chalky tannins.

Winemaker's Notes

Rich, silky, and velvety with smooth tannins. Expressive fruity notes of cherry, strawberry, raspberry, and ripe tomato, layered with floral hints of rose petal and violet. A wine that delivers elegance and approachability in equal measure — a standout value from Piedmont's Monferrato appellation.

Food Pairings

• Meats: Roast beef, braised lamb, or classic Boeuf Bourguignon.
• Vegetarian: Wild mushroom risotto, truffle-infused pasta, or butternut squash ravioli with sage.
• Cheese: Soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or mild goat cheese.

About the Wine

While Piedmont is celebrated for its bold Nebbiolo-based wines like Barolo, this Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) from Monte Degli Angeli is a rare gem — offering Burgundian-inspired elegance at a remarkable price point. A high-quality, budget-friendly Italian red that punches well above its weight.

Pio Cesare Barbera d’Alba — Piedmont 2024

Pio Cesare is one of Piedmont’s most storied and respected producers, with over 140 years of winemaking history in Alba. Their Barbera d’Alba is a benchmark for the variety — a wine that balances the grape’s naturally exuberant acidity and fruit with genuine structure and complexity, drawn from carefully selected calcareous clay and alluvial vineyards in the Barolo zone. Fermented in stainless steel and aged for nearly 12 months in large French and Eastern European oak barrels, the 2024 is a classically built Barbera with real depth and excellent longevity.

The nose is assured and inviting: damson plum, violets, whole peppercorn, and freshly turned earth, with blackberry and ripe dark fruit underneath. On the palate, the wine is generous and full, with a live wire of characteristic Barbera acidity keeping the ripe blue and black fruit fresh and honest. It is approachable now, food-friendly across a wide range of cuisines, and built to age — a must-have from the Pio Cesare lineup.

“Few houses understand Barbera the way Pio Cesare does, and 140 years of practice show clearly in this glass. Damson plum, violets, whole peppercorn, and freshly turned earth set an assured and classic tone. The palate is generous, ripe blue and black fruits fresh and preserved, a live wire of acidity keeping everything honest. Barbera as it should be.” — Wine Enthusiast, 91 points. (Vintage 2024) 

• Producer: Pio Cesare, Alba, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Barbera d’Alba DOC, Piedmont
• Varietal: 100% Barbera
• Aging: ~12 months in large French & Eastern European oak barrels
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Damson plum, violets, peppercorn, earth, blackberry, ripe dark fruit, vibrant acidity
• Best Paired With: Pasta bolognese, grilled meats, aged cheeses, pizza, braised short ribs

Piedmont’s benchmark Barbera — Pio Cesare delivers 140 years of expertise in every bottle, offering classic structure, vibrant acidity, and genuine aging potential at an exceptional value.

Warehouse stored item - please allow two to five business days to fulfill.

James Suckling 95 Points | A fine-tuned, elegant Barolo with aromas of dried cherries, dried roses, licorice and mint. Full-bodied, it shows smoothness, density, weight and soft tannins despite the structure, with refreshing acidity and a long, vibrant finish full of savory flavors. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

The Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | Here’s Dolcetto flexing all tis muscles. Dark purple fruits hit first, then a crack of black pepper wakes up your senses. Violets drift above it all, adding complexity without getting precious. The structure means business but doesn’t forget Dolcetto’s friendly side.  This is the wine showing you why it deserves more attention, serious enough for wine geeks but fun enough for everyone else. (Best Buy)

The Wine Spectator 89 Points | Ripe and bursting with boysenberry, raspberry, violet and sweet spice flavors, this is dense and backed by gripping tannins on the finish. Balanced with succulent acidity.

Winemaker Description 

The Pecchenino "San Luigi" Dogliani Superiore is a distinguished example of Dolcetto, known for its depth and rich flavor profile. It features a well-structured profile with vibrant acidity and a smooth, elegant finish. Produced by Pecchenino, a notable estate in the Dogliani region, the winery is celebrated for its dedication to quality and traditional winemaking techniques.

This Superiore, crafted from carefully selected Dolcetto grapes, offers a complex array of flavors including ripe dark fruit, subtle spice, and a hint of earthiness. It pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes such as pasta, grilled meats, and savory cheeses, making it a versatile choice for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions.

