Beautiful nose of white peaches, mangoes, jasmine, waxed grapefruit, thyme and hints of salted sourdough. Distinct salty, ashy minerality. It’s medium-bodied, vibrant and textured. Stony and crisp, yet creamy and flavorful throughout. Serious Soave. The second vintage from an old-vine selection from the historic, volcanic Monte Foscarino vineyards. Drink now or hold.

This wine shows its MGA name "Roncaglie" on the front label for the first time. That's because Vietti recently acquired additional land in this cru site. The total holdings now span two hectares of vines. The 2018 Barbaresco Roncaglie Masseria is made as if it were a Barolo (instead of a Barbaresco) and is released one year after its peers. It shows tart fruit and dried cranberry with some mild spice and tarry smoke from two years in large oak casks. Exactly 5,026 bottles were made.

The 2019 Barolo Ravera is the most intensely mineral and saline of the Barolos. Crushed rocks, white pepper, flowers, orange zest, red berry fruit and bright acids all run through this finely sculpted, chiseled Barolo. Readers who enjoy Barolos of energy and tension will adore the Ravera. I have always had a soft spot for this Barolo. The 2019 is another magnificent dimension of Vietti's dark horse, a wine that over the last 10-12 years has routinely challenged for the crown here, and often won!

Rose petals and hibiscus are followed by graphite and flint and then finally strawberries and cranberries on the nose that come out again on the palate, combining with more stony, metallic notes and vibrant acid.

A burst of zesty green citrus, sour melon and wild herbal tones introduce the 2021 Sauvignon. It opens with a pleasant inner sweetness complicated by salty minerality and a core of brilliant acidity that maintains fantastic energy throughout. This finishes tense, nearly crunchy in feel, with candied lime and rosemary nuances that create a sweet and sour sensation. I love the 2021s contrasting nature. Nicely done.

In my view the Barbaresco Masseria is the most under-the-radar wine at Vietti. I rarely see it talked about, and yet it has been quite impressive for a number of years. Beginning in 2018, the Masseria is made exclusively from a sizeable parcel in Roncaglie Vietti acquired from Socré. The 2018 Barbaresco Masseria Roncaglie is a captivating, layered wine full of character. Effusive aromatics make a strong opening impression. Rose petal, lavender, sage, blood orange and red berry fruit all run through this vibrant, focused Barbaresco. The 2018 is charming and nuanced from start to finish. This is the first vintage from a parcel that previously belonged to Socré. It's an impressive debut, to say the least. All this nervy Barbaresco needs is time.