Barolo DOCG Riserva „Villero“ 2016 1500ml Magnum

Wine Description for Barolo DOCG Riserva „Villero“ 2016 1500ml Magnum by Vietti

Colour & Appearance

Medium cherry red of striking transparency, with a delicate orange rim – a classic hallmark of mature Nebbiolo.

Nose

The nose is of impeccably fine, almost ethereal elegance. Foliage and undergrowth interweave with red cherries, dark berries and orange peel. Beneath lie seductive notes of smoke, bresaola, anise, iron and cherry stones – an aromatic depth that recalls the great vintages of Piedmont.

Palate

On the palate, the Villero reveals a rare duality: floating lightness meets earth-rooted depth. A sweet fruit core is supported by vibrant, crystalline acidity, whilst the tannin is refined and silky, yet with palpable firmness. The texture fills the palate completely – concentrated, dense, yet never heavy-handed.

Finish

Long, mineral and of great precision. The tannin structure promises decades of development ahead – this wine is only at the beginning of its journey.

Terroir & Origin

The Villero in Castiglione Falletto ranks amongst the most iconic single vineyard sites of the entire Barolo region. The south and south-west facing site with its high clay content imparts structure and depth to the wine. Old vines with an average age of 47 years and a moderate density of 4,200 plants per hectare ensure concentrated, characterful grapes.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pure Nebbiolo, harvested on 5 October 2016 at a yield of 42 hl/ha. Following gentle pressing came an extraordinarily long maceration of four months in stainless steel using the traditional submerged-cap method. Malolactic ageing took place in used barrique, followed by 30 months in large oak casks – classical, patient, uncompromising.

Food Pairing Suggestions

A wine of this calibre demands equally serious fare: Brasato al Barolo, wild boar ragù with pappardelle, aged Parmigiano Reggiano or a truffle risotto. Alternatively: simply open the bottle and wait – time is the finest companion.

Special Features

Bottled as a Magnum (1500 ml), this Riserva matures under ideal conditions more slowly and evenly – an advantage for those possessed of patience. The 2016 vintage is widely regarded as one of the finest of the decade in Piedmont: cool, precise, of extraordinary longevity. Vietti’s Villero in this year is simply a monument to Nebbiolo.