Ratti Barolo Marcenasco 2021 is an elegant, structured Italian red wine from La Morra in Piedmont, made entirely from Nebbiolo. Combining the depth and character of traditional Barolo with the balance and refinement associated with La Morra, this wine offers a full-bodied palate, aromas of liquorice and tobacco, and the potential for extended bottle ageing.
 
Marcenasco has a particularly important place in the history of the Ratti estate. First produced in 1965 by Renato Ratti, it was created to express the distinctive character of La Morra and remains one of the producer's defining wines. Its name has much older origins, with historical documents dating to the 12th century recording the cultivation of Nebbiolo in an area known as Marcenascum.
 
The Ratti estate is based in La Morra, one of the principal villages of the Barolo region. Wines from this area are particularly associated with elegance, aromatic complexity and a balanced expression of Nebbiolo. Marcenasco reflects these qualities, bringing together the grape's natural structure with the smoothness and harmony that the producer considers characteristic of its origins.
The wine is made from 100% Nebbiolo, harvested by hand during October. Following destemming and pressing, alcoholic fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vessels. The wine remains in contact with its skins for approximately three to four weeks, including fermentation and a period of post-fermentation maceration using the traditional submerged-cap method. This extended contact helps develop the colour, structure and depth expected of Barolo.
Maturation takes place over approximately two years in large oak barrels of 2,500 and 5,000 litres, followed by around one year of bottle ageing. The use of large oak vessels supports the wine's development while allowing Nebbiolo's distinctive character to remain central. This traditional approach produces a wine with the structure for ageing and the balance to be enjoyed alongside food.
 
In the glass, Ratti Marcenasco displays a garnet-red colour, with an aromatic profile featuring liquorice and tobacco. The palate is full and elegant, combining strength and persistence with the harmonious character associated with La Morra. Although approachable for a structured Barolo, the wine is also intended for long-term ageing, during which its flavours and aromas can develop further.
 
The presentation reflects the wine's heritage. Renato Ratti designed the Marcenasco label in 1965, incorporating the coat of arms of a local noble family, featuring a black hawk against a gold background. The Latin inscription, Probasti me et cognuisti me, translates as "You tried me, you knew me." The wine is presented in the traditional Albeisa bottle, introduced by Renato Ratti in 1973 to celebrate the identity of Alba and its wines.
 
Ratti Barolo Marcenasco 2021 is a rewarding choice for those looking to explore the elegance and structure of traditional Nebbiolo from Piedmont. Its combination of mature oak ageing, aromatic depth and persistent flavour makes it particularly well suited to roast meats, game, rich Italian dishes and mature cheeses.
 
Tasting Notes
 
Appearance: Garnet red, characteristic of Nebbiolo from the Barolo region.
Nose: Fragrant and developed in character, with distinctive notes of liquorice and tobacco.
Palate: Full-bodied and elegant, combining strength and structure with the smooth, balanced character associated with La Morra.
Finish: Long and persistent, with lingering savoury complexity and a harmonious, structured character.