2017 Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco DOCG, La Morra Piedmont

Camphor, pressed rose and oak-driven spice aromas come to the forefront. The smooth, full-bodied palate features spiced cranberry, dried cherry, licorice and coffee bean framed in tightly wound, fine-grained tannins that clench the close. Drink 2025–2032.

94 points Kerin O’Keefe wineenthusiast.com

This is so perfumed and beautiful with cherries, strawberries and dried flowers that follow through to a medium to full body with firm, fine tannins and a long, energetic finish. All about length and finesse. Drink in 2024.

96 points jamessuckling.com June 2021

Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco DOCG is one of the most recognisable and historically important wines of Barolo, a benchmark expression of Nebbiolo that helped define the modern identity of the appellation. Marcenasco comes from a single vineyard located in La Morra, where south and south west facing slopes and calcareous clay marl soils produce Barolo of perfume, elegance and approachability rather than sheer power. The site naturally yields wines with lifted aromatics, supple tannins and a graceful structure that makes Marcenasco one of Barolo’s most consistently expressive crus across vintages.

Renato Ratti was a visionary figure in Piedmont, not only as a winemaker but also as a scholar and advocate for Barolo’s terroirs. In the 1960s he created the first detailed classification map of Barolo vineyards, a work that profoundly influenced how the region understands and communicates its crus today. At his estate in La Morra, Ratti championed a more refined and transparent style of Barolo, moving away from rusticity while remaining deeply respectful of tradition. Today the winery is run by his son Pietro Ratti, who continues his father’s philosophy with a focus on site expression, meticulous vineyard work and gentle winemaking.

In the glass Barolo Marcenasco shows a bright garnet colour with ruby highlights. Aromas are immediately inviting, offering rose petal, red cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry layered with licorice, dried herbs and subtle spice. The palate is medium to full bodied and beautifully balanced, delivering pure red fruit, fine grained tannins and a long, savoury finish supported by fresh acidity. While approachable earlier than many Barolos, Marcenasco has the structure to age gracefully for fifteen to twenty years, developing notes of truffle, leather and dried flowers with time. It is superb with braised meats, roast lamb, mushroom dishes and truffle driven cuisine.

Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco DOCG is a classic and elegant Barolo, offering a clear window into La Morra’s softer, more aromatic side and the enduring legacy of one of Barolo’s great pioneers.