2021 Albino Rocca Ovello Vigna Loreto Barbaresco, Piedmont

The Ovello MGA opens to a big horizon overlooking the Tanaro River valley. For that reason, this cru site is usually characterized by slightly higher temperatures and more humidity. The Albino Rocca 2021 Barbaresco Ovello Vigna Loreto (with fruit from 50-year-old vines) is slightly timid compared to the other wines in this portfolio. I'd suggest giving it more time in bottle in order to flesh out those aromas of dark fruit and licorice. Only 2,900 bottles were made.

93 points Monica Larner robertparker.com

Albino Rocca Ovello Vigna Loreto Barbaresco is a single-vineyard masterpiece from one of Barbaresco’s most iconic crus, crafted by the Rocca family with the precision, grace and deep respect for Nebbiolo that defines their estate. Ovello is the largest and one of the most historic vineyards in Barbaresco, located on a high, well-ventilated ridge just north of the village. Within this prized cru lies Vigna Loreto—a distinct parcel known for its elevated exposure, poor soils, and the ability to produce wines with both structure and elegance.

The Rocca family has farmed this site with meticulous care, using sustainable practices and minimal intervention to preserve the character of the vineyard. The vines here grow in calcareous marl and sandy soils that stress the plants just enough to produce small, concentrated berries. The altitude and breeze from the Tanaro River help maintain freshness and tension, while long sunlight hours promote full phenolic ripeness. These conditions make Vigna Loreto one of Albino Rocca’s most expressive and age-worthy wines.

Winemaking is traditional but refined. The grapes are hand harvested and fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel. The wine is then aged in large Austrian oak botti for approximately 24 months. No new oak is used, allowing Nebbiolo’s purity and the vineyard’s voice to come through with clarity and finesse.

In the glass, it is hauntingly aromatic—rose petals, wild strawberry, dried cherry and blood orange leap from the glass, followed by layers of crushed herbs, white pepper, iron, and truffle. The palate is finely etched, with firm yet polished tannins, racy acidity, and a long, mineral finish that carries the wine with both power and grace. Ovello is known for producing the most structured Barbaresco wines, and Vigna Loreto delivers that strength alongside an unmistakable vibrancy and lift.

This wine is a beautiful match for braised meats, porcini mushroom risotto, game dishes like venison or duck, or slow-cooked osso buco with gremolata. Its tension and tannin also pair effortlessly with aged cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano or pecorino.

Albino Rocca’s Vigna Loreto is one of the most acclaimed single-vineyard Barbarescos in the estate’s portfolio, consistently praised by critics for its detail, balance and longevity. It is a wine that rewards both patience and close attention—a true ambassador of Ovello’s noble hillside.