Aromas of ripe strawberries and cherries with tree bark, nutmeg and sandalwood undertones. Medium- to full-bodied with fine tannins that are melted into the wine. Solid fruit core and vivid acidity with a tense, lengthy finish. Try from 2025.

This bottle now names the vineyard cru, Ovello, as well as the plot within that site, Vigna Loreto. The Albino Rocca 2019 Barbaresco Ovello Vigna Loreto shows a smooth consistency (especially when compared to the more angular and determined Ronchi). However, Ovello doesn't hold back on power either, and the wine counts long palate persistency with lingering tones of wild cassis, rose and crushed limestone. To me, this wine offers the best of both world with the softness of Cottà and the background tightness of Ronchi. Only 3,000 bottles were made.

Of the three single-vineyard expressions of Barbaresco from Albino Rocca tasted this year, the 2015 Barbaresco Ovello (with 2,500 bottles made) exhibits the most defined mineral note. The bouquet shows dark fruit, spice and medicinal herb. It also delivers a very pretty and defined note of crushed granite or pencil shaving. The Ovello is also distinguished by a sweet and more succulent mouthfeel. Of these three wines, including the Barbaresco Cottà and the Barbaresco Ronchi, this is my favorite.

Here is an exciting and balanced wine from Albino Rocca. The 2012 Barbaresco Ovello offers precision and clear intensity that is articulated by the good quality of fruit sourced from this important vineyard site. Ovello is one of the most consistent crus in the Barbaresco appellation. The bouquet shows bright notes of wild berry, dark plum and spice.