Product Information:
The “Castiglione” Barolo is Viett's expression of Barolo classico. The grapes come from small yet significant vineyards in the various municipalities of the Barolo region. The nose is explosive, opulent, seductive and striking. Notes of plum, red ripe black and sour cherries, blackberry, rose petal, and tobacco. On the palate, the flavor is classic, rich and potent, with balsamic and slightly spicy notes. The tannins are well integrated.
The average age of the Guyot-cultivated vines is between 10 and 45 years old, with a density of about 4,500 plants per hectare. The soil is rich in limestone and clay. The grapes are harvested by hand in October. After gentle pressing, the juice ferments for around 3 - 4 weeks in a steel tank, in contact with the skins. This period includes pre- and post-fermentation maceration, involving the traditional submerged-cap method. Malolactic fermentation takes place in wood. In the cellar, each individual cru is vinified and aged separately and in different ways to bring out the characteristics of each “terroir”. The wine is matured for 30 months in large barrels and, for a small portion, barriques. Each cru is vinified separately and assembled before bottling.
Maker:
We owe thanks to Carlo Vietti who started the Vietti winery at the end of the 1800s. Situated, to this day, right in the heart of the Langhe, on the highest point of the medieval village of Castiglione Falletto. Mario Vietti, Carlo's son, returned in 1917 after many years from living in the United States, and took the reins of the company, armed with the knowledge of modern techniques he elevated the winery to produce higher-quality wines. By the end of the 1950s, daughter Luciana Vietti had inherited the winery, together with her husband Alfredo Currado an oenologist and fellow art lover, they merged their knowledge of wine with art and culture. Since 1974 certain Vietti wines have been dressed with specially-designed original works (lithographs, xylographies, etchings, silkscreens, linocuts) inspired by the wine of that particular vintage.
From the beginning Vietti has been about commitment and vision, culture and passion. These are the keywords that have contributed to the growth of the Vietti winery and brand, universally recognised today among the best Italian wine labels. The path of quality is traced, thanks to the respect for tradition and careful experimentation, where man and earth have always been able to dialogue. The intellectual, professional, and prospective legacy of Alfredo Currado and Luciana was taken up first, during the 80s, by their son-in-law Mario Cordero and then, starting from the 90s, by their son Luca Currado Vietti, subsequently accompanied by his wife Elena.
In 2016, the Krause Family purchased Vietti. Luca Currado Vietti and wife Elena, continued to process and market the wines producing their final vintage in 2021. Vietti has extended the winemaking properties with new, renowned crus in the denomination of Barolo and Barbaresco. In the Colli Tortonesi area, thanks to the purchase of vineyards, the production of Timorasso had its beginning. As in the past, Vietti maintains those founding values - commitment and vision, culture and passion. The same values that animated Carlo Vietti at the beginning, and all his successors.
Vineyard:
Nebbiolo proved to be in excellent condition in the 2020 season. When it was ready for picking: moderate overnight temperatures led to a rapid accumulation of polyphenols, which were already at excellent levels by the middle of September. Growth was constant, rather than exponential, so the grapes reached full ripeness - in other words optimal sugar levels - between the end of September and early October. In terms of acidity too, the Nebbiolo never suffered the losses typical of short-cycle and hotter vintages. This may be due to early growth resulting from the substantial supply of water at the beginning of the summer, which allowed the vines to physiologically develop in the best possible way. In conclusion, also considering grape ripening control data, the 2020 vintage can be said to be extremely good with points of excellence, especially for the medium-long ageing wines, which are showing characteristics that are perfect for achieving winemaking distinction.
Nose - Dark Fruit, Cola, Smoky Tar
Dark fruit, cola, wild berry coulis and smoky tar.
Palate - Brawny, Succulent, Firm-Fine Tannin
The wine wears a hot vintage well, with accessible and powdery tannins for near or medium-term drinking. In terms of texture, the Castiglione has a little more brawn and body compared to your standard Barolo.
Finish - Balsamic, Floral Wood Spice, Amaro Notes
Rich and potent, with balsamic and slightly spicy notes, finish clean and fresh.
Always a popular choice, the Vietti 2020 Barolo Castiglione (made with a blend of fruit from multiple MGA sites) has a voluptuous approach with dark fruit, cola, wild berry coulis and smoky tar. The wine wears a hot vintage well, with accessible and powdery tannins for near or medium-term drinking. In terms of texture, the Castiglione has a little more brawn and body compared to your standard Barolo. - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, 93 Points.
Racy and focused. I like the aromas of lavender, violet and white roses alongside strawberry, cranberry and stone. Medium body, with firm and fine tannins that are long and succulent. It’s fine and polished. Vegan. Needs three to four years to come
together. Drink 2025-2038. - Zekun Shuai, Jamessuckling.com, 94 Points.
Floral, fruity and appealing, the 2020 Barolo Castiglione is the calling card of the estate for the entry to the Barolo range. Emblematic of the vintage, it’s appealing upfront, with aromas of cherry candies, crushed flowers, apricots and dusty earth. On the palate, it offers sweet tannins, fresh acidity and a clean finish, with nothing heavy. It is a lovely and easy-drinking wine already, but it doesn’t lack Nebbiolo character. This will be a wine to snap up on restaurant lists for its value and approachability. - Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com, 93 Points.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Nebbiolo
Country - Italy
Region - Piedmont
Vintage - 2020
Bottle Size - 1.5L
ABV - 14.5%
Closure - Cork
