At a glance

Producer

Ceretto

Region

Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

Grape variety

Nebbiolo

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$65-$85

Tasting profile

Red cherry, rose petal, tar, licorice, and earthy notes; tannins firm but approachable with unfolding floral aromas

Evolution: Will develop more tertiary notes of leather, truffle, dried herbs, and forest floor over the next 5-10 years

At peak: Complex balance of fruit, minerality, and savory bouquet with silky yet firm tannins

Structure

Acidity

Bright, typical Nebbiolo high acidity

Tannins

Firm and well-structured

Alcohol

14.0%-14.5%

Aging potential

20-30 years

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2048

Optimal window

2024 to 2051

Current status

Early maturity, starting to open

Current condition

Tight tannins with good structure and freshness, evolving complexity

Top Barolo producers like Ceretto crafted the 2016 vintage in an excellent year with classic structure; the wine offers an extended peak from late 2020s through the mid 2030s due to high-quality Nebbiolo grapes and traditional Barolo methods

Food pairing

Ideal with rich Italian cuisine such as braised beef, mushroom risotto, truffle dishes, game birds, aged cheeses

Serving

Serving temperature

18°C / 64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins and open complex aromatics

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Ceretto employs integrated pest management, water conservation, use of renewable energy on estate, minimal use of chemical treatments, and focuses on preserving biodiversity

Ceretto is recognized for thoughtful environmental stewardship in Piedmont, balancing tradition with modern sustainability; while not fully organic or biodynamic, their practices reduce environmental impact compared to conventional large-scale producers