Renato Ratti Ochetti Langhe Nebbiolo — Piedmont, Italy 2024

For more than 50 years, the name Ratti has been indissolubly tied to Barolo — and to the very soul of Piedmontese winemaking. Renato Ratti was a pioneer who helped define the modern style of Nebbiolo, and today the estate in La Morra continues his legacy with the same commitment to elegance, transparency, and terroir. The Ochetti is their benchmark Langhe Nebbiolo: an ancient wine originally sourced from the sandy hills of Roero on the left bank of the Tanaro River, now blended with fruit from cooler sites in Dogliani for added freshness and lift. Fermented with full berries and approximately one week of skin contact, the 2024 emphasizes elegance over power — and delivers it beautifully. A Decanter Silver Medal winner.

The color is a transparent, luminous ruby-red with orange hints. The nose is bright and fragrant: cranberry, forest strawberry, raspberry, fresh flowers, orange zest, and warm spice. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, snappy, and lively — smooth tannins, bright acidity, and a clean, refreshing finish that is pleasantly bitter in the classic Nebbiolo tradition. This is Nebbiolo at its most approachable and joyful.

Jeb Dunnuck 89 • Decanter Silver Medal — "Bright and refreshing, with aromas of cranberries, fresh flowers, orange zest, and spice. Snappy and lively on the palate, with bright acidity and a clean, refreshing finish."

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2024

Jeb Dunnuck — 89 Points
Pouring a transparent red-orange hue, the 2024 Langhe Nebbiolo Ochetti is bright and refreshing, with aromas of cranberries, fresh flowers, orange zest, and spice. Historically sourced from Roero, the wine now also includes fruit from cooler sites in Dogliani, balancing the warmth of Roero with added freshness. Made with roughly one week of skin contact and fermented as of 2024 with full berries, the style emphasizes elegance rather than power. Medium-bodied, it’s snappy and lively on the palate, with bright acidity and a clean, refreshing finish.

• Producer: Renato Ratti, La Morra, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Langhe Nebbiolo DOC
• Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
• Vineyards: Roero (sandy hills, left bank of Tanaro) + Dogliani (cooler sites)
• Vinification: Full berry fermentation, ~1 week skin contact
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cranberry, forest strawberry, raspberry, orange zest, fresh flowers, warm spice, bright acidity
• Best Paired With: Grilled red meats, game, truffled fondue, agnolotti, spiced meat sauces, aged cheeses

Nebbiolo at its most elegant and joyful — Ratti’s Ochetti is the benchmark for what Langhe can deliver at this price.

Elvio Cogno | Anas-Cëtta | Langhe Nascetta del Comune di Novello DOC | Piedmont, Italy | 2025 | Organic

Elvio Cogno is one of the Langhe's most respected and forward-thinking estates, based in Novello in the heart of the Barolo zone. Founded by the legendary Elvio Cogno and now led by his son-in-law Walter Fissore and daughter Nadia, the estate is celebrated for its commitment to indigenous Piedmontese grape varieties and its pioneering role in the revival of Nascetta — an ancient white grape that had nearly disappeared from the region entirely.

Nascetta is a rare, indigenous white variety native to the commune of Novello, where it has been cultivated for centuries. Nearly extinct by the late 20th century, Elvio Cogno was instrumental in its revival, and today the grape has its own dedicated DOC — Langhe Nascetta del Comune di Novello — a testament to the variety's unique character and the estate's advocacy. The Anas-Cëtta — the name is a playful phonetic rendering of "Nascetta" in Piedmontese dialect — is the benchmark expression of this extraordinary grape, farmed organically and vinified with minimal intervention to let the terroir speak.

The 2025 offers a vibrant, distinctive nose of yellow fruit, jasmine, citrus, ginger, and thyme, with complex notes of white flowers and mineral precision. On the palate, fresh and precise with a lovely waxy viscosity, rich texture, and a long, saline finish that balances energy and elegance. A structured, expressive white that reflects the unique Novello terroir and the variety's genuine aging potential.

Pair with white truffle dishes, risotto, grilled fish, seafood pasta, soft cheeses, and herb-driven cuisine.

• Producer: Elvio Cogno
• Cuvée: Anas-Cëtta
• Appellation: Langhe Nascetta del Comune di Novello DOC, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: Nascetta
• Vintage: 2025
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Bottle Size: 750ml

67Wine Buyer's Note

Debra, 67Wine — My Pick! A rare and extraordinary indigenous Piedmontese white — waxy, saline, and utterly distinctive.

