Marcenasco Barolo Renato Ratti 1996
The 1996 Marcenasco Barolo by Renato Ratti is a Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) red wine from the prestigious Piedmont region in northwestern Italy. Meaning "at the foot of the mountain," Piedmont is surrounded by the Alps and is globally recognized for its steep hills, particularly in the Langhe subregion. Here, the autumn morning fog protects the vineyards, allowing for a long and perfect ripening period. The 1996 vintage in this area is described as firm, earning a score of 91 points.
Located southwest of Alba, the Barolo appellation is deeply intertwined with the Nebbiolo grape. Nebbiolo is an Italian top-tier grape known for producing elegant wines with great structure, and it is the sole varietal used in this classic wine.
The wine originates from the Marcenasco vineyard. As detailed by the estate, the name derives from "Marcenascum," the ancient denomination of the village, castle, and viticultural area of Annunziata. Historical records note that these vineyards were already highly valued in the 12th century. In 1479, the local Benedictine settlement passed to the Servants of Mary, who dedicated the abbey to the Santissima Annunziata. The estate proudly notes that the wine is still crafted from these historic Nebbiolo vineyards, maintaining an unchanged tradition. The bottle also features a crest bearing the Latin inscription "PROBASTI ME ET CHOGNUISTI ME."
Renato Ratti is considered one of the most influential modern Barolo producers. After working in Brazil, Ratti returned to Piedmont and purchased his first vineyard, Marcenasco, in La Morra in 1965. Three years later, he built his winery in the ancient Abbey of L'Annunziata, which remains the company's headquarters today. Ratti's most groundbreaking contribution to the region was cartographic; he drew the first detailed map of Barolo's cru vineyards, marking 170 parcels and laying the foundation for the modern cru classification system. Following his passing in 1988, his son Pietro took over the estate, which today spans 50 hectares across La Morra, Mango, Costigliole d'Asti, and Dogliani.
The history of the wine
Below, you can delve into the history of this wine — its producer, grape, area, and region.
Piedmont
Piedmont (which literally means "at the foot of the mountain") is located in northwestern Italy, surrounded by the Alps. It is considered one of the world's absolute most prestigious wine regions. The area is known for small, passionate, family-run wineries and a huge focus on terroir (how the soil and microclimate affect the wine).
Classic characteristics of Piedmont:
The royal wines: This is where the world-famous, complex and expensive red wines Barolo and Barbaresco come from (both made from 100% Nebbiolo).
Everyday heroes: In addition to Nebbiolo, the region is famous for the grapes Barbera (juicy, acidic and incredibly popular) and Dolcetto (dark, soft and fruity).
The white and sweet: Piedmont also makes the crisp white wine Gavi and the famous, lightly sparkling dessert bubbles Moscato d'Asti.
The landscape: Dramatic, steep hills – especially in the Langhe sub-area. The hills are often shrouded in thick morning mist in autumn, which protects the grapes and allows for a long, perfect ripening.
Gastronomy: An absolute mecca for food lovers. The area is world famous for the exclusive white truffles from Alba, hazelnuts and rich, simmered dishes that scream with a glass of local red wine.
When this wine was made, the world looked very different. Here are some of the stories that unfolded while this bottle quietly aged in its cellar.
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How it handles
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Storage
Store the bottle horizontally at 12–14°C and avoid direct sunlight, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations.
Opening
Allow the bottle to stand upright for 24–48 hours before opening to allow sediment to settle. Use a professional corkscrew and open carefully.
Enjoyment
Serve at 17–18°C and be patient – there is a great difference in how and how quickly wines open up when they are aerated.
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