Viniou Reviews
The 2019 Barolo DOC “Marcenasco” from Ratti is an excellent example of Nebbiolo thriving on the hills surrounding the historic Barolo commune in Piedmont, Italy. The cuvée Marcenasco is traditionally vinified using solely Nebbiolo grapes, offering full expression of this noble varietal, famed for its ability to balance power and elegance. The 2019 vintage benefited from a fairly moderate growing season, providing grapes of excellent maturity and allowing for the persistence of nuanced aromas and structured tannins. The wine typically undergoes extended maceration and is aged in a combination of large oak barrels and smaller casks, promoting refinement and complexity.
Barolo sits in the heart of the Langhe, a region celebrated for its marly, calcareous clay soils and undulating hills. The area’s continental climate—with cold winters, hot summers, and significant diurnal temperature variations—encourages slow, even ripening and the development of Nebbiolo’s hallmark high acidity and firm tannins. This terroir, coupled with centuries of winemaking tradition, has helped Barolo earn its reputation as “the king of wines, and the wine of kings.” Ratti itself is a respected name, often praised for melding modern precision with the best of Barolo heritage.
On the table, this Marcenasco Barolo matches beautifully with hearty Piedmontese fare. Brasato al Barolo (beef braised in Barolo) is a natural choice, as are dishes such as Tajarin al tartufo (egg pasta with truffle), wild mushroom risotto, or rich polenta served with game birds. Robust cheeses like aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Castelmagno further complement its depth.
For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine at least an hour before tasting to let the bouquet unfurl—classic Barolo fragrances of dried rose, black cherry, tar, and spices will emerge over time. Serve between 16-18°C to appreciate its full aromatic complexity and harmonious structure. Patience will be rewarded with further cellaring over the next decade or more, as the tannins soften and layers of flavour deepen.