Producer Notes

Icardi is a certified organic estate in Piedmont’s Barolo zone — The Parej is their single-vineyard Barolo, made from 100% Nebbiolo grown on the estate’s organic vineyards. Roasted cherries, warmed clove, star anise, and dried floral hints rise from the glass as the wine opens. Mouthfilling on the palate with wild berries — fresh, dried, and preserved — combined with oak spice and superfine tannins. Dense and compact with plum, cherry, leather, forest floor, and tar. Well-balanced with a lingering finish. Best from 2027 through 2042.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2019

• Wine Enthusiast 91 pts | Roasted cherries, warmed clove, and star anise with dried floral hints and wild thyme. Mouthfilling with wild berries, oak spice, and superfine tannins. Drink now–2040. — Jeff Porter
• Wine Spectator 91 pts | Dense and compact with plum, cherry, leather, forest floor, and tar. Well-balanced with a lingering finish and chalky tannins. Best from 2027–2042. — Bruce Sanderson

Food Pairings

• Braised beef short ribs or osso buco
• Truffle pasta or mushroom risotto
• Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Castelmagno
• Roasted lamb or wild boar

Winemaker Description 

Moscato d’Asti D.O.C.G Grape variety: Moscato 100%

A bright straw-yellow color with slightly shimmering hints of gold. Intense aromas of ripe yellow fruit (peach, apricot), floral notes (rose petals, acacia flowers) and ginger. Sweet and delicate on the palate, with modest acidity, good balance and complexity.

Hints of fresh apricot on the finish.r

Sourced from small vineyards in Castiglione Tinella, with 4,500 plants per hectare. The vines, cultivated with the Guyot-system have an average age of 40 years.

Limestone- and clay-rich soil.

A percentage of around 5.5% alcohol by volume is reached, the temperature is quickly reduced to stop the fermentation.

The wine, which is only partially fermented, is then filtered. The wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation and is bottled using sterile filtration.

Luca Roagna's Langhe Rosso is a masterclass in Piedmontese restraint — a Nebbiolo-based blend from the Pajé vineyard in Barbaresco, crafted to be approachable in its youth while carrying the hallmark depth and complexity of the estate. The 2020 vintage delivers a multifaceted, savory expression with vibrant acidity and silky structure.

Regenerative Agriculture. 

• Producer: Roagna
• Region: Langhe, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: Nebbiolo
• Vintage: 2020
• Format: 750ml

• 94 James Suckling

  A multifaceted wine, super rich and profound, with aromas of embers, dried cherries, wild strawberries, violets and bright blood oranges. Medium-bodied and slightly firm, with dusty tannins coated by fruit. Very tasty, savory, slightly lifted and citrusy.

• 91 Wine Spectator

  This red exudes cherry, rose hip and mineral flavors, with vibrant acidity and pliable tannins. Balanced overall, with staying power on the finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

The Wine Spectator 95 Points | This is supple and complex, delivering cherry, strawberry, summer meadow, earth, leather and iron aromas and flavors. Firmly structured, this picks up a hint of licorice as it winds down on the lingering finish, with tannins that are solid yet civilized. Shows fine potential. Best from 2028 through 2046. 1,670 cases made, 540 cases imported.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | The medium red 2020 Barolo Cascina Nuova is spiced and fruity with notes of ripe grenadine, pink peppercorn, dried apricots, and polished leather. Open and approachable, it offers ripe, supple tannins, even acidity, and a clean finish with good length. It’s a very charming wine with a wide drinking window for enjoyment over the next 10 years.

Silvio Grasso · Barolo DOCG · Piedmont 2022 · 375ml Half Bottle

The Grasso family has made wine in Piedmont since 1927. Federico Grasso began bottling the estate's wines in 1980, building Silvio Grasso's reputation in Barolo; today his son Alessio, daughter-in-law Marilena, and grandsons Paolo and Silvio run the family estate. Its 11 hectares of vineyards sit in the heart of La Morra.

The estate's modern approach centers on preserving Nebbiolo's purity and elegance. Silvio Grasso favors large barrels over barriques and uses less than 30% new oak even for single-vineyard wines, aiming for finesse over overt wood character. This 375ml half bottle is a measured pour for a smaller dinner or a thoughtful introduction to Barolo.

