MAURO VEGLIO BAROLO GATTERA
PIEDMONT, ITALY 2020
Why Buy: This 97-point Barolo from Mauro Veglio, sourced from the excellent soils of their famed Gattera vineyard and full of the finesse that defines the modern style, is an absolute steal of a deal at just over $55 a bottle, a deliciously rewarding and wonderfully versatile wine that you'll want to buy by the case and keep on hand at all times.
What They're Saying: Decanter awarded it 97 points, hailing its "savory and filigree palate," "texure[d]" tannins, "full and broad" finish, and "rare elegance."
Ready to Drink: Decanter in May declared the 2020 Barolo vintage "ready to drink," and Vinous earlier this year heaped praise upon "mid-weight Barolos" from 2020 that impress with their "balance and seductive appeal." Put those two statements together, and you could be describing this beaut of a bottle.
Our Tasting Notes: This latest release from the Gattera vineyard is a testament to the estate's ability to coax elegance from Nebbiolo even in warmer vintages, demonstrating why Veglio remains at the forefront of modern Barolo production. The 2020 vintage is a study in contrasts, at once powerful and delicate. It opens with a stern yet seductive nose of cherry kernel and rhubarb, underpinned by fresh violet and a hint of blood orange. On the palate, a savory character emerges, along with tannins of rare elegance — more silk glove than iron fist. The finish is broad and persistent, and will linger in your mind for days and weeks after.
The Bottling: The 2020 Gattera is a singular expression of its limestone-rich terroir in La Morra. Hand-harvested Nebbiolo grapes undergo temperature-controlled fermentation, followed by malolactic fermentation and 24 months of aging in French oak barriques. The result: a wine that balances power with finesse, embodying the modern Barolo style that has become Veglio's hallmark.
The Story: Since 1986, Mauro Veglio has been instrumental in altering the Barolo paradigm, spearheading a movement towards more accessible, terroir-expressive wines. Now under the stewardship of Alessandro Veglio, the estate continues to challenge the notion that Barolo must be a wine of patience rather than pleasure. The Veglio philosophy, rooted in respect for tradition but unafraid of innovation, has yielded Barolos that, in Alessandro's words, "you don't have to wait years to develop, wines that you can drink when we release them." This approach has garnered attention from critics and collectors alike, who appreciate the wines' immediate appeal without sacrificing their capacity to age gracefully. The estate's commitment to sustainability is more than mere talk. Eschewing herbicides and pesticides, they employ pheromones to disrupt insect mating cycles — a method as effective as it is environmentally conscious. This attention to detail extends to the cellar, where natural wild yeasts and French barriques play crucial roles in crafting wines that speak eloquently of their origins.
Fun Fact: While the Veglio family has tended vines in La Morra since the early 1900s, it was Mauro who first bottled under the family name in 1992. This relatively recent entry into the branded wine market belies the depth of knowledge and terroir understanding that informs each vintage — a reminder that in Barolo, as in life, it's not about how long you've been in the game, but how well you play it.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source directly from the estate, so you can be confident that your wine will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2024 (Dec. 21st - Mar. 20th, 2025). With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in CT, KS, MI, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, August 11th, 2024.
