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The region of Piedmont produces some of the finest wines in Italy, most notably from the noble and ageworthy red grape: Nebbiolo (“Nebby-oh-low”).
Nebbiolo is a thick-skinned varietal that is native to Piedmont and shows its most classic example in the iconic sub-region of Barolo. The wines tend to be translucent (like Pinot!) and have delicate aromatics of cherry, red plum, blackberry, and mulberry. On the palate, the wines show fruity flavors of cherry and raspberries, supported by firm tannins and lively acidity.
This week’s Mayacama wine offer shines the light on one of the most well-respected Barolo producers in the world; Renato Ratti.
The Ratti name is one of the most famous in Barolo. In the early 1960’s, Renato Ratti returned to his native Piedmont after ten years working for Cinzano in Brazil and France. With regional knowledge but a global perspective, he purchased a small plot of land in the village of La Morra and set up a makeshift winery in the abandoned 14th century Abby dell’Annunziata. It was there, in 1965, where he made his first ‘cru’ wine, called ‘Marcenasco,’ after the historical name for the region. Around that same time, Renato Ratti made the first map of the Barolo crus, effectively introducing the commercial idea of terroir to Italian wine.
A towering figure, Renato Ratti died prematurely in 1988. His son, Pietro, took over the estate at just 20 years old and has been the winemaker for more than 30 years. Pietro has carried on his father’s vision of elegant La Morra Barolo, but recent vintages have found Pietro leaning towards more classical expressions. It is an evolution of his father’s approach that is resulting in the best wines of Ratti’s storied history.
Today’s offer gives Mayacama members access to a lineup of Renato Ratti bottlings, including 2020 Nebbiolo Ochetti, the 2018 Barolo Marcenasco (available in Magnum as well), and 2017 Barolo Conca (limited). Ratti’s ‘Conca’ Barolo comes from a single hectare plot directly in front of the winery and is consistently their most powerful expression.
Aside from the fact that all of these wines pair extremely well with Chef Robert’s Winter Menu in the Bar & Grill, Pinot lovers who are looking to explore lateral varietals will want take advantage of this exciting Italian wine offering.
As always, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for your continued support!
Cheers!
Carey Vanderborg, Wine Director
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