The 2022 vintage shows subtle cherry, pomegranate, and dried-herb notes, with a savory edge and chalky, integrated tannins. James Suckling describes it as balanced, harmonious, and accessible.

James Suckling · 91 Points · 2022

James Suckling: “Subtle cherries with pomegranate and dried herbs. Medium- to full-bodied with a savory touch, complemented by chalky, angular, integrated tannins that add lift. Balanced, harmonious and accessible. Drink or hold.”

Food Pairings

Braised beef, osso buco, roasted lamb, truffle risotto, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, and other Piedmontese classics.

At a Glance

• Producer: Silvio Grasso
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
• Varietal: Nebbiolo
• Size: 375ml, half bottle
• Rating: 91 points, James Suckling

A focused half-bottle expression of Barolo, with Nebbiolo's savory character and a polished, approachable frame.

Marchesi Di Barolo Barolo Tradizione DOCG 2019 375ml HALF BOTTLE

Experience the essence of Barolo with Marchesi Di Barolo. This delightful 2019 vintage has earned 92 points from James Suckling, 91 points from Jeb Dunnuck, 91 points from Wine Spectator, and 90 points from Wine Enthusiast. Barolo, often referred to as the 'king of wines,' holds a revered position in the wine world. Sourced from the sun-drenched vineyards of Piedmont, every sip encapsulates the essence of the Nebbiolo grape, cherished for its elegance and aging potential. The 375ml half bottle makes it a perfect choice for intimate gatherings or solo moments of indulgence.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

James Suckling - 92 Points

A medium-bodied red with plums and cherries as well as spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon. Fine tannins and a fresh finish. Easy to drink for a 2019. Drink now or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck - 91 Points

The brick red-colored 2019 Barolo has an expressive nose woven with notes of dried cherries, menthol, black truffles, and pine. It boasts a good deal of energy on the palate, with ripe concentration, an even spine of acidity, and a sanguine lift of iron on the finish. Offering ripe tannins, a velvety texture, and a good finish, this is a solid entry Barolo to enjoy over the next 5-6 years.

Wine Spectator - 91 Points

A juicy red marked by a mix of cherry and vegetal aromas and flavors, with iron and eucalyptus accents emerging as this builds to the lingering finish. Fresh and firm, with balance and an earthy aftertaste. Best from 2026 through 2040.

Wine Enthusiast - 90 Points

Mixed red and blue - some raspberry, tart blue, amaro herbs, mixed spices. Rounded on palate with balanced tannins that are supple and support the lush fruit, finishing with savory and distinct mineral notes. Drink Now - 2040

Marchesi Di Barolo - Esteemed Winery

Produced by esteemed winery Marchesi Di Barolo, one of the most historic and respected producers in Barolo. The estate has been producing exceptional wines since 1807.

DOCG - Highest Italian Classification

DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) is Italy's highest wine classification. This designation guarantees origin, quality, and adherence to strict production standards.

2019 Vintage

This delightful 2019 vintage showcases the quality of this exceptional year. The 2019 vintage produced wines of excellent balance and aging potential.

A Classic Barbaresco from the Heart of Treiso

La Ganghija crafts traditional Barbaresco from the prized Treiso subzone of Piedmont, and their 2018 Barbaresco is a compelling expression of Nebbiolo at its most authentic — wild, complex, and built for the cellar. The 2018 vintage delivered exceptional ripeness across Piedmont, and this wine shows it: structured, aromatic, and layered with the kind of rustic elegance that defines great Barbaresco.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

• Wine Enthusiast — 92 pts: “Penetrating aromas of warmed cherries soaked with cinnamon, clove and anise that develop into dried rose petals, forest floor. The palate has a core of savory spice wrapped around drying wild red berries and Alpine herbs framed by well-placed tannins and electric acidity. A wine worthy of the cellar. Drink now–2040.”
• Vinous — 92 pts: “A bold, pungent Treiso Barbaresco. Wild cherry, spice, leather, tobacco and menthol are front and center in this wild, pleasantly rustic Barbaresco. There is certainly plenty of character here.”

Buyer’s Notes

Bart Hopkins, 67Wine Buyer

Good varietal expression in this 2018 Barbaresco, with delicate aromas of spiced plums, rose petals, violets, strawberry blossoms, cinnamon, nutmeg and saddle leather. Medium bodied in the mouth with savory complexity and supple tannins that carry through the finish.

