RENATO RATTI “MARCENASCO” BAROLO 2021
Barolo DOCG, La Morra, Piedmont, Italy
PROFESSIONAL REVIEWS AND RATINGS
JAMES SUCKLING — 97 POINTS
Assertive aromas of graphite, violets, mint and chalky minerality. A stunning, precise wine focused on elegance, with citrus flavors, a full body and lavish, velvety tannins supported by freshness. Long, youthful and savory aftertaste. Try from 2026, but best after 2030.
WINE ENTHUSIAST — 96 POINTS
The flagship Barolo of the Ratti estate, sourced from the crus of La Morra, embodies grace and sophistication. The wine reveals layers of violets, savory herbs, grilled red plum and drying cherries. The palate is captivating, with wild mint and herbal notes alongside tart red fruits. Elegant tannins give it a balance of softness and structure.
DECANTER — 95 POINTS
Beautifully perfumed roses, plums and dried fruits envelop and amplify the nose and palate. Expansive and absorbing with bold, ripe tannins and impressive length. The wine received a Gold medal at the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards.
JEB DUNNUCK — 94 POINTS
The 2021 Barolo Marcenasco has a reflective brick-red color and offers considerable complexity and clarity. Aromas include preserved orange, anise, cranberries, redcurrants and minty herbs. The palate is focused, with refreshing energy and a spine of acidity, well-defined and coiled tannins, and a zesty finish. A wine with considerable personality that can age gracefully and improve over 15 or more years.
WINE SPECTATOR — 94 POINTS
Macerated cherry and raspberry fruit is shaded by orange peel, iron and menthol flavors in this juicy red. Needs time to absorb the chewy tannins, with a mix of savory and fruity elements on the finish. Shows fine balance and length. Best from 2029 through 2048.
FALSTAFF — 93 POINTS
Bright ruby-red color with a purple sheen. The nose is balanced, with red fruit and dark savory notes reminiscent of strawberry, watermelon, black pepper and tar, followed by eucalyptus. Juicy on the palate, with fully ripe tannins, lively acidity and an appealing savory finish. Good length.
VINOUS — 92 POINTS
The 2021 Barolo Marcenasco is gorgeous, offering a captivating combination of La Morra finesse and structure. Macerated cherry, leather, rose petal, incense and orange peel bring an exotic character. A particularly beautiful expression of Marcenasco.
JANCIS ROBINSON — 17/20 POINTS
Medium ruby with bright orange-tinged highlights. Open aromas of clearly defined cherry, dark spice and fresh mint. The palate is considerably more compact, with fresh, supple cherry fruit and a veil of velvety tannins. The finish is currently somewhat closed, suggesting that the wine still has considerable development ahead. Drinking window: 2028–2040.
OVERALL PROFESSIONAL CONSENSUS
James Suckling: 97
Wine Enthusiast: 96
Decanter: 95
Jeb Dunnuck: 94
Wine Spectator: 94
Falstaff: 93
Vinous: 92
Jancis Robinson: 17/20
MY RATING: 95/100
The 2021 Marcenasco is a very impressive traditional-style Barolo, combining the elegance and perfume of La Morra with firm Nebbiolo structure. The common threads across the reviews are cherry and red berry fruit, violet and rose, mint, orange peel, graphite/mineral notes and savory spice.
It is already showing beautifully, but the tannins and acidity make this much more of a cellar candidate than a simple early-drinking Barolo. James Suckling recommends beginning around 2026 but says it is best after 2030, while Wine Spectator gives it a 2029–2048 window.
DRINKING WINDOW: 2026–2045+
BEST: 2030–2040
STYLE: Elegant, perfumed, structured and traditionally Nebbiolo-driven.
KEY FLAVORS: Cherry, raspberry, violet, rose petal, orange peel, mint, graphite, leather, anise and savory herbs.
FOOD PAIRING: Braised beef, veal, osso buco, truffles, wild game, mushroom dishes, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or other mature cheeses.
