At a glance

Producer

Vietti

Region

Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

Grape variety

Nebbiolo

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$350-$600 USD per bottle (as of 2024)

Tasting profile

Layers of black cherry, dried rose, anise, truffle, tar, and subtle spice. Grippy tannins, energetic acidity, lingering earthy finish.

Evolution: Floral and fruit aromas will mellow; secondary notes of tobacco, tea, leather, forest floor, and licorice will develop.

At peak: Outstanding depth and elegance; harmoniously integrated tannins, rich earthy bouquet. Silky, savory, persistent finish.

Structure

Acidity

High natural acidity to support cellaring.

Tannins

Firm, refined, and abundant typical of Barolo Riserva.

Alcohol

13.5% to 15% (typical for Barolo Riserva).

Aging potential

Exceptional (20+ years), especially in top vintages like 2015.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2052

Optimal window

2023 to 2055

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Youthful but approachable; developing complexity, structured for long aging.

2015 is a structured, classic vintage for Barolo. This Riserva is entering early maturity but is built to evolve for decades, peaking 12-20 years post-vintage. Top storage will extend enjoyment into the 2040s.

Food pairing

Aged beef, braised veal shank (osso buco), wild game, porcini risotto, truffle pasta, mature cheeses (Parmigiano, Taleggio).

Serving

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — The Vietti Barolo Riserva 2015 has firm and abundant tannins typical of Barolo, which can benefit from aeration to soften and enhance its complex flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Vietti utilizes integrated pest management, careful vineyard stewardship, selective hand-harvesting, and reduced chemical inputs. Energy mix is improving (some solar installation in recent years). Water conservation steps in vineyard and winery. Bottles are premium weight, not lightweight; closures are natural cork.

Vietti is a heritage producer noted for sustainable stewardship and a strong environmental ethic within Piedmont standards. Their focus on terroir and precision farming reduces intervention. While not fully certified in 2015, their practices support biodiversity, soil health, and minimal chemical use. Improvements in winery sustainability post-2018 are ongoing, but packaging and global distribution elevate carbon cost relative to some peers. Overall, a sustainably-minded flagship, though not a leader in measurable certification or climate action at the time of this vintage.