Vietti Barolo Rocche di Castiglione 2019
Non-Member Price:
$634.18 CADMember Price: $602.47
(SAVE 5%)
99 points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, August 2023
For lovers of timeless Nebbiolo, the Vietti 2019 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione hits all its marks. Yes, Vietti makes beautiful Barolo from some of the best cru sites from across the appellation, but I confess a preference for this outstanding wine. Rocche di Castiglione has the home team advantage with vines located not too far from the winery that is nestled into the outer stone wall and urban fabric of the Castiglione Falletto village. This site is characterized by freshness, extreme precision (that always stands out), linearity, structure and balanced freshness. This naturally concentrated vintage also shows a juicy or succulent quality that is outstanding. Pretty mineral notes add to the balance and elegance. The vineyard site measures about one hectare. Rocche di Castiglione is an oddly shaped and elongated MGA with singular southeast exposures along a steep ravine, with Bussia to the west and Perno to the east.
I tasted these wines with Luca Currado and Elena Penna at the Vietti winery just a short time before I would learn that they were leaving for good. The couple sold Vietti to American entrepreneur Kyle Krause in 2016. That historic sale would mark a milestone for the Barolo appellation that has appreciated in value almost exponentially since then, driving wine, grape and land prices through the roof. Luca and Elena stayed on these past years to ensure continuity in winemaking, but that handover phase finally came to an end this past winter. The couple was nice enough to call me and assure me that they were ready to leave and feel that Vietti is in very good hands. In fact, they leave an outstanding portfolio of wines, counting eight Barolos, including one new Barolo Riserva reviewed here. Elena Penna is now focused on making a popular Vermouth di Torino, and Luca Currado plants to continue in wine as a consultant. The couple still lives in their house above the winery. On a personal note, I will miss them dearly. Luca and Elena are some of my favorite people in Italian wine, and I look forward to their next moves. I send them my warmest regards.
Monica Larner
From cellar-to-cellar, or cellar to shelf, we maintain the highest standards, thanks to close relationships with the finest producers of wine across the globe, ensuring authenticity.
We maintain strict, direct, temperature- controlled delivery from the cellar to the customer, guaranteeing the integrity of each vintage’s character and flavor profile.
Our curated collection prioritizes provenance and secure wine handling from start to finish. We deeply understand and appreciate the craft, passion and time that is dedicated to produce each bottle, and we honor it by respecting the factors that influence a wine’s ideal maturation. When you purchase a bottle from Wines of Kings, we guarantee the following:
- Bottle claim integrity (zero fraudulence)
- Direct sourcing
- Minimal handling
- Consistent environment regulated cellaring
- Optimal temperature and humidity regulated storage
- Storage free of light and vibration
BECOME A MEMBER
Receive a free member exclusive gift. Membership benefits include 15% off select bottles, 5% off all orders, free shipping on orders over $600, and access to our wine concierge.
OUR PROMISE
WHY TRUST US?
Trusted by the sommeliers around the world
A UNIQUE APPROACH
Wines of Kings is a US-registered wine importer and online wine store, offering a curated selection of high-end European wines. We are devoted to the direct sourcing, handling, importing, sale, and delivery of some of the most sought-after and beloved wines in the world - selected carefully for their quality, vintage and terroir.
From cellar-to-cellar, or cellar to shelf, we maintain the highest standards, thanks to close relationships with the finest producers of wine across the globe, ensuring authenticity.
We maintain strict, direct, temperature- controlled delivery from the cellar to the customer, guaranteeing the integrity of each vintage’s character and flavor profile.
OUR STORY
FOUNDERS AND BACKGROUND
Founders Marco Prete and Cristina Fragni have spent a lifetime in close contact with the top European winemakers and cellar masters, and have spent decades on their shared passion for learning, tasting, and even assisting in the production of fine wines.
After relocating to NYC in 2013, they found that many of their favorite vintages were not available in the US. Inspired by a lack of available inventory on the usual channels, they decided that it was essential to them personally and professionally to create a bespoke, world-class collection of fine wines available for US import.
The Wines of Kings collection of exquisite wines reflects the founders’ obsession with premium wines that are made authentically.