Winemaker Notes

La Ganghija Barbaresco 2018 750ml

Complex structure offering notes of wild berries, black cherry and liquorice combined with light spice and vanilla acquired during ageing in wood. Typically austere on the palate, but warm and embracing, with extraordinary persistence and freshness in the finish.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Nebbiolo
• Appellation: Barbaresco (Treiso), Piedmont, Italy
• Producer: La Ganghija
• Vintage: 2018
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for the table — excellent with stews, slow-roasted wild game, hearty pasta, and strong cheeses.

In the northernmost commune of Barolo, perched in a castle that has stood since the early 1500s, the Burlotto family has quietly produced some of the most elegant Nebbiolo in Piedmont. Castello di Verduno has been theirs since 1909, and the Massara vineyard — planted on the chalky Marne di Sant’Agata soils that define the commune’s signature minerality — is among its finest expressions.

The 2022 Massara is, by any measure, a seriously impressive Barolo. Vinified in open-top wooden vats with an extended maceration using the traditional submerged cap method, then aged in large Austrian and Slavonian botti grandi, it carries the full weight of its terroir with uncommon grace. Bottled unfined and unfiltered — nothing added, nothing taken away.

On the nose: macerated cherry, new leather, spice, and pomegranate with an exotic, almost heady complexity. The palate is broad and ample, with a lovely textural intensity and a seamless mid-palate carried effortlessly by fine, ripe tannins through a long and structured finish. A standout of the vintage.

• Producer: Castello di Verduno
• Appellation: Barolo DOCG — Verduno, Piedmont, Italy
• Vineyard: Massara — Marne di Sant’Agata (30% sand, 55% clay, 15% limestone)
• Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
• Viticulture: Practicing organic, hand-harvested
• Bottling: Unfined & unfiltered
• Drink: Now through 2040+

Expert Review - Vintage 2022:

94 Vinous — “Seriously impressive… broad and ample, with a lovely level of textural intensity and complexity that is exceedingly rare in this vintage.”

Food Pairings: Braised short ribs, roast lamb, truffle risotto, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, wild boar ragù.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

James Suckling 94 Points | This exhibits violets and tar, as well as underbrush and a distant bitter-chocolate note. The palate is angular and incisive, well-constructed with a harmonious interplay between the focused acidity, fine grained tannins and delineated, fleshy fruit. Precise. Best ever from here. Better in 2028.

The Wine Spectator by Bruce Sanderson 94 Points | A sleek, elegant red, silky in texture and linear in profile. Rose, macerated cherry, strawberry, mineral and spice flavors abound, while a line of energetic tannins shows up on the long finish. This wine's purity and structure show the potential of the vintage.

Jeb Dunnuck by Audrey Frick 93 Points |  One of the overachievers of the vintage for a regional Barolo and a strong contender for top of the year lists, the 2021 Barolo Ludo pours a reflective brick red color and is attractive on the nose with notes of cinnamon sticks, fresh cherries, mossy earth, and anise. The palate offers a good balance of richness in the structure of its medium-bodied frame, with ripe tannins, lovely clarity of fruit, and refreshing ripe acidity. A gorgeous entry-level Barolo, it’s stunning now and has the potential to age with ease over the next 12-15 years.

Memo Summary Notes

The Poderi Luigi Einaudi Barolo "Ludo" 2021 is a significant release, as 2021 is being hailed as an exceptional, "best-ever" vintage for this specific bottling. Unlike Einaudi’s single-vineyard crus (like Cannubi or Bussia), Ludo is a blend of Nebbiolo from younger vines across those famous sites, designed to be more approachable in its youth.

Why "Ludo"? The name comes from the Latin ludus, meaning "playful."

Pair with Wild mushroom risotto or tajarin pasta with truffles.

Meats: Braised beef short ribs or herb-crusted lamb chops.

Cheese: Aged Grana Padano or Castelmagno.

Vietti | Cascinetta | Moscato d'Asti DOCG | Piedmont, Italy | 2025

Vietti is one of Piedmont's most celebrated and historic estates, based in Castiglione Falletto in the heart of the Langhe and renowned above all for their benchmark Barolo and Barbaresco. Yet the Cascinetta Moscato d'Asti is a wine that stands entirely on its own merits — sourced from estate vineyards in Santo Stefano Belbo in the Canelli zone, the most prized area for Moscato Bianco in all of Piedmont, and consistently one of the finest expressions of the DOCG. Delicate, aromatic and irresistibly charming, it is the perfect introduction to the joys of great Italian Moscato.

