Barolo “Lazzarito” 2019 – Vietti

The 2019 Barolo “Lazzarito” from Vietti is an exemplar of the profound depth and complexity inherent to one of Piedmont’s most storied appellations. This wine is a celebration of the Lazzarito vineyard, a site revered for its exceptional terroir within the Serralunga d’Alba commune, known for producing Nebbiolo of extraordinary structure and longevity. Through the “Lazzarito,” Vietti continues its tradition of crafting wines that are not only expressions of place but also profound narratives of the vineyard’s unique interplay of soil, aspect, and microclimate.

Nestled in the Langhe hills, the Lazzarito vineyard stands out for its remarkable south-west facing slope, which ensures optimal sunlight exposure, aiding in the Nebbiolo grape’s meticulous ripening process. The soil composition, a mix of limestone and sandstone, imbues the wine with a notable mineral complexity, enhancing the varietal’s aromatic profile and contributing to its distinctive elegance. The altitude at which the vineyard sits further accentuates the diurnal temperature variation, crucial for developing the grape’s acidity and phenolic compounds, resulting in a wine with both power and finesse.

The 2019 vintage was particularly favorable in Serralunga d’Alba, characterized by a balanced season that allowed for gradual and complete ripening of Nebbiolo. The careful attention to vineyard management practices, honed over generations by Vietti, ensured that the grapes harvested were of exceptional quality, laying the foundation for a wine of remarkable depth and potential for aging.

Vietti approaches the winemaking process with a philosophy that intertwines respect for traditional methods with the integration of modern techniques, aiming to capture the essence of the Nebbiolo grape and the singular characteristics of the Lazzarito vineyard. The grapes are handpicked and sorted with painstaking care, followed by a fermentation process that is closely monitored to ensure the optimal expression of varietal characteristics. The wine is then aged in a mix of large oak casks and smaller barrels, a decision that strikes a balance between imparting complexity and preserving the wine’s innate vibrancy and purity of fruit.

Upon tasting, the Barolo “Lazzarito” 2019 unfolds a mesmerizing array of aromas, from dark cherries and ripe berries to hints of violets, rose petals, and a touch of earthy truffle. The palate is greeted with an intricate lattice of flavors, where the fruit’s richness is balanced by a lively acidity and a robust tannic structure that promises longevity. This Barolo exudes a sense of place, with a minerality and elegance that are the hallmarks of the Lazzarito vineyard, culminating in a finish that is both persistent and evocative.

The “Lazzarito” is more than a wine; it is a testament to the greatness of Barolo and the unique expression of the Lazzarito vineyard within the broader tapestry of the Serralunga d’Alba commune. It showcases Vietti’s dedication to creating wines that are reflective of their terroir, crafted with an unwavering commitment to quality and a deep understanding of the varietal and its potential.

In conclusion, the 2019 Barolo “Lazzarito” by Vietti is a distinguished representation of the Barolo appellation, offering an immersive journey into the heart of Nebbiolo and the storied vineyards of Serralunga d’Alba. This wine stands as a pillar of Vietti’s portfolio, embodying the winery’s legacy of excellence and innovation in Piedmontese winemaking. With the “Lazzarito,” Vietti continues to captivate the palates of wine enthusiasts around the world, offering a wine that is both a masterpiece of complexity and a profound expression of place.