What kind of wine is Barolo DOCG 'Rocche dell'Annunziata' 2021 - Renato Ratti

The Barolo DOCG 'Rocche dell'Annunziata' 2021 - Renato Ratti is a red wine of great elegance and depth, made entirely from Nebbiolo grapes, an indigenous Piedmontese vine that gives life to the noblest Italian aging wines. It originates in the eponymous cru of La Morra, one of the most renowned in the Barolo DOCG appellation, at an altitude of about 300 meters. The soil, composed of bluish marl with sandy veins, gives the wine a fine structure and extraordinary aromatic complexity, typical of this unique micro-terroir of Rocche dell'Annunziata.

Vintage details

The 2021 vintage was characterized by balanced climatic conditions, with a dry and windy summer that ensured grapes with perfect phenolic ripeness. The harvest, carried out by hand between late September and early October, allowed for a careful selection of the best bunches. The result is a Barolo of great balance, where the typical power of Nebbiolo merges with a fine and persistent aromatic profile.

Vinification and aging

After harvesting, the grapes are destemmed and undergo traditional fermentation in steel tanks with a maceration on the skins for about two weeks, useful for extracting color, tannins, and aromas. Aging continues for about 24 months: part in barrique to enhance aromatic complexity and part in large oak barrels to maintain balance and freshness. The wine then rests in the bottle before commercialization, where it continues to evolve until it reaches maximum tasting harmony.

Tasting notes

Color

In the glass, the Barolo DOCG 'Rocche dell'Annunziata' 2021 - Renato Ratti presents a brilliant garnet red color, typical of Nebbiolo, which tends to more orange hues with age.

Nose

The bouquet is broad and complex: it opens with hints of violet, ripe red fruits, and slight spicy nuances of pepper and sweet tobacco. With aeration, elegant balsamic and undergrowth notes emerge, testifying to the aromatic richness of the cru of origin.

Palate

On the palate, it is structured, deep, and velvety. The tannins are dense but well-integrated, supported by a distinct freshness that gives impetus to the drink. The finish is long and persistent, with returns of ripe fruit and sweet spices, a hallmark of great long-aged Barolos.

What to pair with Barolo DOCG 'Rocche dell'Annunziata' 2021 - Renato Ratti

This Barolo is best expressed alongside rich and structured dishes. Its characteristics make it perfect for:

• Roasts and braised red meat
• Game and white truffle dishes
• Aged and blue cheeses
• Traditional Piedmontese dishes such as bollito misto or finanziera

For those who love modern cuisine, it also pairs splendidly with creamy risottos based on porcini mushrooms or truffles.

Storage and aging: how to store Barolo DOCG 'Rocche dell'Annunziata' 2021 - Renato Ratti wine

The Barolo DOCG 'Rocche dell'Annunziata' 2021 - Renato Ratti is a wine with a long evolution. It can be stored for over 15 years, progressively improving with bottle aging. For perfect storage, it is recommended to:

• Keep the bottles in a horizontal position, to keep the cork in contact with the wine.
• Store them in a cool environment, with a constant temperature around 12-14°C.
• Avoid exposure to direct light and vibrations.

Over time, this extraordinary Barolo will offer new and fascinating aromatic nuances, becoming an excellent choice for both enthusiasts and those who wish to start their collection of great Italian wines.