Moscato d'Asti is a lightly sparkling (frizzante), low-alcohol style — typically around 5.5% ABV — that captures the pure, fragrant character of Moscato Bianco with a gentle effervescence and a natural sweetness that never feels heavy or cloying. The Cascinetta is a benchmark of the style: precise, fresh and beautifully balanced, with the kind of aromatic intensity and delicacy that only the finest Canelli-zone fruit can deliver.

The 2025 pours bright straw-yellow with shimmering hints of gold and a fine, persistent perlage. The nose is intensely aromatic — ripe peach, apricot, rose petals, acacia flowers and a whisper of ginger. The palate is sweet and delicate, with modest acidity, excellent balance and a lingering finish of fresh apricot and white flowers. Serve well chilled at 43–46°F and enjoy young while its freshness and aromatics are at their peak.

A natural partner for fresh fruit tarts, peach desserts, panna cotta, almond biscotti, panettone and light pastries. Also stunning as an aperitif or alongside spicy Asian cuisine.

• Producer: Vietti
• Cuvée: Cascinetta
• Appellation: Moscato d'Asti DOCG
• Region: Piedmont, Italy
• Village: Santo Stefano Belbo, Canelli zone
• Grape Variety: Moscato Bianco (100%)
• Vintage: 2025
• Style: Sweet, lightly sparkling (frizzante)
• Alcohol: ~5.5% ABV
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Barolo's Most Elegant Single Cru — Monvigliero by Paolo Scavino

Paolo Scavino is one of Barolo's most revered producers, and the Monvigliero is the crown jewel of their single-vineyard lineup. Sourced from the stately Monvigliero vineyard in Verduno — widely regarded as the grand cru of the village — this cru was first bottled as a single vineyard wine in 2007 after the Scavino family purchased the site. Monvigliero is celebrated for its distinctly feminine character: floral, spicy, balsamic, and precise, with a finesse and aromatic complexity that sets it apart from the more powerful expressions of Barolo.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

• Jeb Dunnuck — 95 pts: "Moving north to Verduno, the 2022 Barolo Monvigliero pours a bright ruby hue and remains slightly reserved at this stage, revealing aromas of preserved cranberries, white peach, candied orange, baking spice, ripe apricot, and dried earth. Medium-bodied, it has a more linear feel, with focused acidity and well-defined tannins. Citrus notes lift the palate and carry through a refined finish."  Rating: 95+                                                                                                     
• James Suckling — 95 pts: "This wine shines with freshness and transparency, full of red currants, red cherries and intense violets against a meaty background. Lightly extracted and medium-bodied, showing crisp, brilliant acidity and velvety tannins. A touch of sternness in the tense, fragrant finish. Drinkable now but best from 2027."

Winemaker Notes

Paolo Scavino Barolo Monvigliero 2022 750ml

Great finesse and aromatic complexity, distinctly floral spicy, savory, balsamic in its expression. The nose is vivid and compound. The texture is focused. An extremely elegant cru, feminine and full of character. 

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Nebbiolo
• Appellation: Barolo DOCG, Piedmont
• Vineyard: Monvigliero, Verduno
• Producer: Paolo Scavino
• Vintage: 2021
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A classic Piedmontese pairing — exceptional with braised beef, osso buco, white truffle dishes, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, wild boar ragù, and roasted lamb.

Winemaker Description

This lightly effervescent wine has a moderate crimson reflection with delicate floral fragrance of honeysuckle and raspberry aromas.

Bottled by V.E.C.A.M. (Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano).

The sweet palate of strawberries and melon make this a wonderful wine for desserts and fruits or simply for enjoying it on its own.

Aromatic sweet sparkling wine. Estate bottled. Product of Italy.

