An estate requiring almost no introduction, Vietti has for a number of years sat firmly in the upper echelons of Barolo producers. Producing some of the finest wines of the region, it is famed for its stand-out, single vineyard Barolo; namely Rocche, Ravera, Brunate, Lazzarito, and Villero Riserva. However, often overlooked in the Vietti stable is the Barolo Castiglione, a blend sourced from a number of different small vineyards spread over the Barolo appellation, with fruit from vines of up to 40 years of age; this is no simple, young vine Barolo, nor one that should be dismissed as a run-of-the-mill entry level Barolo. Each of the different crus in the blend are vinified separately before they are blended together, as the individual characteristics of each terroir may necessitate different handling. After fermentation in stainless steel, the wine is aged for 30 months in large oak botti and partially in barriques.
We are very pleased to be offering the three most recent vintages of Vietti’s Barolo Castiglione in a Mixed Vintage Case, £195 per 6 bottle case in bond, comprising two bottles each of 2014, 2015 and 2016, offering a fascinating comparative study of three vintages with totally different characteristics…
Due to taxing conditions in 2014, yields were down 30-50%, thus Vietti chose not to bottle their single vineyard Brunate; instead they blended the small amount of fruit into the Castiglione, thereby lifting the quality. As a result, the 2014 is a brilliant Castiglione with attractive layers of fresh red fruits, underscored by a vibrant acidity and dried rose petals on the finish. 2015 was characterised by a warmer growing season, but the wines at Vietti certainly didn’t lose their precision or typicity, resulting in a 2015 Castiglione which is silky-textured, with lifted floral aromatics and notable freshness. 2016 has generated a great deal of excitement in Barolo, and rightly so. Near perfect conditions of a warm growing season with cool nights and no temperature extremes ensured a slow and steady ripening of the notoriously fussy Nebbiolo. Vietti’s 2016s are deep, intense wines, retaining an aromatic complexity. Texturally more robust than the 2014 and 2015, the 2016 Castiglione will require a little more patience to be enjoyed to its full potential – I have no doubt it will be worth the wait.
Vietti Barolo Castiglione Mixed Vintage Case, £195 per 6 bottle case in bond.
Please see below for Antonio Galloni’s tasting notes on the 2014 and 2015 vintages. He is yet to release any 2016 scores.
2014 Barolo Castiglione, Vietti
93 points, Antonio Galloni, vinous.com
The 2014 Barolo Castiglione is superb. Nuanced, layered and sculpted in the glass, the Castiglione is a wine of real precision and class. In 2014, the Castiglione is medium in body and gracious, with perhaps a bit less stuffing than in some previous editions, but tons of persistence. Hints of lavender, rose petal and red berry fruit lead into the crystalline, translucent finish. Time in the glass brings out this gorgeous Barolo's more refined side. Once again, the Castiglione is a real overachiever. The Castiglione is built on a core of Ravera, with a complement of fruit from other sites that are often vineyard-designated by other producers. Drink 2020-2034
2015 Barolo Castiglione, Vietti
91 points, Antonio Galloni, vinous.com
Vietti's 2015 Barolo Castiglione is soft, silky and pliant, all qualities that make it a good choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so. Floral and nicely lifted, the 2015 is very pretty, if not quite the overachiever it can be. I expect the 2015 will be even more expressive once the tannins soften a bit further. In this tasting, the Castiglione stands out for its freshness and energy. Time in the glass brings out an extra layer of textural breadth and resonance that is not immediately apparent. Drink 2020-2030
Please note that we are mixing the cases ourselves and therefore they are in plain boxes. The 2016 is yet to be shipped, we anticipate shipment in March at which point the cases will be assembled and available for delivery as required.
Do let us know of your interest.
All the best
Laura