Barolo Renato Ratti 1968
The 1968 Barolo Renato Ratti is a classic red wine originating from the prestigious Barolo area in the Langhe hills, located southwest of Alba in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. Piedmont, which translates to "at the foot of the mountain," is surrounded by the Alps and is globally recognized for its dramatic, steep hills and deep focus on terroir. The vineyards in this area are often enveloped in thick autumn fog, a characteristic feature of the local microclimate. The 1968 vintage in this region was recorded as being weak and rainy.
This Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) wine is made entirely from Nebbiolo, a premier Italian grape variety that forms the foundation of the renowned wines from Barolo and Barbaresco. Nebbiolo is deeply tied to the Piedmont region, where it is cultivated to produce wines with significant structural depth.
Renato Ratti is considered one of the most influential modern wine estates in Barolo. After a period working in Brazil, Renato Ratti returned to Piedmont and purchased his first vineyard, Marcenasco in La Morra, in 1965. Notably, 1968—the year of this vintage—was the exact year he established the winery within the ancient Abbey of L'Annunziata, which still serves as the estate's headquarters today. The wine was bottled in the zone of origin within the historic cellars of this very abbey in La Morra. Renato Ratti is also historically significant for drawing the first detailed map of Barolo's cru vineyards, charting 170 plots and laying the groundwork for the modern understanding of the appellation. Following his passing in 1988, his son Pietro took over the estate, which today spans 50 hectares across several communes and includes the Renato Ratti Museum of Barolo Wines.
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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