WINEMAKER'S NOTES:
Intense garnet-red color. The nose, stark at the beginning, reveals complex floral notes that emerge after a few minutes. Striking notes include red fruit, chalk and white pepper. Fine on the palate, with hints of ripe red berries. The taught, compact tannins make this a very classic wine. The acidity is vibrant and vertical. Very elegant and refined. We recommend decanting a few hours before serving.
TASTING NOTES:
You could argue that this is the wine with the fasting growing quality trajectory because this vineyard site is one of those rare places in the appellation that appears to improve despite (or more likely because of) a changing climate. Ravera enjoys an open panorama (at 400 to 440 meters in elevation) that extends to the snow-capped Alps and benefits from cooler air currents, coupled with an amazing quality of light that you notice with the naked eye. The 2021 Barolo Ravera saw its fruit harvested later than the other wines, on October 11th, and continued with a classic Vietti-style fermentation with 20-plus days of skin contact. Simply put, what Ravera offers is complexity (and strength) with hints of bergamot, citrus, herbs, mineral and salt over a tightly concentrated mouthfeel. The quality of the tannins and the freshness of this 2021 are impressive, and that citrusy note continues with tangerine skin and kumquat. 98+
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 98 pts.
The 2021 Barolo Ravera is one of the many standouts in this range from Vietti. Blood orange, chalk, mint, white pepper and slate all infuse the palate with notable persistence. Intensely saline and mineral, the Ravera is not an easy wine, as it is focused and taut rather than immediate. It's a Barolo that demands a lot from the taster, but it pays that attention back in spades.
- Vinous, 98 pts.
Limpid and transparent, the 2021 allies vivacity with rigour. Hints of pepper lift red currant blossom and raspberry aromas. Sapid minerals tantalise the palate, which is awash with tangy sumac and succulent blood orange. The cool alpine air is palpable in the racy acidity and linear, chiselled tannins. Structure is still very much in control here but gracious enough to disclose future rewards. Vineyards in Ravera were purchased in 1995, when it was still considered too cold to reliably ripen Nebbiolo, but now this is consistently one of Vietti’s top bottlings.
- Decanter, 97 pts.
Macerated cherry, raspberry, plum, hay and iron flavors converge in this rich, muscular red. Its tannins are dense yet civilized, with flashes of green tea and earth on the extended aftertaste. This is expressive today yet will be better in three to five years. Best from 2028 through 2047. 725 cases made, 185 cases imported.
- Wine Spectator, 96 pts.
Protective and precise style here. Blood-orange and floral bouquet, restrained if not reductive, with cherry candy and chocolatey depth. Smooth attack to the palate with medium body, assertive acidity and refined tannins that turn dustier on the finish. Overall juicy and fresh, yet slightly stern. Try after 2027.
- James Suckling, 94 pts.
Deep, brooding dark cherries and peak-season red roses intertwine with high-toned plums and pervasive savory elements. The palate resonates with bass-like depth, where balsamic notes add complexity to the dark fruit core. A powerfully structured framework alludes to the wine potential in the cellar, though its sophistication already shows through the muscular exterior.
- Wine Enthusiast, 94 pts.
