What kind of wine is Barolo 'Riserva' DOCG 2017 - Vietti?
The Barolo 'Riserva' DOCG 2017 - Vietti is a great Piedmontese red wine made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, the undisputed star grape variety of the Langhe. This Riserva is born from a “selection within a selection,” the result of the meticulous work of the Vietti winery, one of the most renowned in Barolo production. It is a complex and refined wine, endowed with extraordinary depth and capable of evolving magnificently over time. Elegance, structure, and longevity are the distinguishing features of this oenological masterpiece.
Vintage Details
The 2017 vintage was characterized by particularly hot and dry weather conditions, which led to a natural reduction in production, but to a high aromatic concentration in the grapes. The harvest, slightly early, ensured healthy, ripe bunches rich in sweet and well-integrated tannins. The result is a Barolo that combines power and harmony, with a fine balance between fruity components and structure.
Winemaking and Aging
Each cru selected for this wine was vinified separately. Fermentation took place in stainless steel at a controlled temperature, followed by a long maceration on the skins, useful for extracting color, aromas, and tannins. After fermentation, the wine rested for about 30 months in large oak barrels, where it slowly developed its complexity. The delicate final blending of the individual crus occurs only after careful evaluation, to ensure balance and consistency in the Vietti style. The result is a unique wine, produced in a limited edition and ready to face decades of evolution in the bottle.
Tasting Notes
The Barolo 'Riserva' DOCG 2017 - Vietti is a wine of great personality, which at the first sip reveals the essence of Nebbiolo and the Langa hills.
Color
It presents an intense garnet red color with orange reflections, a sign of maturity and the typicality of the grape variety. The luminosity and transparency typical of Barolo hint at its structural elegance.
Nose
On the nose, it offers a broad and complex bouquet with notes of ripe cherry, withered rose, sweet spices, and light balsamic nuances. With evolution in the glass, hints of tobacco, leather, and licorice emerge, testifying to the long aging and the quality of the selected grapes.
Palate
On the palate, it is structured and deep, with fine but firm tannins that support the drink and promise a long life for the wine. The taste profile is caressing, well-balanced by freshness and savoriness. The persistence is long and harmonious, with a finish that recalls elegant spicy and fruity notes.
What dishes to pair with Barolo 'Riserva' DOCG 2017 - Vietti
This wine finds its maximum expression when paired with structured and flavorful dishes. It is perfect with:
- braised and stewed red meats
- important roasts and game
- aged cheeses, such as Parmigiano Reggiano or Castelmagno
- typical Piedmontese dishes, such as bollito misto or finanziera
Thanks to its complexity, it can also be enjoyed on its own, as a meditation wine.
Storage and Aging
For those wondering how to store Barolo 'Riserva' DOCG 2017 - Vietti wine, it is important to ensure ideal temperature and humidity conditions. The bottle should be kept lying down, away from light and in a stable environment, with a temperature around 12-14°C and controlled humidity.
This Barolo is destined for long aging: it can evolve positively for over 20 years, developing complex aromas of truffle, spices, and leather. Each year in the cellar will add new nuances to its already extraordinary elegance.
Vietti
The history of the Vietti winery The Vietti winery is a true icon in the Italian wine world, representing a perfect blend of tradition, heritage, and innovation. Founded over a century ago in the captivating hills of the Langhe, its history is a journey through generations that have preserved and...
How to best open and serve Barolo 'Riserva' DOCG 2017 - Vietti
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening the Barolo 'Riserva' DOCG 2017 - Vietti, ensure the bottle has been stored horizontally in a cool, dark place. Approximately 24 hours before serving, place it vertically to allow sediments to settle at the bottom. Avoid abrupt movements or shaking that could stir up the contents.
2. Ideal serving temperature
This Barolo best expresses its complex characteristics at a temperature of 18°C. If it has been stored in a cool cellar, leave it at room temperature for about an hour before serving. Avoid serving it too warm, to prevent accentuating the alcoholic component, or too cold, to avoid penalizing the typical Nebbiolo aromas.
3. Opening the bottle
Proceed calmly and precisely:
- Remove the capsule with a foil cutter, cutting just below the rim of the neck.
- Carefully clean the neck of the bottle with a clean cloth.
- Use a lever corkscrew or a long-threaded corkscrew to extract the cork slowly, avoiding sudden movements.
- Check that the cork is intact and without abnormal odors, a sign of proper storage.
4. Inspection and first taste
Pour a small amount of Barolo 'Riserva' DOCG 2017 - Vietti into a tasting glass and observe the color, which should show clear and brilliant garnet hues. Smell the wine to ensure there are no cork taint or oxidation notes, then taste a small sip to verify its quality and aromatic integrity.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
As this is an aged wine, decanting is recommended to separate sediments and promote oxygenation. Proceed as follows:
- Slowly pour the wine into a decanter, maintaining side lighting to check for the presence of sediments.
- Allow the Barolo to rest in the decanter for approximately 60-90 minutes before serving.
- This oxygenation time allows the wine to fully develop its complex notes of withered flowers, leather, spices, and undergrowth.
6. Serving
Serve the Barolo 'Riserva' DOCG 2017 - Vietti in large tulip-shaped glasses, which promote the concentration of aromas. When serving:
- Pour moderate portions to allow the wine to continue opening up in the glass.
- Pair with structured dishes such as braised meats, game, or aged cheeses to enhance its gustatory intensity.
7. Storage after opening
If you do not consume the entire bottle, reseal it with an airtight stopper or a vacuum system. Store in the refrigerator for a maximum of 48 hours. Before drinking it again, slowly bring it back to room temperature and consider further oxygenation in the glass. Beyond this period, the wine will tend to lose aromatic complexity and freshness.