Review: Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco DOCG (Updated 2026)
We’ve been tasting Renato’s Barolo wines on and off since 2016. Today we tuck into this producer’s offerings — with updates stretching to the 2021 vintage. We hope to update this coverage as future vintages arrive.
2016 Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco DOCG Review
One look at the light color of this wine and it immediately shows itself as an atypical Barolo. The nose however shows itself as fairly iconic: dense and earthy, with a layer of roasted mushrooms and balsamic notes that segue from there into intense notes of black fruit, tar, rhubarb, and tobacco. From there everything starts to blend into a ragu of umami, though the lightness of the body quickly becomes evident, unfortunately to the detriment of the overall experience. A wine this light in body could really use more acidity to prop it up. As it stands, the earth-heavy notes are immersive, but a bit out of balance. B+ / $65
2020 Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco DOCG Review
Tart and restrained, this wine shows less overt earth than your typical Barolo, with ample notes of anise and a sustained balsamic edge. Blood orange peel compounds the enduring tartness, with rhubarb clinging to the finish. I missed the depth of a great Barolo — but Renato’s expression has always been on the lighter side of the Barolo spectrum. B / $85
2021 Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco DOCG Review
Surprisingly softer and more floral, here we find Renato leaning into its more feminine side, with immediate overtones of rose petals and blackberry fruit. In short order there’s a sting of anise that punctuates the wine with moderated touches of licorice candy, hinting at dark chocolate and chewy hops. A healthy mix of green rosemary and dark, almost macerated berries gives the finish a unique complexity, though dried rose petals are never out of sight. My favorite Renato to date. A- / $80
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