Renato Ratti Marcenasco 2018

Renato Ratti Marcenasco 2018 is a 750ml Barolo made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, bottled at 14% ABV from Piedmont's La Morra commune. Awarded 96 points by Wine Enthusiast, this vintage showcases the silky elegance that has defined the Marcenasco vineyard since Renato Ratti bottled the first single-vineyard Barolo from this site in 1965.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14%  |  Origin: La Morra, Barolo, Piedmont, Italy  |  Vintage: 2018  |  Producer: Renato Ratti

Production & Heritage

Renato Ratti is widely credited as a pioneer of single-vineyard Barolo, having released the first Marcenasco bottling from the 1965 vintage—a move that helped define the modern cru system in the Langhe. For the 2018 vintage, Nebbiolo grapes were hand-harvested in October, de-stemmed, and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with a traditional submerged-cap maceration lasting three to four weeks. Following malolactic fermentation in steel, the wine aged for two years in large Slavonian and French oak barrels of 25 and 50 hectoliters, then rested an additional year in bottle before release—a regimen that preserves the vineyard's characteristically fine-grained tannins rather than masking them with heavy new oak.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The glass opens with enticing rose petal and candied violet, followed by layers of small red berries and camphor. A subtle smokiness and crushed-stone minerality emerge as the wine breathes.

Taste: The entry is graceful and precise, with strawberry compote and red cassis leading into a mid-palate of baking spice, star anise, and a delicate nutty quality. The structure is medium-bodied yet refined, held together by smooth, silky tannins and fresh acidity that keep every element in proportion.

Finish: Moderately long and savory, with lingering notes of dried herbs, spice, and a faint mineral echo. The tannins recede gently, leaving a clean and elegant impression.

How to Drink Marcenasco 2018

This Barolo is best served at 60–65°F in a large-bowled glass after 30 to 60 minutes of decanting to allow its aromatic complexity to fully unfold. Drinking it neat and unhurried rewards patience; however, it pairs beautifully with food. Try it alongside braised short ribs, where the wine's acidity cuts through the richness. Truffle risotto mirrors its earthy complexity. A classic tajarin al ragù brings out the wine's red-fruit brightness against savory egg pasta.

Best For

• Gifting a serious Italian wine collector or Nebbiolo enthusiast
• Anchoring a multi-course Piedmontese dinner
• Cellaring for further development through the late 2020s and into the 2030s
• Marking a milestone occasion with a critically acclaimed Barolo vintage

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Marcenasco 2018 taste like? The dominant profile centers on red berries, strawberry compote, and baking spice, supported by silky tannins and fresh acidity. Violet, camphor, and a savory mineral thread add depth and complexity.

How does Marcenasco 2018 compare to Barbaresco? Both are made from Nebbiolo, but Marcenasco tends to show a slightly fuller body and firmer tannic structure than most Barbaresco, which often emphasizes perfumed elegance and earlier approachability. The 2018 Marcenasco bridges that gap with unusually silky tannins for a Barolo.

Is Marcenasco 2018 good for cellaring? Yes—its firm acidity, fine tannin structure, and 96-point Wine Enthusiast rating suggest it will develop gracefully for at least another decade. It is also drinking well now with proper decanting.

Where is Marcenasco 2018 made? It is produced by Renato Ratti at their estate in La Morra, one of the five principal communes within the Barolo DOCG zone in Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The Marcenasco vineyard has been farmed by the Ratti family since the estate's founding.

What foods pair well with Marcenasco 2018? Braised lamb shank highlights the wine's savory spice. White truffle dishes amplify its earthy minerality. Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano echoes the nutty undertones. Wild mushroom risotto complements its medium body. Roasted duck with cherry reduction bridges its red-fruit core and tannic grip.

What sizes does Marcenasco 2018 come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Marcenasco 2018 worth the price? Marcenasco positions as a mid-to-upper-tier Barolo that consistently earns scores above 90 from major critics, with the 2018 reaching 96 points from Wine Enthusiast. For a single-vineyard Barolo from a historically significant estate, it represents strong value relative to many comparable cru bottlings.

Why Marcenasco 2018?

The Marcenasco vineyard holds a singular place in Barolo history—it produced the wine that essentially launched the single-vineyard movement in the appellation more than half a century ago. The 2018 vintage delivered warm, even growing conditions across Piedmont, and this bottling capitalizes on that quality with a balance of ripe fruit and structural precision that earned 96 points from Wine Enthusiast and 93 points from Wine Advocate. Traditional large-format oak aging preserves the vineyard's naturally silky tannin signature without heavy-handed extraction. For anyone serious about Nebbiolo, this is a benchmark La Morra Barolo from one of the region's founding modernists.