Barolo DOCG Monvigliero 2020

A cool, refined Nebbiolo that speaks quietly: perfumed red fruit, clear herbal spice and a structure built on length rather than power. A contemporary reading of a cool-climate terroir wine.

Monvigliero lies in the north of the Barolo appellation, within the commune of Verduno, and is historically regarded as the commune's most important cru. The MGA vineyard sits at 240 metres above sea level on very clay-rich calcareous marl, facing south to southwest; the vines average 65 years old. Vietti, based in Castiglione Falletto, farms 75 hectares, family-owned since its founding in 1873 and focused since 1961 on separately vinified single vineyards.

Pure Nebbiolo, harvested on 30 September. 40 percent of the grapes are destemmed, while the dominant 60 percent go into the steel tank as whole clusters. After a few days of cold maceration, the temperature is raised and fermentation lasts around twenty days, with regular pump-overs. Malolactic fermentation takes place directly in oak, followed by nearly 24 months of ageing, predominantly in large casks with some barriques. The wine is bottled without any filtration.

Extremely fine-grained tannin coats the palate, while incisive acidity stretches the wine and carries it far. The red fruit remains open and earthy, more tea-like, with pale beetroot, sour and sweet cherry and wild berries; coffee and a touch of dark chocolate in the background. Lovage and rosemary keep it fresh, while damp forest floor and undergrowth add depth.

Beetroot carpaccio with goat's cheese cream, fermented redcurrants and dill, venison ham with lamb's lettuce and raspberry vinegar vinaigrette, or beef onglet with a white bean and lentil cassoulet.

The high proportion of whole clusters and the unfiltered bottling define this wine's style. Since 1974 the bottles have featured original artworks by various artists; in 2025 Vietti was named Azienda dell'Anno by Doctor Wine.