Ceretto Barbaresco Bernadot 2020

Ceretto, founded in 1937 and now led by Alessandro Ceretto, is a benchmark Langhe producer with vineyards across Piedmont's leading appellations. This Barbaresco comes from a single organically farmed parcel of 4.8 hectares at Bernadot, in the commune of Treiso, the highest and coolest of the Barbaresco villages. The calcareous marl soils, rich in clay and limestone, give Nebbiolo its perfume and structure, while the altitude and cooler aspect of Treiso lend freshness and slightly finer tannins than neighbouring crus. Barbaresco is typically a touch more approachable than Barolo, with shorter ageing requirements, though the grape is the same demanding Nebbiolo. After fermentation and malolactic conversion, the wine matures in oak, where slow oxygen exchange resolves the firm tannins and develops the savoury, tertiary character the variety is known for. The colour is bright garnet, paling at the rim. The nose shows red cherry, dried rose and violet, with tobacco, liquorice and earth. The palate is medium to full bodied, with fine, firm tannins, high acidity and a long, savoury, mineral finish. Serve at 17 degrees and decant for an hour. It pairs with beef, mushrooms and aged cheese.