Critical Acclaim

• James Suckling – 96 Points | “Aromas of iodine and oyster shell mingle with black cherries and dark brambleberries. Medium-bodied with firm, racy tannins. Drinkable now but even better after 2028.”
• Wine Advocate – 94 Points | “Solid core of dark fruit, cherry, and redcurrant, with spice and dried rose petal elegantly layered. Classic vintage expression with firm tannins and long-term aging potential.”
• Wine Enthusiast – 93 Points | “Layer upon layer of red and black berries, sweet tobacco, and woodland spice. Pure Nebbiolo power with firm tannins and infinite depth.” Drink Now–2040.
• Jeb Dunnuck – 92 Points | “Bright red, focused, spicy, and pure. Wild raspberries, clove spice, dried orange peel, and dried earth. Medium-bodied, structured, and built to age.” Drink 2025–2040.

Tasting Notes

A complex and aromatic Barbaresco with notes of iodine, oyster shell, black cherry, dark brambleberries, clove, dried orange peel, and dried rose petal. On the palate, firm and racy tannins carry flavors of layered red and black fruit, sweet tobacco, and woodland spices. The finish is long, structured, and elegant — classic Nebbiolo linear tension with serious age-worthy depth.

About the Wine

Pio Cesare is one of Piedmont’s most historic and respected estates, founded in 1881 in Alba. The 2021 Barbaresco is sourced primarily from vineyards in Treiso, with additional fruit from classic Barbaresco sites. Fermented and aged for 30 months in large Slavonian oak casks and neutral barriques, the wine captures the elegance, structure, and aromatic complexity that define great Nebbiolo. Medium-bodied yet powerful, it balances immediate drinkability with long-term aging potential.

Cellaring

Approachable now with decanting; best from 2028 through 2040+.

Food Pairing

Classic with braised beef, lamb, wild boar, truffle risotto, and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano. Decant at least 1 hour before serving.

Product Details

• Appellation: Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
• Varietal: Nebbiolo 100%
• Aging: 30 months in large oak casks & neutral barriques
• Vintage: 2021
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Pio Cesare

Poderi e Cantine Oddero · Barolo · 2021 Half Bottle

This 375ml half bottle brings Oddero’s 2021 Barolo to a smaller table. Made from Nebbiolo in the Langhe, it offers floral and red-fruit character, with the polish Vinous found in this vintage. Open it with a meal, or give it a little time in the glass to unfold.

Expert Review · 2021 Vintage

I was so impressed with these 2021s from Poderi e Cantine Oddero. I suppose I should not be surprised, given where the wines have been over the last handful of years, but at the same time, I can't forget the enormous strides the Oddero family has made over that period. The 2021 Barolo is fabulous. Aromatic, pliant and wonderfully inviting. Oddero's Barolo shows just how appealing this vintage is. Crushed flowers, red/blue-toned fruit, spice and perfumed notes build nicely in the glass. Polished, silky tannins wrap it all together in style. Vineyard sources are Bricco Chiesa, Capalot, Bricco Fiasco and a bit of Galina. Drinking 2025 to 2033.

Antoni Galloni · Vinous · 92 points

Producer Description

Sourced from several parcels, this Barolo is a style you can enjoy young or with a few years of age. The vines are relatively young, planted in predominantly clay soils with some limestone. It’s aged for 30 months in a mix of large Austrian oak casks before bottling.

Producer Description

About Oddero

The Oddero family’s roots in the Langhe stretch back to the 18th century. Giacomo Oddero helped build the estate and champion the quality of wines from the area; today the family’s Barolo continues that long connection to the vineyards of Piedmont.

At a Glance

• Producer: Poderi e Cantine Oddero
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: Nebbiolo
• Size: 375ml half bottle

Winemaker Description 

A superb and age-worthy Barolo by Giacomo Conterno, from the Francia vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba. 100% Nebbiolo. Fermented with native yeasts and aged in large oak casks. Red fruits, roses, tar, licorice and spices notes. Powerful and complex. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018 

Expert Reviews 97 Points Wine Advocate | Of the three Barolo samples I tasted from barrel (including Arione and Cerretta, which are also from Serralunga d'Alba), the Giacomo Conterno 2018 Barolo Francia was the furthest behind and the hardest to pin down at this stage in its infancy. I have opened my range of scores accordingly to compensate for the magical unknowns that are likely to occur as the wine moves toward greater harmony and integration before its commercial release. The wine is linear and pointedly focused, lacking the width and volume it will gain when given more time to flesh out and relax. The aromas are also quite primary and simple at this point, with dark cherry and even a hint of ripe strawberry ceding gradually to grilled herb, blue flower and baked brick. This vintage of Barolo Francia will require patience. (2018).

