Wines Barolo Vietti - Riserva Villero - 2010

Viniou Reviews

Vietti’s Barolo Riserva Villero 2010 is a quintessential example of Nebbiolo at its most noble and expressive. Sourced from the legendary Villero single vineyard in Castiglione Falletto, this Riserva represents one of the estate’s rarest and most age-worthy releases. 2010 was an outstanding vintage, marked by ideal ripening conditions which allowed for elegant tannin development and balanced acidity. The wine is vinified traditionally, with extended maceration on the skins and a prolonged aging in large Slavonian oak casks and barriques, followed by further time in bottle before release. The resulting Barolo is remarkably complex, with an aromatic palette that evolves from ripe cherries and plums to dried violets, truffles, tobacco, leather, and a subtle undertone of tar.

The Barolo DOC lies in the heart of Piedmont, a region famed for its historic winemaking heritage and outstanding terroir. The rolling hills of the Langhe, with their calcareous marl soils interspersed with clay and sand, give Barolo its structure and perfumed elegance. The continental climate, marked by cool winters and warm, sometimes misty autumns, encourages long, slow ripening, especially important for the late-maturing Nebbiolo grape. The area’s winemaking tradition stretches back centuries, and Barolo’s reputation as the “King of Wines and Wine of Kings” is well-earned, thanks to the unique synergy of grape, terroir and meticulous craftsmanship.

Pairing Vietti's Barolo Riserva Villero with food is a rewarding experience. Its intensity is best matched with richly-flavoured dishes such as braised beef cheek, veal shank (osso buco), wild game or truffled risotto. A classic regional match would be tajarin al tartufo (egg-rich pasta with white truffle) or aged Castelmagno cheese. Mushrooms, particularly porcini, provide an earthy echo to the wine’s savoury depth.

For optimal enjoyment, this Barolo should be served at around 17-18°C. Decanting for at least 2 hours before tasting will help the multi-layered bouquet fully express itself, particularly given the structure and youthfulness of the 2010 vintage. This is a wine with significant cellaring potential; those with patience will be rewarded with even greater complexity over the coming decade.