View as Webpage | View all offers

Wednesday, March 25th, 2025

"This is linear and so racy with a structure and length and focused energy that takes you long and deep. It’s medium-bodied with dried strawberry, citrus and spice. Tight at the end. Classicism with transparency. " —James Suckling

Hello friends! Our favorite Barolo producer is back, and better than ever, and offered today at the lowest price in the state: Renato Ratti

It's easy to write about them: with a history that dates back to the 1960s, Renato Ratti has long been an innovator of Barolos in the Piedmont region, where he developed new techniques for Italian wines such as in-bottle refinement. Active in writing the rules and regulations for Alba which include the coveted DOCG label, Renato Ratti was one of the prime movers in bringing the wines of Piedmont and Italy to international prominence. Today the reins rest in the hands of his son Pietro and his nephew Massimo Martinelli.

According to a previous review from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, "Born in 1934, Renato Ratti was a larger-than-life figure in Barolo who did much to shape the modern framework of the appellation. He started his career working for Cinzano in Brazil and moved back to Italy in 1965. He immediately founded a winery in the Abbazia di San Martino di Marcenasco. He produced his first vintage of Barolo that same year. Renato Ratti was one of the first to map the vineyards of Barolo and he penned the region's most elaborate vintage chart. Mostly importantly, he created the Albeisa growers' association with its distinctly branded bottle in 1973. Renato Ratti died in 1988 and the estate is run by his similarly active and engaged son Pietro."

That's enough background from us, you can read recent articles about this history-making producer from Wine Spectator, Decanter Magazine and the Robb Report by clicking through on these links. Meanwhile, let's move on to the wines: all we can say is WOW! Three of the four on offer received 97 points. Please see below for reviews and notes.

This producer has long been a customer favorite, and these current releases are great successors to previous vintages. However, these wines are limited, so we suggest you place your order today!

Ciao,

—James

2020 Renato Ratti "Marcenasco" Barolo DOCG

96 Points - James Suckling:

This is linear and so racy with a structure and length and focused energy that takes you long and deep. It’s medium-bodied with dried strawberry, citrus and spice. Tight at the end. Classicism with transparency.

94 Points - Wine Spectator:

A beam of cherry and red currant courses through this racy red, revealing flashes of rose and wild herbs, with a mineral underpinning. This is persistent, with a long aftertaste that emphasizes the pure fruit. Best from 2026 through 2042. 5,833 cases made, 2,772 cases imported.

93 Points - Robert Parker's WA:

This is the bread-and-butter Barolo from Ratti. Fruit is sourced from over 15 hectares of vine planted on characteristic blue marl soils. The 2020 Barolo Marcenasco is an international classic, and I have had the fortune of following this wine over 20-plus vintages. I always like the unassuming personality of Marcenasco. It gives you character but never stretches too far in any one stylistic direction. This vintage shows some sweet oak and cinnamon, but you also get plenty of bright fruit. 2025 - 2038

92 Points - Vinous:

"The 2020 Barolo Marcenasco is a classy entry-level offering from Ratti. Medium in body and gracious, with tons of La Morra charm, the Marcenasco is very pretty. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, cinnamon and orange peel are some of the notes that grace this polished, sensual Barolo. (Drink between 2025-2035)"

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast:

Crushed raspberries and ripe black cherries dusted with sweet spices lift from the glass of this Barolo. Showcasing elegant tannins that frame the generous fruit flavors and allow the savory herbal undertones to stand tall in the glass finishing with lifted acidity. Drink Now - 2045

14% ABV

List Price: $95.00

Eataly: $82.99

Our Sale Prices:



$74.97 (1-2)

$69.97 (3-5)

$64.97 (6+)

Plus last bottle of three more gorgeous Ratti wines: