Ceretto Barolo 2021

Ceretto Barolo is an organic red made by the Ceretto winery in the Barolo zone of Piedmont from Nebbiolo, the grape behind the region's most age-worthy wines. Founded by Riccardo Ceretto, the estate works across the main denominations of the Langhe and is one of the area's best-known names. Nebbiolo here grows on the calcareous marl soils of the Langhe hills, where a cool continental climate and a long, late ripening season give the grape its pale colour, high acidity and powerful tannins alongside its distinctive aromatics. The wine is aged in barrel in the traditional manner, where slow oxygen exchange over many months softens Nebbiolo's firm tannins and develops the leathery, savoury complexity that marks mature Barolo, while the fruit and floral character are preserved. The colour is pale garnet. The nose is classic Nebbiolo, with red cherry, rose, tar and dried herbs. On the palate it is full bodied and firmly structured, with high, fine-grained tannins, bright acidity and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant well ahead. Good with braised beef and game.