Ceretto Barbaresco 2022

Ceretto Barbaresco is made by the Ceretto family, founded in 1937 and a leading name across the Langhe in Piedmont, from organically grown Nebbiolo in the DOCG Barbaresco. Nebbiolo is the most demanding of the Piedmontese grapes, late ripening and tied to the calcareous marl soils of the Langhe, where the hills and their varied exposures give the long, slow autumn ripening the grape needs. The diurnal swing between warm days and cold nights preserves the high acidity and aromatic lift that define the wine. Ageing in wood softens the firm tannins through slow oxygen exchange and adds a savoury complexity while leaving the fruit and the floral character intact. The colour is a pale garnet that turns brick at the rim, typical of the grape. The nose is fragrant with red cherry, dried rose and violet over leather and dried herbs. The palate is medium bodied but firmly structured, the tannins fine and persistent, the acidity bright, the finish long and savoury with liquorice and earth. Serve at 17 degrees and decant an hour ahead, or pour into a large bowled glass. It suits braised beef and aged cheese.