Vietti "Ravera" Barolo DOCG 2021
(Piedmont, Italy) - [WA 98+] [VM 97] [WS 96] [JD 94] [JS 94] [WE 94]

About the Winery:
Located in the heart of the Langhe hills, at the top of the village of Castiglione Falletto, the Vietti wine cellar was founded in the late 1800s by Carlo Vietti. Alfredo Currado married Luciana Vietti and is largely responsible for the resurrection of the Arneis grape. Today the estate is led by Luca Currado Vietti and his wife Elena.

In 2016 the historic winery was acquired by Krause Holdings, enabling Luca and Elena Currado, the fourth generation in charge of the Vietti brand, to add a number of prized crus to the estate’s holdings, all while maintaining the family approach for which the cellar has always been known.

About this Wine:
The grapes come from the famous MGA “Ravera” vineyard located in the municipality of Novello. Limestone- and clay-rich soil with Marls of Saint Agatha present. Ravera in Novello is a fabulous hillside vineyard with a western/south-western exposure. Altitude around 400 m asl; the average age of the vines is 34 years and there is a density of around 4500 plants per hectare over a total area of around 2.1 hectares. The oldest part was planted in 1935.

Tasting Notes

Intense garnet-red colour. The nose, while stark to begin with, reveals complex floral notes that emerge after a few minutes in the glass. Striking notes include red fruit, chalk and white pepper. It is fine on the palate, with hints of ripe red berries. The taught, compact tannins make this a very classic wine. The acidity is vibrant and vertical. Very elegant and refined. We recommend decanting a few hours before serving.

Food pairings: Game, red meat, and mature cheese.

Ratings & Reviews

98+ Points - Wine Advocate:
"You could argue that this is the wine with the fasting growing quality trajectory because this vineyard site is one of those rare places in the appellation that appears to improve despite (or more likely because of) a changing climate. Ravera enjoys an open panorama (at 400 to 440 meters in elevation) that extends to the snow-capped Alps and benefits from cooler air currents, coupled with an amazing quality of light that you notice with the naked eye. The 2021 Barolo Ravera saw its fruit harvested later than the other wines, on October 11th, and continued with a classic Vietti-style fermentation with 20-plus days of skin contact. Simply put, what Ravera offers is complexity (and strength) with hints of bergamot, citrus, herbs, mineral and salt over a tightly concentrated mouthfeel. The quality of the tannins and the freshness of this 2021 are impressive, and that citrusy note continues with tangerine skin and kumquat. Production is 8,700 bottles." - Monica Larner (Jan 2025)

97 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2021 Barolo Ravera is one of the many standouts in this range from Vietti. Blood orange, chalk, mint, white pepper and slate all infuse the palate with notable persistence. Intensely saline and mineral, the Ravera is not an easy wine, as it is focused and taut rather than immediate. It's a Barolo that demands a lot from the taster, but it pays that attention back in spades." – Antonio Galloni (Jan 2025)

96 Points - Wine Spectator: 
"Macerated cherry, raspberry, plum, hay and iron flavors converge in this rich, muscular red. Its tannins are dense yet civilized, with flashes of green tea and earth on the extended aftertaste. This is expressive today yet will be better in three to five years. Best from 2028 through 2047. 725 cases made, 185 cases imported." – Bruce Sanderson (Dec 2025)

94 Points -Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2021 Barolo Ravera is a medium ruby hue and reveals a detailed and layered profile on the nose, with lifted spice and a more vertical feel to its notes of fennel, red cherries, red berries, wild fresh herbs, and orange peel spice. The palate is medium-bodied with a bit of gamey richness, ripe tannins, and a sanguine finish. It has good length and a savory feel. This area of Ravera is 450 meters above sea level and was harvested in this vintage 12 days after Monvigliero in the north. Drink 2026-2046." – Audrey Frick (May 2025)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Protective and precise style here. Blood-orange and floral bouquet, restrained if not reductive, with cherry candy and chocolatey depth. Smooth attack to the palate with medium body, assertive acidity and refined tannins that turn dustier on the finish. Overall juicy and fresh, yet slightly stern. Try after 2027." (Jan 2025)

94 Points & Cellar Selection - Wine Enthusiast:
"Deep, brooding dark cherries and peak-season red roses intertwine with high-toned plums and pervasive savory elements. The palate resonates with bass-like depth, where balsamic notes add complexity to the dark fruit core. A powerfully structured framework alludes to the wine potential in the cellar, though its sophistication already shows through the muscular exterior. Drink from 2027." – Jeff Porter (Nov 2025)