RENATO RATTI

PIEDMONT, ITALY 2019

Why Buy: A trio of 15% OFF wines from one of our favorite estates in Piedmont, the venerable Renato Ratti, headlined by a beautifully-realized 95-point 2019 Barolo made with estate-grown grapes. And don't sleep on the other two bottles: the 2021 Ochetti Nebbiolo and the 2022 Barbera are wines you'll want to keep near at hand all year, especially given the high quality to (shockingly) low cost ratio (the Nebbiolo is less than $23 a bottle; the Barbera d'Asti, less than $19).

What They're Saying: The Wine Enthusiast awarded the Barolo 95 points, singling out its "delicate aromas," "purity" of fruit, "structured" palate, and "vibrant acidity." It also reviewed the 2022 Barbera d'Asti Battaglione, writing, in a 91-point review studded with sensual specifics, that it "hits on all levels," a "fresh and pop[ping]" wine "ample structure," "savory and earthy" character, and soft "texture." As for the 2021 Ochetti Nebbiolo, Wine Spectator was moved to call it "suave, concentrated, and long," a wine of great "depth" and "silky texture." 

The Story: Renato Ratti is almost universally regarded as the father of modern Barolo, a reputation derived less from the excellent wines he produced at his high-elevation estate in La Morra in the '60s, '70s, and '80s and more from his work with other estates – the knowledge and methods he generously shared, so that Barolo could grow and spread and become the world-class varietal he envisioned. Renato died in 1988, leaving his estate in the hands of his son Pietro, who didn't just build on his father's work, but, in many ways, perfected it, modifying and sharpening the winery's practices in both the vineyard and the cellar. Among the notable changes: the longer fermentations the estate is now known for, which bring more color, structure, and intensity to the wines.

Our Tasting Notes: Renato Ratti remains impervious to the trends toward internalization and homogeneity. It makes focused, terroir-driven, low-alcohol wines that showcase the quality of their fruit, their clear and elegant structures, and a welcome acidity that makes them so companionable at the table. The Barolo is a case in point, a wine that is at once technically impeccable and soulfully expressed. This is one, folks, to buy, not by the case, but by the cases, plural: a wine lover's wine, but also a wine for all occasions. The Ochetti Nebbiolo and Barbera d'Asti both stunned us at our recent tasting, drinking like wines that cost two, two-and-a-half times as much; we loved their delineation and energy, and left shaking our heads at how Renato Ratti managed to deliver so much concentration and depth for a pair of wines with such small price tags.

What to Pair Them With: The Barolo will make memorable matches with roast pork with sage; seared duck breast; veal chops. For the Barbera d'Asti, think pasta Bolognese; charcuterie boards; rusticky terrines; braised lamb. As for the Nebbiolo, pair it with soft, ripe cheese; cacio e pepe; eggs and truffles (or really anything and truffles).

ABV: Barolo, 14%; Ochetti Nebbiolo, 13.94%; Barbera d'Asti Battaglione, 14.5%.

Fun Fact: Renato Ratti was the first winemaker in the modern era to vinify Barolo from a single vineyard and the first, as well, to map – literally map – the historical Crus of Barolo.

Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so rest assured: your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure your order today!

*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2024. 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 CO, KS, MI, NY, TN, or Store 209 (Manassas, VA). This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Thursday, February 1st , 2024.

*Due to limited storage space for pre-ordered product, we can only hold orders for 30 days from the first notification that your order is ready for pickup. If you are unable to pick up your order within 30 days, please contact Concierge Sales at (855) 841-2752 or conciergesales@totalwine.com to make an arrangement. A store associate may reach out periodically to notify you of your order. Unfortunately, if no arrangements have been made, after 30 days, the order will need to be cancelled and we will provide a full refund.  No orders will be cancelled without multiple communication attempts.