Vietti, Barolo, Ravera 2019

The 2019 Barolo Ravera is the most intensely mineral and saline of the Barolos. Crushed rocks, white pepper, flowers, orange zest, red berry fruit and bright acids all run through this finely sculpted, chiseled Barolo. Readers who enjoy Barolos of energy and tension will adore the Ravera. I have always had a soft spot for this Barolo. The 2019 is another magnificent dimension of Vietti's dark horse, a wine that over the last 10-12 years has routinely challenged for the crown here, and often won!

The 2019 Barolo Ravera is a wine of impact and power, and it is also a wine of the future. That's because Ravera (in the village of Novello) is one of the break-out sites that continues to awe and surprise despite a changing climate. Indeed, its high elevation and open panorama toward snow-capped mountains keeps the microclimate ventilated but also protected. Luca Currado affirms that Ravera is what Cannubi was just a few years ago. Wines from Novello also show an extraordinary but very unique evolution in which the tannic impact of the wine remains firm. This vintage shows deep intensity and good freshness. It fully covers the palate from front to back.

The 2019 Barolo Ravera is supple with aromas of licorice, raspberry liqueur, blood orange. It is medium to full-bodied, offering more citrus ripeness throughout, as well as notes of tea leaf and grenadine, fine tannins, and fresh acidity, without feeling austere. This is an adjacent property to Cogno’s prized section of Ravera Pernice. Drink 2024-2044.