95 Points Wine Spectator | Delivers depth and power, with menthol and wild herbs shading cherry and plum flavors. The balance tips toward the tannins in the end, yet this doesn't feel overly astringent, just more structured than many '18s. Picks up a mineral element as this lingers on the finish. Be patient. (2018).

95+ Points Vinous | The 2018 Barolo Francia is powerful, deep and also a touch austere. It shows the edginess of all the 2018s, but also has a feeling of textural creaminess that adds tons of character. Spice, menthol, leather and a whole range of balsamic overtones build into the deep, imposing finish. Roberto Conterno decided to forego his Barolo Monfortino in 2018, opting instead to blend all the casks into his Francia bottling. When that happens, Francia often surprises down the road. That could very well turn out to be the case here. (2018).

Monica Larner writes:  The Giacomo Conterno 2018 Barolo Francia has opened beautifully since I last tasted this wine at the winery two years ago. It was closed back then (no surprise since I tasted it as an unfinished sample), but with the distance of time, the wine has blossomed to show blackcurrant, cassis, aniseed, blue flower and pencil shaving. The Francia is known for its magical combination of power and nuance, both delivered with seamless intensity. This vintage offers a savory component with hints of toasted spice or spent ember. The tannins are fine and polished.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 95

Mauro Molino Barolo Bricco Luciani — Piedmont 2022

Mauro Molino is one of La Morra’s most respected producers, farming some of the Langhe’s finest single-vineyard sites with a commitment to expressing terroir with clarity and precision. Bricco Luciani is a prized cru in La Morra, its limestone-rich soils with a touch of sand delivering Barolo of distinctive elegance — bright, aromatic, and structured with the kind of finesse that rewards both early drinking and patient cellaring. Just 4,456 bottles were produced.

The 2022 vintage opens with wild raspberries, pressed flowers, sweet orange peel, blood orange, aromatic dried herbs, and bark. On the palate, it is medium-to-full-bodied with expanding tannins, refreshing acidity, a saline edge that keeps it lively, and a beautifully polished, accessible finish. Aged 18–20 months in a mix of large oak and barrique, it offers more immediacy than many Barolo sites while retaining the structure to evolve gracefully over the next decade and beyond.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 • Vinous 93 • James Suckling 93 — “Drink 2026–2038.”

• Producer: Mauro Molino, La Morra, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Barolo DOCG
• Vineyard: Bricco Luciani, La Morra — limestone with sand
• Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
• Aging: 18–20 months in large oak and barrique
• Production: 4,456 bottles
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Wild raspberry, pressed flowers, blood orange, dried herbs, chalk, mint, saline finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink 2026–2038; decant if opening now
• Best Paired With: Braised short ribs, roast lamb, truffle risotto, aged Parmigiano, wild boar ragù

A single-vineyard Barolo of rare elegance and limited production — Bricco Luciani is Mauro Molino at his very best.

An extraordinary and highly distinctive Barbaresco, crafted from the rare Nebbiolo Rosé clone, a genetically distinct biotype prized for its aromatic finesse and complexity. Produced from a tiny parcel in Neive and aged extensively in large oak casks before release, this is a wine of depth, character, and remarkable aging potential.

The 2019 vintage is rich and expansive, offering a layered bouquet of rose petals, violets, dark red fruit, blood orange, spice, and licorice, with subtle earthy undertones that unfold beautifully in the glass.
On the palate, it is full-bodied and structured, with impressive concentration, firm yet refined tannins, and a vibrant core of savory, mineral-driven complexity. Notes of dried cherry, herbs, tea leaf, and a touch of coffee and spice linger through a long, polished finish.

Critic Antonio Galloni describes the wine as “fabulous… rich and ample… with explosive resonance,” highlighting its depth and energy.

A compelling Barbaresco that balances power with elegance, this wine can be enjoyed now with decanting or cellared for 10–15+ years.

Perfect with: roasted meats, game, truffle dishes, and aged cheeses.

Expert Ratings

94 Points Vinous: The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Rose delle Casasse is fabulous. Rich and ample in feel, the 2019 is seriously impressive. There is a feeling of breadth that is palpable. Dark red/purplish fruit, rose petal, blood orange and spice blossom with a bit of coaxing. Readers can drink the 2019 now or cellar it. Time in the glass brings out the wine's inner perfume. This finishes with notable substance and explosive resonance.  - Antonio Galloni