Ceretto Barbaresco 2023

Ceretto's Barbaresco is a red wine made entirely from Nebbiolo grapes in the heart of the Langhe. The Ceretto family owns several estates in the heart of Piedmont, and this Barbaresco is produced at the Monsordo-Bernardina estate, on the outskirts of the town of Alba, with grapes from the communes of Neive and Treiso. The soils are characterised by calcareous marls. Ceretto's Barbaresco was created to be an interpretation of Nebbiolo and the soul of the appellation's territory. It is a Nebbiolo aged in large wooden casks to retain the fresh, elegant character of great Barbarescos without excessive concentration or notes dictated by barrique ageing. The wine reveals notes of wild strawberries, redcurrants, cranberries, garrigue, tobacco, spices and hints of undergrowth. The palate is round and ample, with present tannins and acidity that maintains freshness. The finish is persistent, promising fine years of ageing.

Ah Italy, what a beautiful hedonistic country, people of the Dolce Vita, but what difficulty in understanding its wine organization! The key to understanding the naming system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous country because each region has its own naming system. Italy can, however, give wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, as well as bottles filled with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless and characterless wines which are sold under their most useful and commercially reputable name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco and many others...



But let's talk a little history, viticulture in Italy dates back to ancient times and it originated in Greece. The Etruscans would have planted vines and Greek immigrants would have improved and modified the grape varieties who subsequently called this country "Oenotria": the country of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life and certain regions already stood out for the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible testimony to their invasion.



Today Italy is the largest wine producer in the world, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic areas. The northern mountains experience a fairly harsh mountain climate. The “middle of the boot” plain is the domain of the continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the "southern part of the Italian boot" the Mediterranean climate reigns with very hot and very dry summers without forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In summary, Italy produces wines of great variety thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originate from their lands. It is a country just as complex as its wines which deserve to be explored!