Ratti Barolo Mercenasco 2018

I had been drinking Cabernet for several weeks when I poured this wine. My first impression was how light bodied it seemed. Compared to those full bodied deep purple Cabs, this wine could almost pass the “window-pane” test. Strawberry and cherry aromas floated to the nose along with some spice notes. The wine was relentlessly drinkable, so much so that I worried I was going to start chugging it! It had a beginning, middle and definite end, dispensing with the long, loitering finish that those California Cabs generated. I tasted some black pepper somewhere and a hint of something like a snappy acidic raspberry soda. Despite the wine’s light body, it was complex enough to hold my interest. I liked this wine with Betty’s Spaghetti Sauce on a rainy Friday night with an old Michael Caine movie called The Island (1980). Nothing too heavy in that line-up.

VIVINO explains: Barolo is a delicious red wine from the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. It is made strictly from Nebbiolo grapes. Aromatic with rich tannins and characteristics of old oak, these wines are considered by most to be some Italy’s finest. Traditionally a wine enjoyed by gentry, Barolo grows in the region’s finest plots of soil. This wine is robust with evident notes of red flowers on the nose. The palate will enjoy significant acid and strong, long, earthy finish. These wines collect well, although consult a specialist to get a hold of of the best vintages. Pair this food with big and flavorful pastas, or proteins – steak and well-spiced veal. Avoid underseasoned vegetables, leafy greens, or seafood. The Nebbiolo grape does not travel well and is high maintenance, which is why it has never thrived quite as well elsewhere as on the Piemontese slopes. Like its top contender, Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo takes kindly to its terroir, thus displaying the subtleties of its environment.

SO WHAT DID THE REAL CRITICS SAY?

WINE ENTHUSIAST SAID: This stunning, delicious red boasts enticing scents of camphor, rose petal, small red berry and spice while the delicious palate stuns with strawberry compote, baking spice and star anise. Smooth, silky tannins and fresh acidity keep it perfectly balanced. Drink 2024–2030.

On Cellartracker, this taster said:

8/27/2022 – ALLRED WROTE:91 Points

4th Saturday Brown Bagger (EBCC): Double blind. Very light color, sticking out like a sore thumb in this flight. Initially a bit tight, eventually revealing white currant, cherry, orange peel and anise aromas. Bright acidity, with cherry and red fruit dominating the palate. Hints of spice in the finish. I guessed Langhe DOC nebbiolo. (J&S)

James Suckling said: Nutty red fruit on the nose and palate. Medium-bodied with a light but refined structure and a decent, savory finish.