Elio Altare 2017 Barolo Riserva, Cerretta Vigna Bricco, DOCG

Elio Altare 2017 Barolo Riserva, Cerretta Vigna Bricco, DOCG

Item Number: 18446

UPC: None

Country: Italy
Region: Piedmont
Sub Region: Langhe
Appellation/AVA: Barolo DOCG
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vineyard Designation: Cerretta
Vintage: 2017
Grape(s): 100% Nebbiolo
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 6
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 15.5
Viticulture: Practicing Organic
Soil Type: Sandstone, limestone and chalk

Notes from Silvia Altare: "Cerretta 2017 is a creamy wine with all the depth and structure of Serralunga. This is the wine where we have been experimenting the most, both in the vineyards and in the cellar to try to find the right balance. In a not so distant time in the past, the wines of Serralunga were used to “blend” in order to give power and structure but now they stand out with their own personality like any other village. In typical vintages, the cru’s of Serralunga, especially Cerretta are sharp and tight requiring patience while the 2017 strikes the perfect balance of ripeness and structure along with an earlier window of drinking. Each year I feel I am closer and closer to understanding the terroir of Serralunga, which is not easy for a La Morra girl."

Barolo Subregion: Serralunga d'Alba
Vine Age: 20 years old
Harvest: Manual

Vinification Notes: The Nebbiolo macerates on the skins for approximately 4-5 days in rotary fermentors with temperature control. The wine ages for 24 months in a mix of new and neutral French barriques. Fermentation occurs naturally with indigenous yeast as does the malolactic fermentation. The wine is not fined, filtered, or clarified. No substances that could modify the color or the structure of the wine is ever used.

Reviews

  • The Wine Spectator
    Rating: 93 (11/30/2023)

    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.

  • The Wine Advocate
    Rating: 95 (8/24/2023)
    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.