- Located in Serralunga, the Cerretta vineyard plays host to some of Barolo’s greatest names, including Giacomo Conterno
- Southern exposure
- Grown mostly in clay
- Yields average about 5 tons per hectare
- Maceration of 4 to 5 days, with rotary fermenters bringing depth and structure
- Aged for two years in French barriques before resting in bottle prior to release
- 500 cases are made annually
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
2018
Country:
Italy
Region:
Piedmont
Appellation:
Barolo
Variety:
Nebbiolo
Color:
Red
Farming Practice:
Practicing Organic
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | IT-ALT-40-18 | 6/750ml |
Resources
Press & Reviews
Vinous
Score
95
Date
2024-01-04
"The 2018 Barolo Riserva Cerretta Vigna Bricco is a big, powerful wine that shows all the breadth of Serralunga. Black cherry, smoke, tobacco, gravel, licorice and incense open to reveal a Barolo of tremendous depth and resonance. The Cerretta obviously stands out in this range because of its size, but it all works so well. The 2018 is still coming together nicely. It holds tremendous promise."
Wine Advocate
Score
94
Date
2024-04-04
"The Elio Altare 2018 Barolo Riserva Cerretta (with fruit from the Vigna Bricco) has lots of dark blackberry that is complemented by spicy oak, all to large effect. That oak continues to the palate and the tannins (mostly oak tannins) with toasted spice, nutmeg and vanilla bean. The fruit condition is good, and subtle signs of evolution have begun. Only 4,200 bottles were made."
Wine Spectator
Score
93
Date
2025-04-30
"This red is round and fluid, revealing cherry, plum, eucalyptus, iron and sweet spice aromas and flavors. There's still a dense swath of tannins, yet they are refined. This is more about finesse than power. Fresh finish. Best from 2026 through 2042. 500 cases made, 170 cases imported."
REVIEWS FROM PAST VINTAGES
2017
Wine Advocate
Score
95
Date
2023-08-24
"The Elio Altare 2017 Barolo Riserva Cerretta Vigna Bricco (to be released in the fall of 2023) is extremely generous and rich, owing to the very hot and dry growing season. The Altare family had the lucky opportunity to buy this parcel in Cerretta (in the village of Serralunga d'Alba) in 2016. (Land prices in the well-known cru sites have since skyrocketed, and I think the record so far was six million euros paid for one hectare). This Riserva opens to rich black fruit, plum and blackcurrant. The fruit is framed by tarry smoke and spice. The wine is very firm and structured to the palate, with an ample, full-bodied style that concludes with a hint of velvety softness."
2017
James Suckling
Score
94
Date
2023-07-28
"Lots of spice with flowers. Bloody and iron undertones. Full and chewy with plenty of structure. Juicy and flavorful. Very structured with lots of tannins. Needs time to soften. Aged for two years in bottle. Muscular and unique. Drink after 2027."
2017
Wine Spectator
Score
93
Date
2023-08-23
"This red offers a mix of plum, black cherry, leather, licorice and spice flavors. Hints of dried fig and chocolate add an exotic note, while this finishes fresh and invigorating, with fine balance and length. Best from 2026 through 2042. ‡B.S."
2017
Jancis Robinson
Score
17+
Date
2023-01-13
"20% new oak.Mid to deep ruby with orange tinges. Amazing depth. There are hints of mint and cardamon and a suggestion of spice. Brooding and a little rich but without being sweet. Holds back on the palate, but at the same time is transparent and layered. Long, firm, polished tannins. Still not ready by far. (WS) "
2016
Wine Advocate
Score
97+
Date
2022-08-11
2016
Wine Spectator
Score
94
Date
2023-02-27