Barolo DOCG Rocche di Castiglione 2015 Vietti

Along with the Ravera, the 2015 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione has a very fresh feeling (they are both grown with less direct sunlight). Indeed, there are many similarities between these two prestigious Barolos from Vietti, but the differences start with the vinification methods. While the Ravera sees malolactic fermentation in stainless steel, the Rocche di Castiglione completes that phase in botte. To continue the comparison, these two wines are certainly more closed than the other Barolo crus from this producer, the Lazzarito and the Brunate, which blossom and open more quickly. Even though it is a bit shy, the defining characteristics of herbaceous rosemary and balsamic notes show up well in this vintage of the Rocche di Castiglione, a vineyard site that prizes elegance above all else.

I tasted these wines just before lunch hour. Luca Currado always prepares two bottles of each sample for my tasting. One was opened at 10 a.m. (so about three hours earlier), and the second was opened just prior to being poured into the glass. The notes published here represent an edited version with reflections and comments from both bottles. Vietti likes to release his wines when they are in a more reductive state, so this two-bottle approach is much appreciated by critics like me because you gain a much better understanding of the possible evolution of each wine poured.

A hauntingly complex and finely detailed nose that touches so many different characters. Roses, dried wood, cedar, fine brown spices, light earthy notes, warm stones, mountain herbs and leaves. All here – very complex. The density and weight is exceptional, as is the fine, firm weave of tannins. The length is staggering and the tautness and balance are captivating. One of the stars of the vintage! Try from 2025.

A rich, almost opulent style, this Barolo delivers cherry, raspberry, plum and eucalyptus flavors on a base of stiff tannins. Turns vibrant and chewy, with a solid, minerally finish. Best from 2023 through 2042. 305 cases made, 75 cases imported.

The 2015 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is incredibly inviting from the very first taste. Silky and aromatic, the Rocche shows plenty of the classiness that is such a signature of this Castiglione Falletto site. As with all of these 2015s, readers will have to be patient. The 2015 gains striking volume and resonance with time in the glass, but a few years in bottle are an absolute must for the wine to show at its very best.