Ca’ Rome' di Romano Marengo 2018 Barolo Rapet

The 2018 Ca’ Romé Barolo Rapet is a compelling expression of classic Nebbiolo power and elegance, marrying ripe red fruit and floral lift with polished structure and enduring complexity. Intense yet refined, it captures Barolo’s signature interplay of fragrant aromatics, fine tannins, and mineral poise—ideal for both contemplative sipping and pairing with rich cuisine.

Origins & Craftsmanship
From the historic family estate Ca’ Romé di Romano Marengo in Piedmont’s renowned Barolo appellation, the Rapet cru vineyard yields fruit of great intensity and definition. Situated on well-drained calcareous clay soils with notable limestone content, the site benefits from a temperate climate that combines warm days with cool nights, encouraging even phenolic development and aromatic resonance.

The 2018 vintage was hand-harvested at optimal ripeness and fermented with careful attention to preserving varietal purity. Extended maceration allowed for full extraction of color, tannin, and Nebbiolo’s signature aromatic compounds. After fermentation, the wine matured in a combination of large oak casks and smaller barrels to refine texture and deepen complexity, allowing oak influence to support rather than dominate the fruit profile. The result is a Barolo that epitomizes both site clarity and the meticulous craft of a family committed to traditional Barolo winemaking.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Perfumed and complex, with lifted notes of tar and rose petal, wild strawberry, red cherry, and raspberry, framed by hints of violet, dried herbs, and subtle spice.

Palate:
Medium-to-full bodied with a finely knit structure, revealing concentrated red fruit layered with earth, leather, and a chalky mineral thread. Vibrant acidity interplays with refined tannins, building tension and driving depth without heaviness.

Finish:
Persistent and poised, the finish unfolds with lingering red fruit, savory spice, and a graceful echo of balsamic and mineral nuance—leaving a resonant impression of balance and power.

Quick Overview

Food Pairing Suggestions
Perfect with braised beef, roast lamb with herbs, wild mushroom risotto, rich game ragù, and aged Italian cheeses; the wine’s acidity and tannic structure pair beautifully with savory, umami–rich fare.

"The Ca’ Rome' 2018 Barolo Rapet imparts very smooth transitions both on the nose and the palate. That seamless quality is ultimately what defines this wine. Dark fruit segues to cherry and spice. It then repeats. The wine shows a medium-dark appearance with firm but polished tannins. Rapet is located in Serralunga d'Alba, although it is not an official MGA vineyard." Robert Parker 93+ Points

other reviews:

Decanter — 92 points
The wine shows “sweet, creamy cherry, wild strawberry and raspberry dancing with wood, earth and spice, with a menthol lift. The palate is bold and concentrated with good acidity that cuts through fine-grained, gripping tannins.”

James Suckling — 92 points
He describes it as having a “good core of red berries, nut shells and tobacco” with medium body and firm but supportive tannins, noting that it’s “tight, nicely constructed” and will benefit from some age. 

Vinous — 92 points
This review highlights soft, fruity appeal with succulent red cherry, spice, and cedar—an attractive, mid-weight Barolo that shows the softer, approachable side of the 2018 vintage.