Barolo “Cerretta Vigna Bricco” Riserva DOCG 2019 · MAGNUM in OWC

Elio Altare | Piedmont
Az. Agr. Elio Altare | Cascina Nuova 51 | IT 12064 La Morra

05253319 · 1,5 l · 159,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping3 units available
Limitation of 1 articles per customer

Serralunga d'Alba. Anyone who hears this name knows that this is where the masculine, powerful side of Barolo is born. Not the Burgundian elegance of La Morra, not the finesse of Barolo – but structure, tannin and longevity. The Cerretta vineyard is located on the south side of Serralunga, surrounded by legendary crus such as Lazzarito and Vigna Rionda. Sandstone, limestone, chalk – a terroir that gives Nebbiolo strength and depth. Elio Altare has been cultivating 20-year-old vines with a southern, south-eastern and south-western exposure here for decades. The "Vigna Bricco" – the highest point of the vineyard, where the sun shines the longest, where the grapes reach perfect ripeness.

The Riserva is not simply a Barolo with longer ageing. It is a statement. Produced only in exceptional vintages, vinified only from the very best grapes. The 2019 – a vintage that is already considered legendary – spent 24 months in French barriques (30% new), followed by additional months in the bottle before going on sale. A total of at least 36 months of ageing, as required by the regulations for a Barolo Riserva. But Altare is not about regulations – it's about perfection. Four to five days of maceration in rotary fermenters at a controlled temperature, followed by a long journey through wood and glass.

Very intense ruby red with garnet reflections in the glass – darker, more concentrated than the younger Barolos. The nose? A revelation: ripe fruit, spices, tobacco, darker fruit, liquorice. Warm and elegant on the palate – an apparent contradiction, but this is precisely where the magic of this wine lies. Minty, spicy, balsamic. The tannins are powerful and structured, but never coarse – they coat the palate like a velvet curtain. Black cherry, plum, graphite, lavender, mocha – layer after layer builds up, lasting for minutes on the finish. A wine that already impresses today – but will only reveal its true potential in 10, 15, 20 years. Only 4,000 to 5,000 bottles. A monument in bottle form, thanks to the Altare family! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby garnet colour. Opens with fine balsamic notes, full of dark wild raspberries, then ripe plums and truffles, exciting. Firm, full tannin, characterises the attack and final, firm pressure on the final, balsamic on the palate too, shows considerable length and complexity on the finish. Certain Storage potential." Falstaff

"The Elio Altare 2019 Barolo Riserva Cerretta shows a certain tertiary definition with flavours of sambuca, liquorice, tar and campfire ash. But it also has a sweet side from the oak, with dusty cinnamon and dried fruit. It is full-bodied with velvety tannins and finishes with a hint of sweet cherry liqueur." Wine Advocate

"A light touch of new oak lends cinnamon, vanilla and sandalwood accents, with core flavours of cherry, redcurrant, rose, tar, green tea and eucalyptus. Detailed and harmonious, with a soft texture and excellent length." Wine Spectator

"The Barolo Riserva Cerretta Vigna Bricco 2019 radiates depth and intensity from the very first sip. Black cherry, plum, graphite, spices, lavender and mocha develop as the Cerretta shows its personality. harvestmust be patient, as this powerful, taut Serralunga Barolo will need time." Vinous

"Exotic aromas of spice, scorched earth, vanilla and pressed violet assert themselves well. The palate is densely packed with liquorice-infused black cherry surrounded by toasted oak and polished, grippy tannins. This wine still needs some time to unify its substantial layers, but its exceptional balance is already evident. Grilled bay leaf to finish." Decanter