Name: Oddero Barolo Villero 2017 750ml
Brand: Oddero
SKU: 877320
Price: 96.54 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 94.1 (7 reviews)

Winery Oddero

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Varietal Nebbiolo

The Nebbiolo grape varietal is widely understood to be the fruit responsible for Italy's finest aged wines. However, its popularity and reliability as a grape which gives out outstanding flavors and aromas has led it to be planted in many countries around the world, with much success. These purple grapes are distinguishable by the fact that they take on a milky dust as they begin to reach maturity, leading many to claim that this is the reason for their unusual name, which means 'fog' in Italian. Nebbiolo grapes produce wines which have a wide range of beautiful and fascinating flavors, the most common of which are rich, dark and complex, such as violet, truffle, tobacco and prunes. They are generally aged for many years to balance out their characteristics, as their natural tannin levels tend to be very high.

Country Italy

There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.

Region Piedmont

Situated in the north-western part of Italy, the region of Piedmont is known worldwide and is highly respected for the quality of the wines produced there. Many of the most successful sub-regions in Piedmont produce many of the world's finest red wines, such as those made from the excellent Nebbiolo grape varietal in areas such as Barolo and Barbaresco. However, the historic wineries which typify this region use a relatively wide variety of grapes, including Dolcetto and Barbera for their red wines, which are typically aged and have a delightful velvety character. Piedmont isn't all about beautifully complex red wines, though, as it is also famed for high quality, elegant sparkling wines, notably the Asti wines made with the white Moscato grape. The region benefits from a range of terroirs which are often well expressed in the sparkling wines, and a wonderfully consistent climate ideal for vineyard cultivation.

Appellation Barolo

Barolo’s star grape is Nebbiolo, a finicky yet expressive variety that reaches its zenith this unique terroir. The region’s distinct microclimates and soils contribute to Nebbiolo’s complexity, resulting in wines with robust tannins, high acidity, and exceptional aging potential. Barolo wines, often referred to as “the king of wines,” are characterized by their deep garnet hue and complex bouquet, offering aromas of roses, tar, truffles, and red fruit. The aging process is significant, requiring at least 38 months, with a minimum of 18 months spent in wooden casks. This meticulous craftsmanship results in wines that evolve beautifully over time, displaying a harmonious balance of power and finesse. For wine enthusiasts, exploring Barolo provides a captivating journey into the rich tapestry of Italian winemaking, showcasing the profound marriage of tradition, terroir, and Nebbiolo’s distinctive expression.

JS 96pts

James Suckling

Ripe-plum, candied-strawberry and white-mushroom aromas follow through to a full body with round, soft tannins and plenty of fruit. Lots of transparent fruit in the center palate. It firms up at the end with a fine, chewy texture. Try after 2026.

WS 95pts

Wine Spectator

The nose hits its mark with vibrant cherry, strawberry and licorice aromas, adding ripe plum, leather, tar and mineral flavors. A solid structure gives shape and longevity, while this red ends with finesse and harmony. Best from 2024 through 2042. 740 cases made.

WE 95pts

Wine Enthusiast

Blue flower, rose, camphor and pipe tobacco are just some of the aromas you'll find on this young Barolo. Firmly structured and elegant, the youthfully austere palate offers black cherry, licorice, mint and a hint of coffee bean framed in assertive, close-grained tannins. Give it time to fully unwind and integrate. Drink 2027–2042. (Cellar Selection)

WA 94pts

Wine Advocate

The Oddero 2017 Barolo Villero is another surprise hit from a vintage that did not make it easy for vintners in the Langa. This wine shows classic profile, with plenty of blue flower, violet and crushed stone. The fruit tones are bluish in character with blueberry and wild plum. Compared to the super long and polished Rocche di Castiglione (also located in the village of Castiglione Falletto), this wine from Villero shows a bit less length and persistence overall.

VM 93pts

Vinous Media

The 2017 Barolo Villero is delicate and lifted in this vintage, with impeccable balance and tons of class. Villero is not an easy site to find balance, but the 2017 Oddero sure has it. Sweet cherry, crushed raspberry, rose petal, orange peel and cinnamon give the 2017 lovely aromatic nuance to match its mid-weight personality.

DC 93pts

Decanter

Mariacristina Oddero manages 1.6 hectares in Villero, with full southern exposure in a warm vineyard based on a fairly high percentage of clay. Comparing this vintage to the cooler 2016 and 2013, it seems that it's best suited to cooler rather than warmer years. Nevertheless this Villero shines for vibrancy of fruit - strawberry, cherry and even some dark fruits - with an elegant Parma violet aroma and a balsamic touch of rosemary. Full and tannic, more chalky than dusty, with a ripe finish sustained by almost zesty acidity, ending with a rather bloody, black cherry aftertaste.

TWI 93pts

The Wine Independent

The 2017 Oddero Barolo Villero has a complex nose - a little understated and less floral than others, but with notes of cocoa powder and spices . It is fleshy, round and full in the middle but with the slightly drying tannins typical of 2017. Sensual and seductive in texture, it is a reticent beauty waiting to be rediscovered. Wait 2 years and drink to 20. The vines are from the middle part of the hill, less than 300 meters above sea level with a full south-west exposure known as the “sorridi del pomeriggio” (smile of the afternoon) because it gets the late afternoon and evening sun. The soil is rich in clay, so it holds water tightly and gives it back when needed. This may give fleshier tannins and big, round, sensual Barolos.