Vietti Masterclass

I can’t think of too many estates in Piedmont that have raised the bar higher than Vietti has over the last decade or so. Virtually every wine that emerges from these cellars is outstanding, and many are profound. Winemaker Luca Currado, his brother-in-law Mario Cordero and their staff have taken the early groundbreaking work of Alfredo and Lucia Currado and built upon those successes, reaching an unprecedented level of consistency and quality across their entire range. ANTONIO GALLONI

For the last two decades or so, the style at Vietti has been one that straddles modern and more traditional styles. The wines were never as opulent as those of the modern school, but also never as ethereal or massively tannic as those of the classic school. One of the reasons for that is the choice to bleed the musts to increase fruit density, something that has long been a signature in the mid-palate richness of these Barolos. Vietti has been through some painful chapters in recent years. The sale of the winery to the Krause family and then Luca and Elena Currado’s exit in early 2023 were both dramatic events. In the end, my impression is that these turning points will end up being beneficial for all parties. The Cordero side of the family has their new ventures. It is obvious the Currados felt the pressure to make wine in a style the market expected. Now, they don’t have that constraint. Similarly, Palumbo has the freedom to take Vietti into a new era where I think the wines are going to be even more refined than those of the past. I have to say, I left this tasting extremely enregised. ANTONIO GALLONI