Renato Ratti

Half way up the hill overlooking the main Barolo valley, along the first spurs of the neatly aligned vineyards, lies the Abbey of the Annunziata (Our Lady of the Annunciation), a priceless jewel of the 15th Century.

Just as the good friars of centuries past produced wines from the grapes grown along the hollow below their abbey, a position of glory and grandeur, today, faithful to their same timeless wisdom, wines of incomparable quality are produced.
The respectful, yet innovative wine-making philosophy of Renato Ratti lives on today thanks to the passion and commitment of his son Pietro.

In 1965 Renato Ratti purchases the first small Barolo Marcenasco® vineyard, in size approx. two Piedmontese "days" (ancient land measurement equal to 7,000 m2). Presently overall holdings cover 35 hectares, divided among 6 properties situated in La Morra, Mango and Costigliole d'Asti. The varieties, microclimates and soils are different, but all are cultivated with the same great love for the vine and respect for the environment.

There are three characterizing factors in the outcome of a great wine: the vine, the climate and the soil; one factor however is determinant: man. The connections between climate, soil and vine are truly complex; when by a combination of hard work and serendipity, they reach a perfect balance (one impossible to evaluate a priori) we are blessed with wines of incomparable quality.