Ceretto : Barolo Bricco Rocche 2018

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Barolo Bricco Rocche 2018 from Ceretto

Tasting

Color

The color displays a vibrant ruby-red hue, enhanced by garnet highlights that reflect the wine’s phenolic maturity.

Nose

The nose reveals remarkable aromatic complexity, unfolding in successive layers. Aromas of ripe red fruit dominate the initial impression, with notes of raspberry, strawberry and wild berries. Elegant floral nuances of rose, violet and dried rose petals add a distinctive perfumed dimension. The bouquet gains depth with tertiary notes suggestive of fresh mushrooms, truffle, tobacco and leather. Spicy touches of anise, licorice and bitter orange marmalade complete this sophisticated aromatic palette.

Palate

On the palate, the wine stands out for its silky texture and refined elegance. The attack is smooth and polished, with supple tannins that immediately lend a distinguished character. The medium to full body provides a substantial presence while preserving finesse and balance. The tannic structure, though firm and developed, has a velvety quality that calls for a few years of cellaring to reach optimal harmony. Balanced, measured acidity brings freshness and structural definition without aggressiveness. The finish lingers impressively with persistent notes of anise, minerality and subtle spice, while refined tannins coat the palate.

Food and wine pairings

This Barolo Bricco Rocche 2018 pairs beautifully with rich, generous red-meat dishes. It harmonizes perfectly with osso buco, Piedmont-style brasato, or grilled beef tenderloin medallions. Roast lamb and game, such as venison or wild boar, also make excellent matches. Piedmont fresh pastas like tajarin with beef ragù or agnolotti stuffed with meats and herbs are ideal pairings. Risotto with wild mushrooms or truffle creates a natural harmony with the wine’s earthy notes. Aged Italian cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano, gorgonzola, aged pecorino or taleggio also make excellent tasting companions.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to serve the Barolo Bricco Rocche 2018 at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Aerating for 15 to 30 minutes after opening allows the wine to fully reveal its aromatic complexity and soften its tannins. This wine can be enjoyed from around 2024 and will continue to evolve favorably until around 2030, with cellaring potential extending beyond this period.

An elegant, refined Italian red wine from the heart of Piedmont

The estate

Founded in 1930 by Riccardo Ceretto, Ceretto embodies the rise of the Langhe, in Piedmont, evolving from a grape merchant into a demanding terroir-driven approach, initiated by his sons Bruno and Marcello through land acquisitions during the 1960s. The estate is still owned by the Ceretto family, led since 1999 by Lisa, Roberta, Alessandro and Federico, with responsibilities clearly divided between technical matters, sales, finance and operations.

The vineyard

The Barolo Bricco Rocche comes from the smallest cru in the Barolo appellation, located just outside Castiglione Falletto, at the very center of the DOCG zone. This vineyard, a Ceretto family monopoly since the early 1970s, covers about one hectare at an altitude between 350 and 370 meters. The southeast to southwest exposure ensures optimal sunshine throughout the growing season. The vines, averaging 40 to 45 years old, are planted on soils composed of 33% clay, 23% sand and 44% silt, resting on a geological formation of Diano sandstone. This particular composition gives the wine its distinctive mineral character and remarkable balance. The vineyard is managed under certified organic farming, promoting biodiversity and the natural health of the soils.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage in Piedmont began with significant rainfall early in the year, replenishing the soil’s water reserves. This rainfall was followed by more stable weather during flowering and fruit development, encouraging perfect grape evolution both in terms of quality and health. Harvest took place relatively early in the season, making it possible to reach optimal ripeness before the autumn rains. The 2018 vintage is characterized by moderate acidity, supple tannins and fine maturity, producing wines that are especially pleasurable to drink—elegant and ready—while still offering an appreciable aging potential.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for Barolo Bricco Rocche 2018 are vinified with indigenous yeasts naturally present in the vineyard, a practice implemented since 2008 that promotes an authentic expression of the terroir. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks with gentle pump-overs and punch-downs. Maceration lasts 20 to 25 days, allowing optimal extraction of phenolic and aromatic compounds. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in oak barrels immediately after harvest. Aging then continues for about 30 months in wood: the first year in 300-liter barrels, followed by two years in large 50-hectoliter casks that minimize the influence of new oak. After aging in wood, the wine benefits from at least one additional year of bottle aging before release.

Grape variety

100% Nebbiolo