What kind of wine is Barolo DOCG 'Marcenasco' 2021 - Renato Ratti?

The Barolo DOCG “Marcenasco” 2021 - Renato Ratti is an elegant and profound red wine, an authentic expression of Nebbiolo cultivated in the renowned vineyards of La Morra, in the heart of the Langhe. This Barolo originates from a historic cru that, since 1965, has been a benchmark for the Renato Ratti winery and for the entire appellation. The "Marcenasco" is a full-bodied, harmonious, and balanced wine, capable of combining aromatic complexity and fine tannins in a sip that evolves with great elegance over time.

Vintage Details

The 2021 vintage stands out for its balanced climate, with warm days and cool nights during grape ripening. This allowed the Nebbiolo to develop intense aromas and a solid, but not excessive, structure. The grape bunches were perfectly healthy and had optimal phenolic ripeness, guaranteeing a wine rich in fruity aromas and fine spices, with subtle tannins and remarkable freshness.

Winemaking and Aging

The winemaking process of Barolo DOCG 'Marcenasco' 2021 - Renato Ratti follows the winery's production philosophy, which combines tradition and attention to detail. Alcoholic fermentation – the natural transformation of sugars into alcohol – takes place in steel tanks at a controlled temperature of approximately 30°C, with maceration on the skins to extract color, aromas, and tannins. Subsequently, the wine ages for 24 months in oak barrels of various capacities, which contribute to making the taste profile harmonious and complex without overpowering the aromas of the grape varietal.

Tasting Notes

A high-class Barolo, distinguished by its balance between power and finesse, ideal for those who want to discover a Nebbiolo with a strong identity but also accessible to less experienced palates.

Color

Visually, the “Marcenasco” presents a luminous garnet red, with delicate orange nuances that anticipate its ability to evolve over time.

Nose

The aroma is intense and refined, with a bouquet that ranges from notes of ripe cherry and withered rose to more complex hints of sweet spices, tobacco, and licorice. The ensemble is perfectly balanced, a distinctive sign of the Ratti style, always oriented towards elegance.

Palate

On the palate, Barolo DOCG “Marcenasco” 2021 reveals itself to be structured and harmonious, with silky tannins and a pleasant sensation of balance. The finish is long and refined, with returns of red fruit and spices accompanying the warm and enveloping conclusion. A wine that is already enjoyable, but capable of improving with time.

What dishes to pair with Barolo DOCG 'Marcenasco' 2021 - Renato Ratti?

This Barolo is ideal for accompanying rich and structured dishes from Piedmontese tradition and beyond. Thanks to its elegance and aromatic complexity, it enhances various preparations.

• Braised or roasted red meats
• Game and feathered game
• Aged hard cheeses
• Truffle dishes or risottos with porcini mushrooms

For a refined pairing, try it with a braised beef in Barolo: a classic encounter between wine and cuisine that enhances both.

Storage and aging: how to store Barolo DOCG 'Marcenasco' 2021 - Renato Ratti wine

The “Marcenasco” is a collector's wine, capable of evolving and expressing all its complexity over time. To preserve it best, it is important to keep the bottle horizontally, in a cool place free from direct light, with a constant temperature between 12 and 16 °C and controlled humidity.

This Barolo can be tasted immediately to appreciate the freshness of the vintage, but it offers its best after several years of bottle aging. Its qualities allow for an aging potential of over 10-15 years, during which it will develop further notes of spices, leather, and undergrowth, revealing all the nobility of Nebbiolo.