We have commented that the 2013 vintage in Piemonte would be an ongoing topic given the quality of many of the Barolo and Barbaresco we tasted from the leading estates.
I want to draw your attention to two new releases from Vietti that highlight clearly the value that Piemonte offers. As Antonio Galloni wrote in February of this year, ‘the 2013s were always superb from barrel. They are every bit as impressive from bottle. Simply put, this is a magical set of new releases from Luca Currado, his wife, Elena Penna, and their talented team.’ It is clear that Vietti has chalked up a dramatic success in 2013, but this success does not just surround the leading Crus.
Two wines that comfortably exceeded our expectations are detailed below; the Barbaresco ‘Masseria’ (a single vineyard Barbaresco taken from a 1.4-hectare parcel of 40-year-old vines) and the Barolo ‘Castiglione’ (a blend from various Cru vineyards across the various communes of Barolo). In 2013, both of these examples exceed the quality of any previous vintage that I have tasted. Not only do the wines reflect the vintage conditions, but also the hard work that the team at Vietti has put in with the express aim of raising the quality bar. Having two such high-quality offerings at more affordable price-points says a great deal about the estate and their philosophy.
Antonio Galloni seems equally impressed, as you will no doubt gather from his comments below.
2013 Barbaresco, Masseria, Vietti
95 points, Antonio Galloni, vinous.com
£240 per 6 bottle case in bond
The 2013 Barbaresco Masseria is fabulous. Large-scaled, ample and super-expressive, the 2013 possesses striking depth and intensity, while retaining tons of Nebbiolo nuance and translucence. Bright red cherry, cranberry, chalk and floral notes give the 2013 its aromatic intensity and lift. The flavors turn a bit darker and richer with time in the glass as the wine fills out its broad frame. Once again, Vietti's Barbaresco punches well above its weight. The Masseria emerges from a vineyard in Bricco di Neive and is essentially vinified and aged like a Barolo. In recent years, the Vietti single-vineyard wines have inched up in price. While none of the wines can be defined as a value, the Masseria offers exceptional quality for the money. Simply put, the 2013 Masseria is a total knock-out. Don't miss it! Drink 2023-2043.
2013 Barolo, Castiglione, Vietti
93+ points, Antonio Galloni, vinous.com
£210 per 6 bottle case in bond
The 2013 Barolo Castiglione is rich, powerful and intense, especially for what is the estate's entry-level Barolo. Dark cherry, plum, spice, new leather and menthol are all used together. Intense and voluptuous, the Castiglione shows the richer, more intense side of the vintage. Time in the glass helps release the aromatics and the brighter side of Nebbiolo. Quite simply, the 2013 is a super Barolo Castiglione that is starting to close the qualitative gap with the single vineyard Barolos. Drink 2019-2043
This historic estate continues to go from strength to strength and I can wholeheartedly recommend the wines above.
Please let us know of your interest at your earliest opportunity.